63rd Street Shuttle

Sixth Avenue

Three of the shuttles ran along the IND Sixth Avenue Line.

1997The first shuttle, designated with an orange S, began in August 1997. It operated during overnight hours only between 21st Street–Queensbridge and Second Avenue via the IND 63rd Street Line and IND Sixth Avenue Line and made all stops along the full route. Prior to that, and trains served the IND 63rd Street Line during late nights. This service was suspended in February 1998 when construction suspended service between the 63rd Street Line and the Sixth Avenue Line, but it resumed in May 1999 when the construction was completed. It was discontinued in November 2000 when preparation for full-time service on the IND 63rd Street Connector began.

2001The second shuttle, also with an orange bullet, began on July 22, 2001, due to the closure of the north tracks on the Manhattan Bridge. It operated between 21st Street–Queensbridge and Broadway–Lafayette Street, running an almost identical route to the first. Unlike the first shuttle, this shuttle operated 24 hours, replacing the and trains which previously served the IND 63rd Street Line during daytime hours. The shuttle operated at frequencies of 12 minutes during daytime hours, 15 minutes during evening hours, and 20 minutes during overnight hours. The shuttle initially utilized six-car R32 consists, but on July 26, 10-car R32 consists began to be utilized due to passenger complaints. On December 16, 2001, the 63rd Street connector to the IND Queens Boulevard Line opened and the train was rerouted to serve the IND 63rd Street Line full-time, permanently replacing this shuttle. At the same time, the Grand Street Shuttle was extended beyond Broadway–Lafayette Street and originated and terminated at West Fourth Street.

The third shuttle ran from August 28, 2023, until March 29, 2024. F trains were rerouted via the 53rd Street Tunnel between Queens and Manhattan, and weekday service was rerouted to 57th Street in Manhattan, due to track replacement and other repairs in the 63rd Street Tunnel. The shuttle operated every 20 minutes between Lexington Avenue-63rd Street and 21st Street-Queensbridge, stopping at Roosevelt Island every day during daytime hours only. Shuttle buses operated between Queens Plaza and 21st Street during daytime hours and between Queens Plaza and Roosevelt Island during overnight hours.

Broadway

This service, designated with a yellow S, ran at all times during reconstruction of the IND 63rd Street Line between February 22, 1998, and May 22, 1999. Originally running between 21st Street–Queensbridge and 57th Street–Seventh Avenue on the BMT Broadway Line via the BMT 63rd Street Line, it was extended to 34th Street–Herald Square on weekdays starting April 6, 1998, skipping 49th Street. The shuttle stopped at the downtown platform at 34th Street. During this time, and trains terminated at 57th Street–Sixth Avenue, which was closed late nights, while the late night Sixth Avenue shuttle was suspended. Once work was completed, the Broadway shuttle was discontinued, the late night Sixth Avenue shuttle was restored, and and trains returned to 21st Street–Queensbridge.

Final route

Notes

References

References

1. (September 2001). "The Repeal of Chrystie Street". Electric Railroaders' Association.
2. Kennedy, Randy. (May 25, 2001). "Panel Approves New V Train but Shortens G Line to Make Room". [[The New York Times]].
3. (March 29, 2024). "Subway and rail service changes: March 29-April 1".
4. (March 19, 2024). "F, M service returning to full service in Manhattan and Queens: What to know".
5. "Service changes on the F and M lines starting August 28".
6. (August 25, 2023). "F, M changes start Monday: What to know about the subway interruptions lasting until 2024".
7. (April 1998). "Starting April 6, shuttle service from 21st St./Queensbridge will be extended to 42nd St. and 34th St.".