Gov’s Grand MTA Overhaul To Include Shut Down Of These R Line Stations

File this one under: “Oh god, no.”

The 53rd Street and Bay Ridge Avenue stations in Sunset Park and Bay Ridge are among 30 subway stations proposed to be completely shut down in coming years in order as part of a massive project to outfit them with modern accoutrements like new signs, lighting, navigation touch screens, and possibly even WiFi.

Eight of these stations are located in Brooklyn. The R train’s Prospect Avenue station in Park Slope will also be shut down. Commuters along the C line would also be disproportionately affected, as would Classon Avenue and Flushing Avenue G line stations.

Here’s a map of all the impacted stations:

According to Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chair Thomas Prendergast, the shutdowns would come in waves, with a few stations closed at a time, between now and 2020. The proposal is part of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s vision of a larger overhaul of New York City public transportation.

Cuomo told reporters at the NY Transit Museum last Friday, January 8, that the shutdowns would occur for an average of six to 12 months at a time.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn Councilman Vincent Gentile and other pols have been pushing the MTA to conduct a full line review of the R train, which has long been troubled by loud rumbling, overcrowding, neglected stations, and inconsistent service.

“I have heard my local constituents’ tireless complaints regarding R Train service for the entirety of my term in the City Council,” said the councilman. “However, ridership grievances stretch far beyond Bay Ridge. Riders from Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn share the same sentiment: R train service is a nightmare.”

As much as these stations could use an upgrade, can you imagine what it would be like to completely lose subway access in a climate of already infrequent, overcrowded, and out-of-date cars and service?

[Additional reporting by Rachel Silberstein]