MTA will not reinstate weekend 7 train service during 2013 Flushing Lunar New Year celebrations

Image source: Chris Gold

Well, now we know – the Times Ledger reports that the MTA will not reinstate weekend 7 train service during this year’s Lunar New Year celebration in Flushing. Elected officials and other representatives from Flushing are pretty unhappy with this decision, though they do understand that the MTA can’t change their schedule this year, so they are adamant that this doesn’t happen again next year at this time. They also believe that making sure there is 7 train service up and running during future Lunar New Year celebrations can only be a good thing for the relationship between the Flushing community and the MTA.

Senator Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing) said, “Many businesses depend on the increased traffic the Lunar New Year Parade brings to Flushing. The MTA saying that they hope to keep us better informed about future track work is insufficient. The people of Flushing deserve better answers.”

State Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) added, “In some parts around the country, the transit authorities celebrate the Lunar New Year by providing free services. In New York City, instead of encouraging people to celebrate this holiday, we are making it more difficult for people to commute. New York City should be proud of the fact that Flushing’s Lunar New Year festivities are known worldwide.”

There are alternate ways to get out to Flushing than the 7 train, though that is the most direct way for a lot of people coming in from Manhattan. One can take the N/Q train from the city to Queensboro Plaza, then make a transfer to the Flushing-bound 7 train. There is also the possibility to take the E, F, and R trains to Roosevelt Ave and transferring to the Flushing-bound 7 there.

MTA irks borough officials with Lunar New Year snub [Times Ledger]
Details on the suspended weekend 7 train service from Queensboro Plaza into the city, winter 2013 [QNYC]
Update: Flushing leaders and MTA to discuss weekend 7 train suspensions and the Lunar New Year [QNYC]
7 train weekend service to be suspended during the Lunar New Year celebration in Flushing [QNYC]