Council Member Stephen Levin is calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to alleviate planned G train shutdowns by coordinating with the East River Ferry to ensure MetroCards will be accepted at the India Street stop, and to provide funding for CitiBike stations in Greenpoint and North Williamsburg. This follows the MTA’s announcement this morning that the G train’s Greenpoint tube will close for 12 weekends this year followed by a 24/7 shutdown for 5 consecutive weeks in 2014, forcing the closure of the Court Square, 21st Street and Greenpoint Avenue stops.

“The neighborhoods of Greenpoint and North Williamsburg are already underserved,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. “While I understand the need for the MTA to make these necessary repairs, they must also acknowledge that the planned shutdown will make it exceedingly difficult for residents to get to work and move about the city.”

“The MTA should help alleviate the transportation woes of North Brooklyn residents by offering to fund CitiBike stations in Greenpoint and North Williamsburg and coordinate with the East River Ferry so that MetroCards can be used to travel to Manhattan from the India Street stop.”

There are currently zero CitiBike stations in Greenpoint and North Williamsburg, and no timeline for the installation of any stations. By expanding bike share to these neighborhoods, residents would be able get to the Nassau Avenue G train stop or the Court Square (E, M, and 7 trains) and Vernon Boulevard (7 train) stops in Long Island City.

(YWN Desk – NYC)