The L train has had its share of problems (including that impending 2019 shutdown), but it’s far from the worst in the subway system.
Actually, according to the latest Straphangers Report Card, it’s actually one of the best.
NYPIRG’s Straphangers Campaign releases an annual report ranking the MTA’s 20 subway lines. This year, three trains tied at the top of the list: the 1, 7 and L trains.
The worst trains in the system are the A and 5 trains.
According to the campaign, the report is based on “an extensive review of official transit data on six measures of subway service.” Those measures are: scheduled service, service regularity, breakdown rate, crowding, cleanliness and announcements.
The 1, 7 and L lines were ranked the highest because of its frequent morning and evening rush hour service. The report also noted that the L had a “nearly perfect score” for accurate and understandable subway car announcements.
“Passengers on the top lines – such as the 1, 7, and L – hands down get a much better ride for their MetroCard than those on its worst, such as the 5 or A,” said Gene Russianoff, senior attorney for the campaign. “Disparities abound throughout the system.”
The G train also did fairly well, tying for 7th best of the 20 lines. The Straphangers Campaign said the G is less crowded, cleaner and arrives with more regularity than other lines.
However, cars on the G train break down more often, and their in-car announcements are subpar, the report says.
It’s a stark improvement for the line, which placed seventh to last in last year’s report.
See the entire report here.