Yisroel R.

The MTA says its weekday F and M train route swap between Manhattan and Queens is already improving subway service, with early results showing fewer delays and more reliable trips for thousands of daily riders.

The permanent service change, which took effect earlier this year, shifted the F and M trains between two Manhattan-Queens corridors on weekdays. Under the new routing, the F train now runs through the 53rd Street tunnel, while the M train uses the 63rd Street tunnel during weekday daytime hours. The goal was to eliminate a busy track merge near Queens Plaza that had frequently caused delays. 

According to the MTA, the change has led to smoother train operations and more consistent service on the E, F, M and R lines. Transit officials say trains are spending less time waiting for one another at track crossings, helping reduce congestion and improve on-time performance for riders traveling between Queens and Manhattan. 

The agency acknowledged that some riders have had to adjust to different stations or train frequencies, particularly along the 63rd Street corridor. However, officials say the overall benefits of the redesign outweigh the inconvenience, pointing to improved reliability across one of the subway system’s busiest corridors. 

The MTA says it will continue monitoring the new service pattern and rider feedback as it evaluates the long-term impact of the change. Officials say the redesign is part of a broader effort to improve subway reliability by reducing operational bottlenecks throughout the system.