Survey: Shut down L train during repairs

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NEWS) - A transit advocacy group called Riders Alliance surveyed hundreds of subway riders about the plans to either shut down or partially shut down the L train while the MTA repairs the Canarsie tunnels. The majority of them live along the L train. 77 percent say they rather have a complete shutdown for a year in an half, claiming that they rather go through the pain all at once.

In 2019, the MTA plans to start the extensive repairs along the L train line. The Canarsie tunnels were severely damaged during Superstorm Sandy.

Not all riders are for an 18-month shutdown. Some say a three-year partial shutdown that would leave the L running at 20 percent of capacity is a much better option.

225,000 riders travel on the L from Brooklyn to Manhattan daily. Riders Alliance is calling on the MTA to do the work "correctly" and offer commuters "robust alternatives" during the shutdown.

Those alternative include an increase in service on the G, J, Z, A and C lines; dedicated bus lanes along 14th Street in Manhattan and along the Williamsburg Bridge; more CitiBikes and dedicated bike lanes along the Williamsburg Bridge; and increased ferry service across the East River.

The MTA sent Fox 5 the following statement: "As you know, the MTA is in the midst of an aggressive community engagement process and we welcome all public input about the pros and cons of the two approaches under consideration."

The Riders Alliance and the Regional Plan Association are launching a Twitter campaign, using the hashtag #fixtheL, riders can voice their ideas on how to improve service during the shutdown.

Another public meeting will be held this Thursday.