MTA to modernize 42 Street subway shuttle

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) last week announced that on Aug. 16 it will begin modernizing its 42 Street Shuttle service, a subway route that transports riders between two of the MTA New York City Transit’s busiest stations. 

Crews will replace the Times Square shuttle terminal with a larger and accessible station, reconfigure platforms at Grand Central Terminal into one island platform, replace signal systems, upgrade electrical infrastructure and consolidate track operations to allow longer six-car trains to enter the terminals, MTA officials said in a press release.

Shuttle service will be in operation during construction, which will continue through 2022.

More than 100,000 riders use the 42 Street Shuttle daily. It provides access to MTA Metro-North Railroad’s Grand Central Terminal and commuter and intercity bus service at the 42 Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal, and serves popular tourist destinations near both stations, officials said. 

 “The project will allow the MTA to move more people, run longer trains and simplify transfers for customers between the city’s busiest transit hubs. We’re making crossing Midtown Manhattan quicker and easier for millions of customers,” said MTA Managing Director Veronique Hakim.