While others have proposed another use for the V-train, should the number of subway cars increase, I still think that there is merit to the idea of the V-train as a rush hour express along the Culver line.

Where during the weekday rush hours the V-train would run in both directions as a rush hour express to/from Church Avenue. In addition, the same V-train would continue run as a peak direction express to/from Kings Highway, the non-peak direction V-trains would may or may-not stop at the local stops. The peak direction express trains would use the middle track for a faster run.

This would allow F-trains to remain local 24/7/365 at their current frequencies and service levels. The V-train would offer the additional service - so there is no confusion about what is local or expres at any time of day/night.

Since the Kings Highway station can no longer switch Manhattan bound F-trains to the middle track, the station works well to terminate express trains that use the center.

The G-train would permanently run to/from Church Avenue at all times 24/7/365, offering additional local service and transfers to important lines.

All in all - once the construction work on the viaduct is complete, and new trains are acquired - this kind of a plan would benefit many, without anyone losing anything.

Mike

I don't know if this article is old news or not, but according to The Brooklyn Paper The G train will be extended to Church Ave. permanently, not just until the viaduct work is finished. I wish they did a better job citing their sources though. Combine that with a hopeful return to regular Queens Blvd. service and this might end up being a solid useful line. Now c'mon MTA! Cut those headway times!

Ooops, forgot the link: http://www.brooklynpaper.com/stories/30/46/30_46finggreat.html

After the Culver/McDonald Ave re construction especially the 9th St 'el' this is the best plan(that Mike mentioned above) i seen to date to run the '3' lines weekdays in Brooklyn. Also by 2012 the Culver line might have the R-160's too and better signals so more trains could run then.

Anybody have a timeframe on when this is supposed to happen? All I hear is 2008. Thanks.

Does anyone know when this extension will happen btw because the MTa just keeps pushing it back.

It might happen really soon, because if you go to the G train schedule on the MTA website, it says "This Subway Route Map is being revised and will be re-posted shortly". Not sure how long that has been up, but seems like a good sign.

with only 2 regular stops in Queens, the G should be renamed Brooklyn Crosstown

Ha, i just looked at google maps in that area of Brooklyn and it alreadys says from 4th Ave to Church Ave that both the F and the G stop at those stations. I wonder when and why this was done or if this means that the extension is happening in a few days or not.