N.Y. MTA pilots Bronx express service

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)  is set to begin a pilot program aimed at shortening travel times along the 4 Line with the creation of a new Bronx Express 4 service between Woodlawn and 149^th St.-Grand Concourse. The enhanced service will operate for a one-hour period during the weekday morning rush.

The pilot will begin June 8 and run through June 26 and will be comprised of four trains within a one-hour period during the morning rush.

"The idea for this pilot is directly attributable to the Line General Managers program and it illustrates the types of innovations made possible when you have people running the railroad directly. David Knights, Group General Manager of IRT East and 4 Line General Manager Herb Lambert were looking to speed travel along a route that has been traditionally local in the Bronx," said New York City Transit President Howard H. Roberts, Jr. "Signal improvements and the continued mechanical reliability of the car fleet have allowed them to try new ways of improving service."

This pilot is possible because of the recent upgrades made to the center track signaling system within the 2005-2009 Capital Program.

The results of the pilot will be evaluated after the completion of the three-week period and a decision will be made on whether to make the change permanent.