METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

New York City Transit to modernize service status notices

Will provide a much deeper level of detail, with seven new categories of service status conveyed on a line-by-line basis.

June 4, 2019
New York City Transit to modernize service status notices

In the system being retired, there are only several broad categories and multiple subway lines are grouped together by corridor, making it difficult to tell at a glance exactly what line is impacted in what manner.

Marc A. Hermann-MTA New York City Transit

3 min to read


In the system being retired, there are only several broad categories and multiple subway lines are grouped together by corridor, making it difficult to tell at a glance exactly what line is impacted in what manner. Marc A. Hermann-MTA New York City Transit

As part of an ongoing commitment to provide more transparent and useful information to the riding public, MTA New York City Transit’s “Service Status” notices on its website and on other channels will provide a much deeper level of detail, with seven new categories of service status conveyed on a line-by-line basis.

In the system being retired, there are only several broad categories and multiple subway lines are grouped together by corridor, making it difficult to tell at a glance exactly what line is impacted in what manner.

Ad Loading...

“These changes provide customers targeted, at-a-glance information to help them quickly understand exactly what’s happening on their line,” said NYC Transit President Andy Byford. “It’s always our goal to improve the quality of our real-time information and this is another step forward in that ongoing process.”

In an effort led by the recently established chief customer officer, Sarah Meyer, NYC Transit has been working to enhance the information provided to help customers assess their options when planning their trips, on multiple channels such as mta.info, Twitter, car and station announcements, and station signage. As the agency gets more robust real-time data from modernizing train technologies, the agency says it will allow the agency to not only continue to improve service, but also improve the usefulness of information provided to customers as they plan their travel.

The new language will describe the specific changes being made to train service on an individual line basis. For example, instead of reading “Service Change,” the Service Status Box will use categories such as “Part Suspended,” “Trains Rerouted,” or “Express to Local” and show exactly what line is impacted in that manner.

New service status categories include:

  • Part Suspended - Situations where a major disruption causes multiple stations to lose service in either direction. This could apply when a line is split in half or service ends before a train’s normal terminal.

  • Trains Rerouted - Situations when a train is sent over a different route than it normally travels for that time of day.

  • Local to Express - Situations when a train that normally runs local uses the express track on its normal route.

  • Express to Local - Situations when a train that normally runs express uses the local tracks on its normal route.

  • Stations Skipped - Situations where trains continuously skip a station in one direction or come through a station without stopping. For example, this could be used for police activity or medical assistance but not typical skips/holds to help keep the train on schedule.

  • Slow Speeds - Situations where trains move at slower than normal speeds but make all their normal stops. This would be used in situations where workers are on the tracks or we conduct track inspections.

  • Multiple Impacts - Situations where multiple status options apply to a single disruption or multiple disruptions impact a line.




More Rail

Railby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025

The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025

The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says

The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

Keolis Retains Virginia Railway Express Contract

The new contract for Keolis and VRE will commence in July 2026, with the potential to expand to 15 years.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability

The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.

Read More →
Railby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 26, 2026

People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ManagementJanuary 23, 2026

Seattle Sound Transit Sets Launch Date for Crosslake Connection

This final component of the 2 Line will cross Lake Washington and connect with the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station, creating a fully integrated regional light rail system.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with a map of the proposed study area for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor and text reading "LA Metro Approves Underground Rail for Sepulveda Transit Corridor."
RailJanuary 23, 2026

LA Metro Approves Underground Rail for Sepulveda Transit Corridor

The agency’s selection aims to slash travel times from the San Fernando Valley to the Westside to under 20 minutes.

Read More →
TechnologyJanuary 21, 2026

Florida's Tri-Rail Taps Siemens Mobility for Modern Locomotive Procurement

Expected to enter service in 2029, these locomotives support the agency’s commitment to offer reliable and efficient rail transportation across South Florida.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Rendering of an Austin Light Rail station.
RailJanuary 20, 2026

Austin Transit Partnership Advances Federal Funding Process for Light Rail Project

See how the agency’s transit project completed a Final Environmental Impact Statement within the federal two-year guideline.

Read More →