Fastrack 'goes Brooklyn’ with Flatbush line

MTA New York City’s Fastrack program, which shuts down selected subway lines late at night to expedite repairs, is “going Brooklyn” every night this week through Friday, Jan. 25, with the nighttime shutdown (from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.) of the No. 2 line between Franklin Avenue and Flatbush Avenue, otherwise known as the Flatbush Avenue Line.

Until now, the Fastrack repair program has concentrated on Manhattan trunk lines, although some of the repairs have extended into Downtown Brooklyn. For example, one recent repair closed the number 2 and 3 lines west of Atlantic Avenue.

But this is the first time where a section entirely in Brooklyn will be thus affected. One MTA spokesperson told this reporter when the program was introduced that it tends to stick to Manhattan because many lines in the outer boroughs are above-ground, and the dangers of working above-ground in the “midnight hours” are obvious.

The Flatbush Avenue Line, however, is totally underground. It is best known for serving Brooklyn College, at its last stop. The line is shared by the No. 5 train during rush-hours and in the middle of the day, but at night the No. 2 provides the only service.

According to the MTA, riders can use Q service to and from nearby stations. There will also be free B44 Limited buses for service south on Nostrand Avenue and north on New York Avenue.

So for those Brooklyn College students who find themselves partying a little too late on campus this week, fear not!