The MTA’s temporary free transfer between the Broadway G train station and the Lorimer J/M station has been so well-received that elected officials and transit advocates are pushing for it to be made permanent.
The group cites the move’s potential cost and convenience benefits to long-suffering riders, as well as the virtually nonexistent cost of implementation and positive customer service points for the MTA. The MTA would lose approximately $770,000 per year in transfer revenue from the move, if approved.
The temporary free transfer was implemented for the duration of G train tunnel construction and is set to expire the first week of September.
Officials and advocates in favor of the move include the Riders Alliance, Congressmembers Nydia Velazquez and Carolyn Maloney, State Senators Daniel Squadron and Martin Dilan, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Deputy Borough President Diana Reyna, Asssemblymembers Joseph Lentol and Maritza Davila, and Councilmembers Stephen Levin and Antonio Reynoso.
“Keeping the transfer in place could help thousands of riders every day, especially low-income riders who rely on pay-per-ride Metrocards,” said Rebecca Bailin, senior organizer at Riders Alliance. “It’s not just an easy fix; it’s also good policy.”
Adams added, “Commuters should pay one fare for one subway trip, it’s that simple. Just as the MTA did for those traveling along Lexington Avenue in Midtown East over a decade ago, a free out-of-system transfer should be permanently in effect [here].”
G train rider David Estrada noted, “This free transfer really matters to me. I’m unemployed at the moment and I don’t have a monthly MetroCard. I feel cheated because I’ve already paid my fare and there’s a transfer, that I can see but I can’t use! Why should I have to pay double to go to visit my friends and family?”
