VIDEO: Local pol to discuss ‘R train nightmares’ at Friday rally

December 10, 2015 Meaghan McGoldrick

Photo courtesy of Councilmember Vincent Gentile

Share this:

Poor service on the R line is something straight out of a horror movie, according to one local pol.

Councilmember Vincent Gentile — who represents Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights, which are reliant on R train service — has released a mock-movie trailer accompanied by a three-minute short to promote a major rally, slated for Friday, December 11, at which he and newly elected Assemblymember Pam Harris plan to fight for improved service on the Southern Brooklyn line.

“My staff and I have been inundated with R train complaints for as long as I can remember,” said Gentile, whose office has racked up countless R train-related complaints throughout his tenure, including (but not limited to): day-ruining delays, crowded cars and even more congested stations. “The poor R line service has had a substantial negative impact on Bay Ridge’s quality of life.

“So, I decided to experience the R train ‘nightmares’ for myself,” he went on. “I rode the train and asked riders about their R train gripes and what the ‘R’ in R train meant to them. Riders were more than willing to engage in conversation and I got great feedback.”

Electeds will be joined at the rally — to take place outside the Fourth Avenue and 77th Street station at 8 a.m. — by the Riders Alliance, the Straphangers Campaign and, of course, everyday R train riders.

There, demands will be made for a full line audit, new trains, faster service and more.

“My R train ‘warriors’ and I are looking forward to tomorrow’s rally,” Gentile said. “The MTA will hear us loud and clear.”