F and C Service Being Restored

MARCH 30 -- The MTA has agreed to restore subway service on the F and C lines to pre-pandemic levels, TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano and RTO Vice President Eric Loegel announced Tuesday morning. The development comes two weeks after Local 100 filed a lawsuit against the MTA over service levels and work schedules on the two routes.

“NYC Transit President Sarah Feinberg came to the table and we worked things out,” Utano said. “We had several discussions, and we all agreed that this is the best move for both the riders and our members.” VP Loegel said management pledged to ramp up service on the F line in the coming weeks, and then turn its attention to the C line. Full restoration on both lines is expected by July.

“I’m glad we were able to come to a understanding that’s in the best interests of all parties involved,” Loegel said. “This is a big step back towards normalcy.”

The MTA cut service across the subway system after the pandemic hit the region last year. It restored service on all lines except the F and C lines, and then moved to make the reduced service schedules permanent. TWU Local 100 pushed back with a class action lawsuit filed in New York State Supreme Court on March 17th. The union accused the MTA of violating state law by enacting service reductions without first holding public hearings.

The union campaign also included a press conference, media coverage, and testimony to the New York City Council. Local 100’s campaign received vocal support from several elected officials and rider advocacy groups.