News

NEW YORK, NY May 31, 2005 —Subway riders in Harlem and the Bronx can say goodbye to the number 9 train. Yesterday, it made its final voyage. From now, the 1 line will make all local stops.

The 9 train started running in 1989 to allow the Broadway Local to skip some stops between Harlem and Van Cortlandt Park to provide faster service. But New York City Transit says a survey found ridership at the affected stations north of 137th street grew 44 percent over the last decade.

That meant more customers were frustated as they waited for a train that would stop at their station. By switching the 1 train back to all local stops, transit officials predict most riders will only have to endure one extra stop. They also say they'll be able to operate the line more efficiently because more trains will be stopping at all stations.