Take Mass Transit to Avoid Gridlock While the United Nations General Assembly Meets

Customers Advised of Multiple Bus Route Service Changes Due to Increased Security

Service Information Available on the MTA Website, App and Email and Text Alerts

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is reminding customers to skip the traffic gridlock and take the subway while the United Nations' 78th session of the General Assembly takes place. Opening on Tuesday, Sept. 10, the United Nations will host leaders from its 193 member states to address the world's most pressing issues. New York City Transit (NYCT) customers know the fastest and most convenient way to get around town is by hopping on the subway.

Along the East Side of Manhattan, trains on the ​​lines combined run every two and a half to three minutes during rush hours and every four minutes throughout the day and take 15 minutes to travel between 59th Street and Wall Street.

Trains on the ​line run every two to two and a half minutes during rush hours and every four to five and a half minutes throughout the day and take just nine minutes to travel between Times Square and Long Island City's Vernon-Jackson Station.

Along 53rd Street, trains on the ​​lines run combined every two and a half to three minutes during rush hour and every three to four and a half minutes throughout the day and take just 18 minutes to travel between Forest Hills and Lexington Avenue.

Trains on the ​​lines combined run every three and a half to four and a half minutes during rush hour and every four minutes throughout the day and take just eight minutes to travel between Herald Square and Canal Street.

Riders can also take advantage of Long Island Rail Road service to Grand Central Madison and Metro-North service to Grand Central Terminal

Due to increased security and resulting traffic congestion, customers are advised of multiple bus route service changes. Customers traveling in the area via bus should allow for additional travel time to get to and from their destinations and check the MYmta app for the latest service updates.

Subway and bus customers are encouraged to use OMNY - the MTA's contactless fare payment system - to pay their fare. Riders can simply use their contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, wearable device, or OMNY card to tap and go.

Service Information Available

mta.info - The definitive source for real-time arrival information and service change information for each line or route in the MTA system. Customers can find current statuses on mta.info and upcoming planned service changes using our lookup tool at mta.info/alerts.

MTA app - Customers who use the comprehensive MTA smartphone app will see real-time train and bus arrival times and other travel information for all MTA services all in one place. The app is available in the Apple Store and in Google Play.

Email & Text Alerts - Customers can sign up for email and SMS alerts tailored to their specific commutes and travel times. They can also sign up for MTA newsletters like The Weekender, a weekly newsletter that covers major weekend planned service changes. Customers can sign up here.

WhatsApp - Riders can chat with NYC Transit via WhatsApp for 24/7 customer assistance. With the help of Google Translate, NYC Transit staff offer real-time customer support in up to 108 languages.

511 - For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.