Since the R142s debuted on the 2 and 5 lines in 2000, one of the quirks of the strip map system has been its inflexibility. The maps in the cars were assigned a certain line, and if a set of cars with a 2 line map runs as a 5 train instead, the map simply says “not in service.” Unlike the FIND displays in the newer cars that can be changed based on train route, these maps were a relic of an inflexible system.

A few months ago, a new map showed up in one 10-car set which had both the 2 and 5 lines on the same map and could be personalized for whichever line the train is running on. In other words, if the train in question is running on the 2, the map will show the 2, and if the train is running on the 5, the map will show 5 line stops. No more “not in service” signs.

Now, as Transit announced on Friday, the agency will outfit all R142s that run on the 2 and 5 with these new maps. The agency says “the map redesign is consistent with Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s initiative to improve the customer experience with modern amenities.” Transit President Ronnie Hakim explained further, ““We are taking this opportunity to replace strip maps that are more than a decade old and going a step further to improve customer communication by creating this new strip map that shows both the 2 and 5 routes from end to end. The combined strip map lets us reassign trains more fluidly and shows our customers where they’re going, regardless of the train they’ve boarded. The redesign will alleviate customer confusion when trains are reassigned or rerouted from one line to another.”

Unfortunately, this new map, while more useful, is a bit of a mess from an ease-of-use perspective and isn’t as flexible as the FIND system. But it’s a step up from the old system. I’m rather skeptical though that passengers are itching at the bit for a strip map slightly easier to use rather than more frequent service or an expanded system. Cuomo may be able to take credit for this upgrade, but it’s a hollow victory for him.

After the jump, this weekend’s service advisories. Due to the Presidents’ Day holiday on Monday, some of these changes run into Tuesday morning. Enjoy the long weekend. I’ll be back on Monday night.



From 3:45 a.m. Saturday, February 13 to 10:00 p.m. Monday, February 15, 2 trains operate in two sections:

Between Flatbush Av-Brooklyn College and E 180 St, and via the 5 to/from Eastchester-Dyre Av.

Between E 180 St and Wakefield-241 St. To continue your trip, transfer at E 180 St.



From 3:45 a.m. Saturday, February 13 to 10:00 p.m. Monday, February 15, E 180 St-bound 2 trains run express from Wakefield-241 St to E 180 St.



From 11:45 p.m. Friday, February 12 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, 3 trains are suspended in both directions between Harlem-148 St and 96 St. Take the 2 and free shuttle buses instead. Free shuttle buses operate between 135 St and 148 St stopping at 145 St.



From 11:45 a.m. Friday, February 12 to 7:30 a.m. Monday, February 15, and from 11:45 p.m. Monday, February 15 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, Woodlawn-bound 4 trains run express from Grand Central-42 St to 125 St.



From 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, February 13, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Sunday, February 14, and from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Monday, February 15, 5 trains run every 20 minutes between Eastchester-Dyre Av and Bowling Green.



From 3:45 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Saturday, February 13, and from 11:30 p.m. Saturday, February 13 to 9:30 a.m. Monday, February 15, 5 shuttle service is replaced by 2 trains between Eastchester-Dyre Av and E 180 St.



From 11:45 p.m. Friday, February 12 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, Pelham Bay Park-bound 6 trains run express from Grand Central-42 St to 125 St.



From 11:45 p.m. Friday, February 12 to 5:00 a.m. Monday, February 15, Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall bound 6 trains run express from Parkchester to 3 Av-138 St.



From 6:45 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday, February 13, Hudson Yards-bound 7 trains run express from Mets-Willets Point to Queensboro Plaza.



From 3:45 a.m. Sunday, February 14, to 10:00 p.m. Monday, February 15, Hudson Yards-bound 7 trains run express from Mets-Willets Point to 74 St-Broadway.



From 11:45 p.m. Friday, February 12 to 6:30 a.m. Monday, February 15, and from 11:45 p.m. Monday, February 15 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, Brooklyn-bound A trains run express 145 St to Canal St.



From 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday to Monday, February 13 to 15, Brooklyn-bound C trains run express from 145 St to Canal St.



From 12:01 a.m. Saturday, February, 13 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, D trains run local between 36 St and DeKalb Av.



From 12:15 a.m. Saturday, February 13 to 7:00 a.m. Monday, February 15, and from 12:15 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer bound E trains run express from Roosevelt Av to Forest Hills-71 Av.



From 11:45 p.m. Friday, February 12 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound F trains skip 169 St.



From 11:45 p.m. Friday, February 12 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, Coney Island-Stillwell Av bound F trains are rerouted via the E line from Roosevelt Av to W 4 St-Wash Sq.



From 11:30 p.m. Friday, February 12 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, J trains are suspended in both directions between Hewes St and Broad St. J service operates between Jamaica Center and Hewes St. Take free shuttle buses and 46F trains instead. Free shuttle buses operate between Hewes St and Essex St, stopping at Marcy Av. For direct service between Brooklyn and Manhattan, consider using the AC or L via free transfer at Broadway Junction.



From 6:00 a.m. to 12 Midnight Saturday, February 13 to Monday, February 15, M trains are suspended in both directions between Myrtle Av and Essex St. M service operates between Metropolitan Av and Myrtle Av all weekend. Take the JL and/or free shuttle buses instead. Free shuttle buses provide alternate service between Hewes St and Essex St, stopping at Marcy Av. For direct service to/from Manhattan, use the L via transfer at Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs.



From 12:01 a.m. Saturday, February 13 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, N trains run local in both directions between 59 St in Brooklyn and DeKalb Av.



From 6:30 a.m. to 12 Midnight Saturday, February 13 to Monday, February 15 R service is extended to Jamaica-179 St.



From 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., Saturday, February 13 to Monday, February 15, Jamaica-179 St bound R trains run express from Roosevelt Av to 71 Av.



From 11:45 p.m. Friday, February 12 to 6:30 a.m. Monday, February 15, and from 11:45 p.m. Monday, February 15 to 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, R Shuttle service is extended to Whitehall St.