MTA to Suspend J and M Subway Service for Five Weekends
Transit service between Brooklyn and Manhattan will be replaced by shuttle buses starting October 17, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Car Maintenance
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The MTA will suspend J and M train service to Manhattan for five upcoming weekends starting October 17, 2026. Shuttle buses will be deployed to provide alternative transportation between Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Why it matters
The transit authority is replacing aging track switches near Marcy Avenue to maintain system safety and performance. This equipment was last updated in 1997, making the current infrastructure overdue for a significant overhaul.
The MTA is replacing track switches that have been in use since 1997. During construction, M train service will operate on a 20-minute frequency.
The players
MTA
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is the public agency responsible for public transportation in the New York City metropolitan area.
The details
Workers will replace track equipment near the Marcy Avenue station, requiring a truncation of J train service to the segment between Jamaica Center and Myrtle Avenue-Broadway. Additionally, M train service will be split into two sections between Metropolitan Avenue and Myrtle-Wyckoff, with four Brooklyn stations left without train service.
Timeline
October 17-18, 2026
October 24-25, 2026
November 7-9, 2026
November 13-16, 2026
November 20-23, 2026
Roadmap
The replacement of 1997-era switches follows the established maintenance standards outlined in the MTA Capital Program. These infrastructure upgrades are essential to position the transit system against the long-term deterioration of legacy equipment.
Commuters traveling between Brooklyn and Manhattan must account for extra travel time using shuttle buses during the affected weekends. Passengers should expect a 20-minute frequency for M trains and be aware that Flushing, Lorimer, Hewes, and Marcy Avenue stations will have no service.
The takeaway
Travelers should plan for potential delays when commuting between the affected boroughs during these weekend closures. Using official shuttle bus alternatives will be the only rail-adjacent transport option for those navigating the impacted Brooklyn stations.
Further reading
For more information on transit infrastructure, visit New York City Car Maintenance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
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