June 25, 2025 NEW YORK, NY – Get ready to adjust your morning commute, New Yorkers. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is implementing a significant service change in December 2025, rerouting the F and M subway lines during weekdays. This strategic swap of East River tunnels aims to reduce delays and alleviate overcrowding on one of Queens' busiest transit corridors.

The New F & M Train Routes: What You Need to Know

Under the new plan, the M train will take over the 63rd Street tunnel, a route long associated with the F train. This means weekday M trains will now serve stations like 21st St–Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, Lexington Ave–63rd St, and 57th St.

Conversely, the F train will shift south, utilizing the 53rd Street tunnel. F trains will now make weekday stops at Court Square, Queens Plaza, Fifth Ave, and Lexington Ave–53rd St. These changes will be in effect on weekdays from approximately 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., with trains reverting to their current routes during evenings and weekends.

Why the Switch? Untangling Queens' Subway Bottleneck

This isn't just a minor tweak; it's a calculated move by the MTA to untangle the complex interlocking system beneath Long Island City. Currently, the F and M trains cross paths in a way that can lead to significant delays. By assigning each line a straighter, more direct path, the MTA expects to minimize service interruptions caused by intricate switching patterns.

"Any time you have to wait for a switch in order to run your service, it is going to take additional time," NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow told The New York Daily News. He highlighted the anticipated time savings and improved reliability for riders. Crichlow explained that the E train will now share tracks with just two other lines instead of three, and the M train will go from four sharing partners to three. This "untangling" is projected to benefit the entire Queens Boulevard corridor.

A Win for Roosevelt Island Riders?

The reroute is particularly good news for Roosevelt Island residents, who frequently experience sardine-can conditions during weekday rush hours on the F train. With the M train now serving the 63rd Street line, and originating from a less-crowded point in Queens, commuters on Roosevelt Island can anticipate a less stressful and less crowded boarding experience.

The MTA is currently conducting outreach with local stakeholders, and initial responses to the proposed changes have been largely positive. Commuters are encouraged to stay informed as December 2025 approaches to prepare for these significant changes to their daily transit routines.