Engineer's Analysis Suggests Closing L Train's Third Avenue Stop Could Save Commuters Thousands of Hours Daily

A software engineer has developed a data-driven proposal to close the L train's Third Avenue station in Manhattan, estimating that such a move could save subway riders approximately 1,800 hours per day. The analysis, presented on the website Stop the Stop, suggests that eliminating this station could significantly streamline commutes for L train passengers.

Joshua Wolk, 23, the creator of Stop the Stop, initiated the project after observing the low ridership at the Third Avenue station, which is located a short walk from the busier First Avenue and Union Square stations. Using publicly available MTA data from January through August, encompassing roughly 700 million trips, Wolk simulated the impact of removing 356 subway stations.

The analysis indicated that closing the Third Avenue station would yield the largest time savings, estimating over 1,824 hours saved daily. This calculation accounts for the increased walking time, weighting each extra minute of walking as twice as burdensome as a minute on the train. Wolk's estimates suggest that approximately 11,200 individuals use the Third Avenue station each day.

Beyond the Third Avenue station, Wolk's analysis identified other stations where closure could lead to substantial time savings. The 138th Street-Grand Concourse station, serving the 4 and 5 lines, was estimated to save riders 1,118 hours daily if eliminated. Closing the Hunters Point Avenue station on the 7 line could save up to 1,024 hours. On the L line itself, closing the Grand Street station could save about 939 hours daily, and eliminating the Graham Avenue station could save around 391 hours.

Wolk noted that proximity to other stations was a primary factor influencing potential time savings. "I found that a lot of people were surprised by some stations but there are a lot of variables that go into it," Wolk stated. "Proximity to other stations was one of the biggest factors."

The analysis also highlighted stations where closures would lead to significant increases in commute times. Removing the First Avenue station, for example, would add an estimated 6,453 hours to daily commutes. Closing the 34th Street-Penn Station, a hub for the A, C, and E lines, was projected to add nearly 22,000 hours to daily travel, and eliminating the 72nd Street station on the Q line could add over 10,000 hours.

Wolk has begun advocating for his proposal, gathering signatures for a petition to trial the closure of the Third Avenue station. He has also presented his findings at a Community Board 3 meeting and is in communication with a local representative, though he has not yet engaged with the MTA directly. "I’d really ask them to look at the outpouring of support for closing this station," Wolk urged. "There’s been a lot of vibrant discussion online. It really goes both ways but I think what’s clear is that New Yorkers are interested in this proposal."