E (New York City Subway service): Difference between revisions

{{Use mdy dates|date=OctoberJune 20232024}}

E service began with the opening of the [[IND Queens Boulevard Line]] from [[50th Street (IND lines)|50th Street]] to [[Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street (New York City Subway)|Roosevelt Avenue]] on August 19, 1933, running between Roosevelt Avenue and [[World Trade Center (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|Hudson Terminal]] (current World Trade Center station) on the [[IND Eighth Avenue Line]]. Because the [[IND Crosstown Line]] did not yet fully open, and as the IND Queens Boulevard Line had not yet opened to Jamaica, service ran via the Queens Boulevard Line's local tracks. The E also ran local in Manhattan.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/08/20/archives/new-subway-links-running-smoothly-exact-schedules-maintained-on.html|title=New Subway Links Running Smoothly; Exact Schedules Maintained on First Day's Operation of Queens Tubes.|date=August 20, 1933|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/08/18/archives/two-subway-units-open-at-midnight-links-in-cityowned-system-in.html|title=Two Subway Units Open at Midnight; Links in City-Owned System in Queens and Brooklyn to Have 15 Stations. Trains Tested on Routes Full Staffs Operate Them on Schedule Minus Passengers – Celebrations Planned.|date=August 18, 1933|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite journal|last=Linder|first=Bernard|date=October 1968|title=Independent Subway Service History|url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1968/1968-10-bulletin.pdf|journal=New York Division Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|volume=11|issue=5|pages=3–8|access-date=May 22, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107045310/https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1968/1968-10-bulletin.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> Initially, weekday service ran every four minutes during rush hours, every five minutes middays, every six or eight minutes evenings, and every twelve minutes overnights. Service ran every four or five minutes during the Saturday morning rush hour, every five minutes during the morning and afternoon, and every six or eight minutes in the evening. On Sunday, E trains ran every six or seven minutes in the morning, every five minutes in the afternoon, and every six or eight minutes in the evening.<ref name=":10">{{Cite journal |last=Linder |first=Bernard |date=January 2011 |title=E Headways |url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2010s/2011/2011-01-bulletin.pdf |journal=The Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association |volume=54 |issue=1 |pages=2–3}}</ref> Service was provided by three-car trains during rush hours and two-car trains at other times.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Oszustowicz|first=Eric|date=March 2006|title=A History of the R-1 toTo R-9 Passenger Car Fleet|url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2006/2006-03-bulletin.pdf|journal=The Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|volume=49|issue=3|access-date=January 8, 2019|archive-date=April 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427002748/https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2006/2006-03-bulletin.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> By January 16, 1934, rush hour service was operating with three- or four-car trains.<ref name=":6">{{Cite journal|date=August 2003|title=IND Extended to Queens 70 Years Ago|url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2003/2003-08-bulletin.pdf|journal=The Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|volume=46|issue=8|pages=1}}</ref>

E trains were extended to [[East Broadway station|East Broadway]] following the opening of the [[IND Sixth Avenue Line]] from West Fourth Street on January 1, 1936. E trains no longer served stations on the Eighth Avenue Line south of West Fourth Street.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/01/02/archives/la-guardia-opens-new-subway-link-warmly-praises-delaney-as-he-puts.html|title=La Guardia Opens New Subway Link; Warmly Praises Delaney as He Puts $17,300,000 Line on East Side Into Service. Seeks Wider Home Rule Hints at Ceremony That City Will Again Attempt to End Transit Board's Powers. The Mayor Opens a New Line of the City Subway System. La Guardia Opens New Subway Link|date=January 2, 1936|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":9" /> On April 9 of the same year, the Sixth Avenue Line was extended through the Rutgers Street Tunnel to [[Jay Street–Borough Hall]], and E trains were extended via this line and the [[IND Culver Line|IND South Brooklyn Line]] to [[Church Avenue (IND Culver Line)|Church Avenue]], replacing the {{NYCS|A}} train, which was rerouted via the new [[IND Fulton Street Line]] to Rockaway Avenue.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/06/archives/two-subway-links-start-wednesday-city-will-begin-operating-fulton.html|title=Two Subway Links Start Wednesday; City Will Begin Operating Fulton Street Line and Extension to Jay Street. Mayor to Make Trip Entire System With Exception of Sixth Av. Route to Be Finished Early Next Year.|date=April 6, 1936|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref><ref name=":9" /> The E service was again extended with the opening of the Queens Boulevard Line extension to [[Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike]] on December 31, 1936.<ref name="NYTimes-RoosevelttoUTpkeOpen-10362">{{cite news|date=December 30, 1936|title=PWA Party Views New Subway Link: Queens Section to Be Opened Tomorrow Is Inspected by Tuttle and Others|work=The New York Times|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1936/12/30/88096632.pdf|access-date=June 27, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=December 31, 1936|title=City Subway Opens Queens Link Today; Extension Brings Kew Gardens Within 36 Minutes of 42d St. onOn Frequent Trains.|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/12/31/archives/city-subway-opens-queens-link-today-extension-brings-kew-gardens.html|access-date=April 26, 2016|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

Express service along Queens Boulevard began on April 24, 1937, coinciding with the extension of the line and E service to [[169th Street (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|169th Street]].<ref name="NYTImes-QBL169Ext-1937">{{cite news|title=Subway Link Opens Soon: City Line to Jamaica Will Start About April 24|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/03/17/118965719.pdf|work=The New York Times|access-date=June 27, 2015|date=March 17, 1937}}</ref><ref name="NYTImes-169Test-1937">{{cite web|title=Trial Run to Jamaica on Subway Tomorrow: Section From Kew Gardens to 169th Street Will Open to Public in Two Weeks|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/04/09/94351009.pdf|work=The New York Times|access-date=June 30, 2015|date=April 9, 1937}}</ref> Express service was inaugurated during rush hours, with E trains making express stops from [[Forest Hills–71st Avenue station|71st–Continental Avenues]] to [[Queens Plaza station|Queens Plaza]]. The express service operated between approximately 6:30 and 10:30&nbsp;a.m. and from 3&nbsp;p.m. to 7&nbsp;p.m.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=https://bklyn.newspapers.com/image/52667032/?terms=Queens+Boulevard+subway|title=Trains Testing Jamaica Link Of City Subway|date=April 10, 1937|work=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|access-date=April 24, 2018|page=3}}</ref> Express service was also provided on Saturdays between 6:30&nbsp;a.m. and 4&nbsp;p.m. During rush hours, GG trains were extended to Continental Avenue from Queens Plaza, taking over the local service. During non-rush hours, when GG service terminated at Queens Plaza, local service was provided by EE trains, which operated between 169th Street and Church Avenue in Brooklyn.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201937%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201937%2520-%25203227.pdf%23xml%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffff82dc9c69%26DocId%3D2745439%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520I%252dE%252dV%26HitCount%3D40%26hits%3D9%2Bd%2B11%2B29%2B33%2B6a%2B6b%2B6d%2B92%2Baa%2Bf7%2B10a%2B139%2B13a%2B170%2B171%2B197%2B1b0%2B1b1%2B1d9%2B1da%2B1ee%2B1ef%2B1ff%2B200%2B20c%2B20d%2B219%2B21a%2B243%2B24b%2B251%2B256%2B25d%2B2b5%2B307%2B38a%2B40a%2B41e%2B423%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&uri=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201937%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201937%2520-%25203227.pdf&xml=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FdtSearch%2Fdtisapi6.dll%3Fcmd%3Dgetpdfhits%26u%3Dffffffff82dc9c69%26DocId%3D2745439%26Index%3DZ%253a%255cIndex%2520I%252dE%252dV%26HitCount%3D40%26hits%3D9%2Bd%2B11%2B29%2B33%2B6a%2B6b%2B6d%2B92%2Baa%2Bf7%2B10a%2B139%2B13a%2B170%2B171%2B197%2B1b0%2B1b1%2B1d9%2B1da%2B1ee%2B1ef%2B1ff%2B200%2B20c%2B20d%2B219%2B21a%2B243%2B24b%2B251%2B256%2B25d%2B2b5%2B307%2B38a%2B40a%2B41e%2B423%2B%26SearchForm%3D%252fFulton%255fform%252ehtml%26.pdf&openFirstHlPage=false|title=Jamaica Will Greet Subway|date=April 23, 1937|work=The New York Sun|access-date=April 24, 2018|page=8}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/04/25/archives/new-subway-link-to-jamaica-opened-la-guardia-city-officials-and.html|title=New Subway Link to Jamaica Opened; La Guardia, City Officials and Civic Groups Make Trial Run on 10-Car Train|date=April 25, 1937|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref> The initial headway for express service was between three and five minutes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/04/24/archives/transit-link-open-today-8th-ave-line-extended-to-jamaicacelebration.html|title=Transit Link Open Today; 8th8Th Ave. Line Extended to Jamaica—Celebration Arranged|date=April 24, 1937|work=The New York Times|access-date=August 4, 2016|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> With the completion of the Crosstown Line on July 1, 1937, non-rush hour GG service was extended to 71st Avenue, allowing E trains to run express along Queens Boulevard west of 71st Avenue at all times. EE service was discontinued at this time. In addition, three southbound E trains began service at 71st Avenue between 8:07 and 8:28&nbsp;a.m. during the morning rush hour.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|last=Linder|first=Bernard|date=December 2010|title=E Service Changes|url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2010/2010-12-bulletin.pdf|journal=The Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|volume=53|issue=12|pages=2–3}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite journal|last=Linder|first=Bernard|date=June 2009|title=Houston Street and Smith Street Subways|url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2009/2009-06-bulletin.pdf|journal=The Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|volume=52|issue=6|pages=3|access-date=May 19, 2020|archive-date=November 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107045346/https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2009/2009-06-bulletin.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> The headway between trains during the peak of rush hour was reduced to three minutes at this time.<ref name=":6" />

* {{cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1939/08/26/93950787.pdf|title=Ely Subway Stop To Open; Queens Station on City-Owned Line Begins Service Tomorrow|date=August 26, 1939|access-date=October 4, 2015|work=The New York Times}}</ref> Between April 1939 and October 1940, select evening E trains ran to and from the [[IND World's Fair Line#Station|Horace Harding Boulevard]] terminal at the [[1939 New York World's Fair]], terminating at [[Hudson Terminal (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|Hudson Terminal]] in Manhattan. These trains operated to and from Chambers Street and ran between 8:24&nbsp;p.m. and 1:29&nbsp;a.m., when the fair closed for the night. Service ended following the fair.<ref name=":9" /><ref name="NYTimes-FairSubway-1939">{{cite web|title=How to Get To The Fair Grounds; byBy Subway|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/30/archives/how-to-get-to-the-fair-grounds-by-subway.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 7, 2015|date=April 30, 1939}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=New Subway Spur Is Ready to Open: First Train to Start Four Minutes Before the Fair Officially Begins|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1939/04/17/archives/new-subway-spur-is-ready-to-open-first-train-to-start-four-minutes.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=July 7, 2015|date=April 17, 1939}}</ref>

On December 15, 1940, service on the entire Sixth Avenue Line began, and service patterns across the IND were modified. E service was cut back to [[Broadway–Lafayette Street (IND Sixth Avenue Line)|Broadway–Lafayette Street]], and service south of that station to Church Avenue was replaced by the new {{NYCS|F}} train along Sixth Avenue.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/12/15/archives/the-new-subway-routes.html|title=The New Subway Routes|date=December 15, 1940|work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref> The new F service supplemented E express along Queens Boulevard, and allowed for the introduction of express service along Queens Boulevard between 71st Avenue and Parsons Boulevard.<ref name=":9" /> F trains terminated at Parsons Boulevard instead of 169th Street to reduce congestion at the two stations.<ref name="Report">{{Cite book|title=Report includingIncluding analysisAnalysis of operationsOperations of the New York City transitTransit systemSystem for fiveFive yearsYears, endedEnded June 30, 1945|publisher=Board of Transportation of the City of New York|year=1945|location=New York City|hdl=2027/mdp.39015020928621}}</ref> Starting January 10, 1944, some E trains began terminating at 71st Avenue after the weekday and Saturday morning rush hour, and some originated there during the evening rush hour.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":3" /> In addition, the headway of late night service was increased from twelve minutes to fifteen minutes.<ref name=":10" />

On June 28, 1956, the [[Long Island Rail Road]]'s [[Rockaway Beach Branch]] reopened as the [[IND Rockaway Line]] after being converted for subway service,<ref name="NYTimes-INDRkwyOpen-1956">{{cite news|last1=Freeman|first1=Ira Henry|title=Rockaway Trains to Operate Today|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1956/06/28/84703811.pdf|work=The New York Times|access-date=June 29, 2015|date=June 28, 1956}}</ref> and E service was extended from East New York to [[Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street (IND Rockaway Line)|Rockaway Park]] or [[Beach 25th Street (IND Rockaway Line)|Wavecrest]] (now Beach 25th Street) during weekday rush hours. During non-rush hours, service was provided by four-car shuttles between Euclid and Rockaway Park or Wavecrest.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal |last=Linder |first=Bernard |date=July 2006 |title=Rockaway Service |url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2000s/2006/2006-07-bulletin.pdf |journal=The Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association |volume=49 |issue=7 |pages=2–6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Linder|first=Bernard|date=July 2016|title=60 Years of Subway Service to the Rockaways|url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2016/2016-07-bulletin.pdf|journal=The Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association|volume=59|issue=7|pages=1}}</ref> Three weekday E trains leaving 179th Street between 6:54 and 7:27&nbsp;a.m. were cut at Euclid Avenue, with one half of the train running to Far Rockaway, and the other half going to Rockaway Park. After the end of the morning rush hour, several trains terminated at East New York, before going back into Manhattan-bound service before the afternoon rush hour.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite journal |last=Linder |first=Bernard |date=August 2007 |title=Fulton Street Subway – A, E, CC, andAnd C Service |url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2007/2007-08-bulletin.pdf |journal=The Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association |volume=50 |issue=8 |pages=2}}</ref>

As part of systemwide changes in bus and subway service on January 2, 1973, the E became the local in Brooklyn again, running alternatively to Euclid Avenue and Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street on weekdays from 6:15&nbsp;a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3:35&nbsp;p.m. to 6:15&nbsp;p.m.. The span of express service in Manhattan and through service to Brooklyn and the Rockaways during rush hours was doubled. The E would no longer also serve Far Rockaway during rush hours, with this service provided by the A.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=1972 |title=To serveServe youYou betterBetter... ....On E and F Trains in Queens and Manhattan |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/unionturnpike/52581156043/in/album-72157652636620504/ |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Flickr |publisher=New York City Transit Authority}}</ref> During other times, except when Round-Robin service operated, E shuttle service would run from Broad Channel to Rockaway Park. A trains would run express instead in Brooklyn during rush hours, though for a longer period of time, and would take over service to Far Rockaway.<ref>{{cite news |title = Subway Schedules In Queens Changing Amid Some Protest|url = http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40C1EF73F551A7493C0A9178AD85F478785F9|work = The New York Times|date = January 2, 1973|page = 46|access-date = March 20, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1972/11/25/432164652.pdf|title = Changes Set for Jan. 2 Praised|date = November 25, 1972|access-date = January 25, 2016|work = The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1972 |title=To serveServe youYou betterBetter... Changes in subwaySubway serviceService willWill becomeBecome effectiveEffective 6 AM Tues, Jan. 2 |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/unionturnpike/49374906688/in/album-72157652636620504/ |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Flickr |publisher=New York City Transit Authority}}</ref> These changes were initially supposed to take effect on September 11, 1972.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1972|title=Improved Service Begins Sept 11|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/50089691258/in/dateposted/|access-date=July 8, 2020|website=Flickr|publisher=New York City Transit Authority}}</ref>

In May 1989, Sunday headways were reduced from twelve minutes to ten minutes.<ref name="1989Changes" /> As part of the changes, on October 1, 1990, morning rush hour service from 179th Street was discontinued, and all E trains began running to Jamaica Center.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Siegel|first=Joel|date=September 28, 1990|title=We willWill beBe missingMissing someSome trainsTrains, sezSez TA|pages=7|work=New York Daily News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/22797227/daily-news/|access-date=May 19, 2020}}</ref> In addition, the frequency of E service was reduced from 15 trains per hour to 12 trains per hour to allow the frequency of F service to be increased from 15 trains per hour to 20 trains per hour. The frequency of F service was subsequently reduced to running every {{frac|3|1|2}} minutes on April 15, 1991, before being increased back to {{frac|3|1|3}} minutes, or about 18 trains per hour, on October 26, 1992.<ref name=":3" /> On April 1, 1991, E trains were shortened to run with six-car trains between 11&nbsp;p.m. and 6&nbsp;a.m. in order to increase passenger security during overnight hours.<ref>

On March 23, 1997, the E service began stopping at 75th Avenue and Briarwood during evenings, nights and weekends.<ref>{{Cite web|title=March 1997 New York City Transit Subway Map|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/49916643022/in/dateposted/|date=March 23, 1997|website=Flickr.com|publisher=New York City Transit|access-date=May 20, 2020}}</ref> On August 30, 1997, E service began running local in [[Queens]] during late nights in order to ease connections, reduce the need for late night transfers, and provide even service intervals.<ref>{{cite book |title=May 1997 NYC Transit Committee Agenda |date=May 15, 1997 |publisher=New York City Transit |page=[https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48476251077/in/album-72157710146949617/ 161], [https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48476103676/in/album-72157710146949617/ 162–163], [https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48476248087/in/album-72157710146949617/ 164–165]}}</ref> On the same date, late night G service was permanently cut back from 179th Street to Court Square, replaced by F service running local east of Queens Plaza, doubling late night service frequency at Queens Boulevard local stations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24160214/august_30_queens_boulevard_changes/|title=Starting August 30, thereThere willWill beBe changesChanges in lateLate-nightNight serviceService alongAlong Queens Boulevard.|date=September 2, 1997|work=New York Daily News|access-date=September 30, 2018}}</ref><ref name="MTA-GLineReview-2013">{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_LineReview_7_10_13.pdf|title=Review of the G Line|date=July 10, 2013|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226002828/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_LineReview_7_10_13.pdf|archive-date=February 26, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=August 2, 2015}}</ref> On September 8, 1998, E trains began running at a frequency of eight trains per hour middays, an increase from six trains per hour.<ref name=":10" />

During the early part of 2000, because of the replacement of track switches at the World Trade Center station, the E was extended to Euclid Avenue at all times except late nights, when it operated to [[Canal Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|Canal Street]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/27001643/c_you_later_riders_told_track_work/|title=C youYou laterLater, ridersRiders toldTold Track workWork willWill shutShut Eighth Ave. lineLine|last=Donohue|first=Pete|date=January 21, 2000|work=New York Daily News|access-date=January 8, 2019}}</ref> Service on the E was again affected by the [[September 11 attacks]] in 2001, as its terminal station, World Trade Center, was located at the northeastern corner of the [[World Trade Center site]], so for a time, the E again operated to Euclid Avenue in Brooklyn as the local on the [[IND Fulton Street Line]] at all times except late nights, replacing the temporarily suspended {{NYCS|C}} service. On September 24, 2001, {{NYCS|C}} service was restored, and E service was cut back to Canal Street, since World Trade Center would be closed until January 28, 2002.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25295606/the_journal_news/|title=WTC subwaySubway stopStop on E trainTrain lineLine reopensReopens|date=January 29, 2002|work=The Journal News|access-date=March 8, 2019|location=White Plains, New York}}</ref>

Between September 19 and November 2, 2020, E service was cut back to [[Jamaica–Van Wyck station|Jamaica–Van Wyck]] due to track replacement on the upper levels of the [[Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer station|Jamaica Center]] and [[Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport station|Sutphin Boulevard]] stations. During this time, a shuttle bus connected to Sutphin Boulevard and Jamaica Center.<ref>{{cite web|date=August 17, 2020|title=Press Release – NYC Transit – MTA to Perform Critical Track Replacement Work at End of E Line in Queens Next Month|url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/mta-perform-critical-track-replacement-work-end-e-line-queens-next-month|access-date=August 18, 2020|website=MTA|archive-date=August 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818094440/http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/mta-perform-critical-track-replacement-work-end-e-line-queens-next-month|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Pozarycki|first=Robert|date=August 28, 2020|title=Two Queens meetingsMeetings on majorMajor trackTrack workWork at endEnd of E lineLine in Jamaica|url=https://www.amny.com/transit/two-queens-meetings-on-major-track-work-at-end-of-e-line-in-jamaica/|access-date=September 19, 2020|website=amNewYork|language=en-US}}</ref> During the second phase, which started on November 2, 2020, a limited number of E trains ran to Jamaica Center, running express east of 71st Avenue during the day on weekdays and making local stops at other times. Service to 179th Street was expanded from weekday limited rush hour service to weekday daytime service; these trains made local stops east of 71st Avenue.<ref name="Jamaica E Track Reconstruction">{{cite web |title=Jamaica E Track Reconstruction |url=https://new.mta.info/document/20156 |website=Jamaica Track Reconstruction |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=September 21, 2020}}</ref> This phase was completed in December 2020.<ref name="Railway Track and Structures 2022">{{cite web | title=MTA to begin final phase of critical track replacement work in Queens next month | website=Railway Track and Structures | date=June 6, 2022 | url=https://www.rtands.com/track-construction/mta-to-begin-final-phase-of-critical-track-replacement-work-in-queens-next-month/ | access-date=June 30, 2022}}</ref>

On March 17, 2023, New York City Transit made adjustments to evening and late night E, {{NYCS|F}} and {{NYCS|R}} service to accommodate long-term CBTC installation on the Queens Boulevard Line between [[Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|Union Turnpike]] and [[Jamaica–179th Street (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|179th Street]]. E service originating from the World Trade Center began operating local in Queens two hours earlier on weekdays and Saturdays, after 9:30 pm instead of 11:30 pm, and one hour earlier on Sundays, after 9:30 pm instead of 10:30 pm.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-perform-cbtc-signal-installation-work-e-f-and-r-lines-queens-starting-march-17|title= MTA to Perform CBTC Signal Installation Work on E, F and R Lines in Queens Starting March 17|date=February 24, 2023|website=MTA.info|publisher=New York City Transit|access-date=March 19, 2023}}</ref> Starting on August 28, 2023, E service to 179th Street was temporarily suspended;<ref name="MTA 2023 r734">{{cite web |date=August 28, 2023 |title=F and M lineLine serviceService changesChanges startingStarting August 28 |url=https://new.mta.info/article/service-changes-f-and-m-lines-starting-august-28 |access-date=August 31, 2023 |website=MTA}}</ref> this service change continued through the end of March 2024.<ref name="NBC New York 2024 k355">{{cite web | title=F, M service returning to full service in Manhattan and Queens: What to know | website=NBC New York | date=March 19, 2024 | url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/f-m-service-returning-to-full-service-in-manhattan-and-queens-what-to-know/5241120/?amp=1 | access-date=March 20, 2024}}</ref>

The E and F, the two Queens Boulevard express services, have historically been some of the most overcrowded routes in the entire subway system, and have more ridership than can be accommodated by existing capacity.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Carroll|first=Maurice|date=June 15, 1979|title=Serious Subway Crowding Likely as Result of Decision|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/06/15/archives/serious-subway-crowding-likely-as-result-of-decision.html|access-date=May 24, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Purdum|first=Todd S.|date=February 11, 1994|title=Federal Transit Aid Is Intended to Ease Crowded Subways|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/11/nyregion/federal-transit-aid-is-intended-to-ease-crowded-subways.html|access-date=May 24, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite news|last=Barron|first=James|date=October 17, 2017|title=The Answer for Standing-Room-Only Subways? More Standing Room|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/17/nyregion/subway-standing-room.html|access-date=May 24, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Multiple efforts have been made to deal with the problem. In 1968, as part of the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority|Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Authority (MCTA)]]'s Program for Action plan to drastically expand the region's transportation network, the 63rd Street–Southeast Queens line was proposed to increase capacity between Queens and Manhattan and reduce overcrowding on Queens Boulevard express trains.<ref name="int-arch">{{cite web|title=Full textText of "Metropolitan transportationTransportation, aA programProgram for actionAction. Report to Nelson A. Rockefeller, Governor of New York."|url=https://archive.org/stream/metropolitantran00newy/metropolitantran00newy_djvu.txt|date=November 7, 1967|website=Internet Archive|access-date=October 1, 2015}}</ref><ref name="MTA-ProgramforAction2-Aug1969">{{cite web|title=Regional Transportation Program|year=1969|url=https://archive.org/details/regionaltranspor00newy|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=July 26, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Raskin-RoutesNotTaken-2013">{{Cite Routes Not Taken}}</ref> This line would have served as a "super-express" bypass of the Queens Boulevard Line, paralleling the line by running along the Long Island Rail Road's [[Main Line (Long Island Rail Road)|Main Line]], and making stops at Northern Boulevard, where a transfer would be available to Queens Plaza, and Woodside, before merging with the Queens Boulevard Line at 71st Avenue. The line would have provided additional express service to stations east of 71st Avenue, and was intended to divert passengers from the overcrowded E and F to the new line, which would have connected to the [[BMT Broadway Line]] and IND Sixth Avenue Lines in Manhattan via the new [[63rd Street lines|63rd Street Lines]].<ref name="ERA-TechTalk-NYCS-Feb2005">{{cite journal|last1=Erlitz|first1=Jeffrey|date=February 2005|title=Tech Talk|url=https://issuu.com/erausa/docs/2005-02-bulletin/11|journal=New York Division Bulletin|publisher=Electric Railroaders Association|volume=48|issue=2|pages=9–11|access-date=July 10, 2016}}</ref><ref name="QueensSubwayEIS-1984">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NaI4AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA83|title=Queens Subway Options Study, New York: Environmental Impact Statement|date=May 1984|publisher=United States Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Urban Mass Transit Administration|pages=83–|access-date=July 10, 2016}}</ref> Since funding for the entire line dried up because of the 1975–1976 [[New York City fiscal crisis]],<ref name="Danielson Doig 1982">{{cite book|last1=Danielson|first1=M.N.|url=https://archive.org/details/newyorkpoliticso0000dani|title=New York: The Politics of Urban Regional Development|last2=Doig|first2=J.W.|publisher=University of California Press|year=1982|isbn=978-0-520-90689-1|series=Lane Studies in Regional Government|access-date=February 10, 2018|url-access=registration}}</ref>{{rp|236}} the plan was scaled back to the construction of the 63rd Street Lines to a dead-end station at [[21st Street–Queensbridge station|21st Street–Queensbridge]] in Queens.<ref>{{cite news|last=Andelman|first=David A.|date=October 11, 1980|title=Tunnel Project, Five Years Old, Won't Be Used|page=25|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1980/10/11/111805802.pdf|access-date=October 20, 2011}}</ref><ref name=":42">{{Cite web|title=New York City Transit 63rd Street-Queens Boulevard Connection-New York City – Advancing Mobility – Research – CMAQ – Air Quality – Environment – FHWA|url=http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/Environment/air_quality/cmaq/research/advancing_mobility/03cmaq08.cfm|website=www.fhwa.dot.gov|access-date=July 3, 2016}}</ref>

In 1990, the [[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] (MTA) elected to connect the 63rd Street Lines to the Queens Boulevard Line at 36th Street, with connections to both the local and express Queens Boulevard tracks.<ref name="QBL63rdLineConnector-1992">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n943AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA3-PT95|title=Final Environmental Impact Statement for the 63rd Street Line Connection to the Queens Boulevard Line|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority, United States Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration|date=June 1992|location=Queens, New York, New York|access-date=July 23, 2016}}</ref><ref name="PANYNJ-AirportAccessDEIS-19942">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zh83AQAAMAAJ&pg=SA3-PA25|title=La Guardia International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Airport Access Program, Automated Guideway Transit System (NY, NJ): Environmental Impact Statement|date=June 1994|publisher=Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, New York State Department of Transportation|access-date=July 23, 2016}}</ref> In 2001, the [[63rd Street Connection]] was completed, allowing for an increase of nine trains per hour on the line between Queens and Manhattan through the introduction of [[V (New York City Subway service)|V]] service.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Randy|date=December 15, 2000|title=Plan Would Put Extra Trains On Busy Lines|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/12/15/nyregion/plan-would-put-extra-trains-on-busy-lines.html|access-date=May 24, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Express F trains, which had run via 53rd Street, were rerouted via the new connection, and were replaced by new local V trains.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kennedy|first=Randy|date=July 9, 2002|title=Tunnel Vision; When One New Train Equals One Less Express|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/09/nyregion/tunnel-vision-when-one-new-train-equals-one-less-express.html|access-date=May 24, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> To further increase capacity, as part of the MTA's 2010–2014 Capital Program the MTA is equipping the tracks from [[50th Street (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|50th Street/8th Avenue]] and [[47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center (IND Sixth Avenue Line)|47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center]] to [[Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike]] with [[communications-based train control]],<ref name="MTA-CapitalOversight-July20152">{{cite web|title=Capital Program Oversight Committee Meeting: July 2015|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/150720_1345_CPOC.pdf|date=July 2015|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|location=New York City|pages=37–39|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906021415/http://web.mta.info/mta/news/books/pdf/150720_1345_CPOC.pdf|archive-date=September 6, 2015|access-date=August 11, 2015}}</ref> which would allow for three more trains during peak hours on the Queens Boulevard express tracks (it currently runs 29 tph). This would also increase capacity on the local tracks of the IND Queens Boulevard Line.<ref name=":32">{{Cite news|url=http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/communications/siemens-lands-nyct-qbl-phase-1-cbtc-contract.html|title=Siemens, Thales landLand NYCT QBL West Phase 1 CBTC contractsContracts|last=Vantuono|first=William C.|date=August 27, 2015|work=Railway Age|language=en-gb|access-date=January 31, 2017|archive-date=February 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220030407/http://www.railwayage.com/index.php/communications/siemens-lands-nyct-qbl-phase-1-cbtc-contract.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="page11">{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/mta/pdf/2010-14questions_and_answers_v2.pdf#page=11 |title= MTA 2010–2014 Capital Program Questions and Answers |pages=11–12 |website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=September 12, 2016}}</ref> With the installation of CBTC on the Eighth Avenue Line as part of the 2015–2019 Capital Program, and on the Archer Avenue Line as part of the 2020–2024 Capital Program, the E will become fully automated.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MTA Moves Forward with Signal Modernization of Eighth Avenue ACE Line|url=http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/mta-moves-forward-signal-modernization-eighth-avenue-ace-line|date=January 13, 2020|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=May 24, 2020|archive-date=March 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302204206/http://www.mta.info/press-release/nyc-transit/mta-moves-forward-signal-modernization-eighth-avenue-ace-line|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="fastforward">{{cite web|title=Transform the Subway|url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5afef986c3c16a2dc6705929/t/5b056a55aa4a99ccc11291bc/1527081560241/Fast+Forward+The+Plan+to+Modernize+NYCT.pdf|date=May 23, 2018|website=Fast Forward|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=May 23, 2018}}</ref>{{rp|23}}

For several decades,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Correal|first=Annie|date=January 14, 2018|title=As Homeless Take Refuge in Subway, More Officers Are Sent to Help|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/14/nyregion/new-york-subways-homeless-police.html|access-date=May 24, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> the E has hosted a large population of homeless people and has been nicknamed the "Homeless Express", according to a conductor interviewed by [[WNBC]].<ref name="Cheng Pavlovic 2018"/> It is the subway route that most homeless people sleep on since the route runs fully underground, sheltering people from the cold, and since the route has some of the system's newer rolling stock.<ref name="Cheng Pavlovic 2018">{{Cite web|title=MTA Conductors Spill Secrets of the NYC Subway System|url=https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/mta-conductors-spill-10-secrets-of-the-nyc-subway-system/1814279/|last1=Cheng|first1=Pei-Sze|last2=Pavlovic|first2=Kristina|date=February 13, 2018|website=NBC New York|language=en-US|access-date=May 24, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Verhovek|first=Sam Howe|date=November 21, 1988|title=For Shelter, Homeless Take the E Train|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/21/nyregion/for-shelter-homeless-take-the-e-train.html|access-date=May 24, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In addition, the route passes through major transit hubs that shelter the homeless, like [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|Pennsylvania Station]] and the [[Port Authority Bus Terminal]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Correal|first=Annie|date=January 8, 2018|title=In Deepest Cold, aA Subway Car Becomes the Shelter of Last Resort|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/08/nyregion/homeless-cold-subways-shelter.html|access-date=May 24, 2020|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

E trains run between Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer on the Archer Avenue Line and World Trade Center on the Eighth Avenue Line at all times, running via the Queens Boulevard Line in Queens. E trains run local along the Eighth Avenue Line at all times. All trains run express in Queens between 71st Avenue and Queens Plaza at all times except late nights, when they make local stops. On weekends, weekday evenings, and late nights, E trains stop at [[75th Avenue station|75th Avenue]] and [[Briarwood station|Briarwood]]; limited AM-rush trains also make these stops in both directions.<ref name="QBLCLN">{{cite web |url=https://transitfeeds.com/p/mta/79/latest/trip/BSP21GEN-E073-Weekday-00_039950_E..N72R |title=6:39 AM – 7:29 AM Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer – OpenMobilityData |website=transitfeeds.com |date=August 10, 2021 |access-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810070730/https://transitfeeds.com/p/mta/79/latest/trip/BSP21GEN-E073-Weekday-00_039950_E..N72R |archive-date=August 10, 2021}}</ref><ref name="QBLCLS">{{cite web |url=https://transitfeeds.com/p/mta/79/latest/trip/BSP21GEN-E073-Weekday-00_035350_E..S69R |title=5:53 AM – 6:40 AM World Trade Center – OpenMobilityData |website=transitfeeds.com |date=August 10, 2021 |access-date=August 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810071509/https://transitfeeds.com/p/mta/79/latest/trip/BSP21GEN-E073-Weekday-00_035350_E..S69R |archive-date=August 10, 2021}}</ref> During rush hours, limited service runs to and from 179th Street, typically making express stops east of 71st Avenue,{{efn|Signs are located above the express tracks at [[Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike]] and [[Parsons Boulevard (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|Parsons Boulevard]], showing that trains skip [[169th Street (IND Queens Boulevard Line)|169th Street]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cox |first1=Jeremiah |title=The E trainTrain serviceService signSign on the Queens-boundBound expressExpress trackTrack, itIt saysSays trainsTrains runRun expressExpress weekdaysWeekdays 7:30am-7:45pm, Manhattan-boundBound trainsTrains runRun expressExpress throughThrough hereHere 6am6Am-6pm, aA bigBig differenceDifference in timingTiming. |url=http://subwaynut.com/ind/unione/unione5.jpg |website=subwaynut.com |access-date=May 26, 2020 |date=June 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602175251/https://subwaynut.com/ind/unione/unione5.jpg |archive-date=June 2, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Cox |first1=Jeremiah |title=A limitedLimited rushRush hourHour serviceService E trainTrain stoppedStopped on the expressExpress trackTrack beneathBeneath itsIts signSign |url=http://subwaynut.com/ind/parsonsf/parsonsf44.jpg |website=subwaynut.com |access-date=May 26, 2020 |date=January 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815180213/https://subwaynut.com/ind/parsonsf/parsonsf44.jpg |archive-date=August 15, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>|name=179th Street terminal}} although select PM-rush trains to this terminal make local stops.<ref name="HSLCL"/> Four E trips originate from 179th Street during the a.m. rush hour, three E trips originate from 179th Street during the p.m. rush hour, three E trips terminate at 179th Street during the a.m. rush hour, and four trips terminate at 179th Street during the p.m. rush hour.<ref name="timetable" /><ref>{{cite web | title=E train southbound | website=Trip Planner+ | url=http://tripplanner.mta.info/MyTrip/ui_web/serviceinthearea/Timetable.aspx?operator=SUB&route=E&inputDate=11/07/16&direction=S&type=E | access-date=October 30, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030201324/http://tripplanner.mta.info/MyTrip/ui_web/serviceinthearea/Timetable.aspx?operator=SUB&route=E&inputDate=11%2F07%2F16&direction=S&type=E | archive-date=October 30, 2016 | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=E train northbound | website=Trip Planner+ | url=http://tripplanner.mta.info/MyTrip/ui_web/serviceinthearea/Timetable.aspx?operator=SUB&route=E&inputDate=11/07/16&direction=N&type=E | access-date=October 30, 2016 | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 31, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531040456/http://tripplanner.mta.info/MyTrip/ui_web/serviceinthearea/Timetable.aspx?operator=SUB&route=E&inputDate=11%2F07%2F16&direction=N&type=E }}</ref>

E trains share tracks with F trains between the 75th Avenue and 36th Street interlockings during weekday rush hours and middays, and between the Van Wyck Boulevard and 36th Street interlockings on evenings, late nights and weekends. The shared segment with the F, during rush hours, receives the most scheduled service of any track segment in the system with 30 trains per hour, 15 on the E, and 15 on the F. The route shares tracks with M trains between Queens Plaza and [[Fifth Avenue/53rd Street station|Fifth Avenue–53rd Street]], and with C or late-night A service from [[42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal]] to [[Canal Street station (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|Canal Street]].<ref name="MTA-FLineReview-2009">{{cite web|title=Review of F Line Operations, Ridership, andAnd Infrastructure|url=http://www.mta.info/sites/default/files/archive/pdfs/flinereport.pdf|date=October 7, 2009|website=mta.info|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|access-date=December 10, 2016|archive-date=December 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225200244/http://www.mta.info/sites/default/files/archive/pdfs/flinereport.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{rp|4}}<ref name="MTA-ReviewAC-2015">{{cite web|title=Review of the A and C Lines|url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/AC_LineReview.pdf|date=December 11, 2015|website=mta.info|publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]]|access-date=January 19, 2016}}</ref>{{Rp|28}}<ref name="tracks">{{NYCS const|trackref|trackbook3}}</ref>

For a more detailed station listing, see the articles on the lines listed above.<ref name="timetable"/>