*By Carlo Versano* When New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority shuts down the L Train next April for 15 months of repairs, an estimated 225,000 Brooklynites will need to rethink their commutes. Enter the [New L](https://www.thenewl.com/), a pop-up carpool service of sorts which will transport up to 13 commuters at a time from their doorsteps in Brooklyn to drop-off points in Manhattan for the duration of the shutdown. The "core shuttle service" will expand accessibility for residents of Williamsburg, Bushwick, Greenpoint, and other crowded neighborhoods that are currently serviced by the L but far from other lines, New L founder Jaime Getto said in an interview with Cheddar Wednesday. Getto's business is part of a patchwork system of mobility solutions ー public, private, and personal ー conceived to deal with the repercussions of what will be a massive (and extended) headache for many commuters. Ridership on the L has more than tripled since 1990, according to the MTA. The agency has said [contingency plans](http://web.ta.info/sandy/resources.html) include increased bus and ferry service, though it's admitted that up to 85 percent of impacted riders will opt for other subway lines. That will create a spillover effect on already crowded trains like the J, M, and Z. Getto said her initiative can help alleviate that "chaos." "I had to create this company because the MTA's mitigation plan was not feasible," she said, [echoing](https://www.villagevoice.com/2018/05/17/the-l-train-shutdown-scenario-just-got-a-whole-lot-worse/) the concerns of many locals. Getto's idea began as a way to provide a service to her neighbors, though she said it immediately became clear that she could appeal to a wider base. The New L is mostly a technology platform, she added, and does not own any vehicles or employ any drivers. Instead, it will utilize fleets of for-hire cars already licensed by the Taxi & Limousine Commission. The company is currently collecting data from potential riders to build the most efficient routes, Getto said. The fleet will consist of luxury sprinter vans and include Wi-Fi, chargers, and even a rotating breakfast menu from local cafes. Pricing is still in process, she said, but will include a $155 monthly option. That, though, just covers rides into Manhattan in the mornings ー getting home is up to the riders. "The service will operate for the duration of the shutdown," Getto said, and will cease "once there's a suitable alternative provided by the MTA," presumably after the repairs are over. The New L will help reduce the amount of cars on the road during this critical time, Getto said. She did not indicate how long a commute on the New L will take. *(Disclosure: The author's father is a former executive at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.)* For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/the-new-l-a-luxury-transportation-alternative-during-nycs-l-train-shutdown).

Share:
More In Business
Al Sharpton to lead pro-DEI march through Wall Street
The Rev. Al Sharpton is set to lead a protest march on Wall Street to urge corporate America to resist the Trump administration’s campaign to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The New York civil rights leader will join clergy, labor and community leaders Thursday in a demonstration through Manhattan’s Financial District that’s timed with the anniversary of the Civil Rights-era March on Washington in 1963. Sharpton called DEI the “civil rights fight of our generation." He and other Black leaders have called for boycotting American retailers that scaled backed policies and programs aimed at bolstering diversity and reducing discrimination in their ranks.
A US tariff exemption for small orders ends Friday. It’s a big deal.
Low-value imports are losing their duty-free status in the U.S. this week as part of President Donald Trump's agenda for making the nation less dependent on foreign goods. A widely used customs exemption for international shipments worth $800 or less is set to end starting on Friday. Trump already ended the “de minimis” rule for inexpensive items sent from China and Hong Kong, but having to pay import taxes on small parcels from everywhere else likely will be a big change for some small businesses and online shoppers. Purchases that previously entered the U.S. without needing to clear customs will be subject to the origin country’s tariff rate, which can range from 10% to 50%.
Southwest Airlines’ new policy will affect plus-size travelers. Here’s how
Southwest Airlines will soon require plus-size travelers to pay for an extra seat in advance if they can't fit within the armrests of one seat. This change is part of several updates the airline is making. The new rule starts on Jan. 27, the same day Southwest begins assigning seats. Currently, plus-size passengers can pay for an extra seat in advance and later get a refund, or request a free extra seat at the airport. Under the new policy, refunds are still possible but not guaranteed. Southwest said in a statement it is updating policies to prepare for assigned seating next year.
Load More