R-train service restored by early next week

Merry Christmas, R-train riders!

Manhattan-bound service will be restored “by early next week,” said Charles Seaton, a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Transit Authority.

That means straphangers can resume their regular routes without having to transfer at Atlantic Avenue/Pacific Street or Jay Street/MetroTech by Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

The storm surge from Hurricane Sandy completely flooded out the Montague Tube, which runs under the East River. The salt water severely damaged signals and other equipment, making the clean-up process more complicated.

Riders rejoiced.

“I’m a little snoozey in the morning, so having to remember to get off and take the N train…has been a little difficult,” admitted Carmela DeVito of Dyker Heights. “This is good news.”

Nicole Martinez works in Staten Island and said her commute has been nearly three times as long since Manhattan-bound R service was suspended. “It will make my life easier,” she said.

Lefderis P. has been relying on a friend to give him a ride to work. “Finally,” he said of the restoration. “It’s about time.”