It's also that there are fewer alternatives to the L, if the L is down, you are kind of screwed. Only the Upper East Side is so dependent on a single line, and

It's also that there are fewer alternatives to the L, if the L is down, you are kind of screwed. Only the Upper East Side is so dependent on a single line, and that is changing. Plus, the L has exploded in popularity in the last 10-15 years. It was not that popular 30 years ago. Demand has grown much faster than any other line in the system.