"The #7 serving Shea is the best line in the city," said Gene Russianoff, Straphangers staff attorney. He noted the #7 was the highest rated line in the Straphangers' annual state of the subways report, released in July. "The subway to Shea runs well ahead of the lines to the Bronx Bombers. The teams are well matched, but their subway lines are not."

The #7 received a "line rating" of $1.05 from Straphangers, ranking first while the #4 ranked fourth and the D ranked sixth out of 19 lines (both had ratings of 85-cents. Riders on the #7 get more service, a greater chance of getting a seat and better announcements, all "crowd pleasers."