Transit officials announced Thursday the first move in a sweeping plan to reorganize the city's subway system.

Starting on December 9 with the 7 and L lines, Metropolitan Transit Authority officials will begin testing a plan that would give each subway line an independent general manager to oversee day-to-day issues.

The line managers will be responsible for matters ranging from scheduling to station cleanliness. If the plan is successful, the reorganization could spread throughout the system over the next three years.

Initial concerns will deal with problems straphangers listed on the recent rider report cards. Eventually, the MTA hopes to integrate Internet communication between line managers and riders.

MTA officials say the project can be completed internally and does not require any new hires. Officials also believe the changes can be implemented within current budget constraints.

AP wires contributed to this article.