Subway service disrupted after signal power loss in Manhattan for 2nd time this week
MANHATTAN (WABC) -- For the second time this week, subway service on multiple lines in Manhattan was delayed or suspended due to a signal power outage at West 4th Street.
At one point Thursday morning, both B and C trains were suspended while D, F, and M trains were delayed in both directions.
Power was restored to the West 4th Street-Washington Square station shortly before 5 p.m. but some trains were running with residual delays.
According to the MTA, a surge of power at 8:32 a.m. knocked out a transformer which led to signal failure underground.
The lighted signals are imperative for guiding trains safely and smoothly through the tunnels, so as some crews worked to try and restore power at the busy hub, others had to manually signal the trains, which led to major slowdowns and suspensions across the city.
"Our system is dated and the extremes impact us, so extreme cold, extreme heat are always a challenge for our system... it's our goal to be able to provide good service. And this was not it," said NYC Transit Authority President Demetrius Crichlow.
Crichlow said the MTA brought in a new transformer and was working to restore service for the rush hour.
This is the second time this week that the transit system experienced delays and cancellations due to power loss at West 4th Street.
The very same disruption happened Tuesday, also at 8:32 a.m.
Crichlow said because both signal outages happened at the same time, it was likely for the same reason and that likely had to do with the heat.
Gov. Kathy Hochul released a statement, saying that New Yorkers deserve better.
"New Yorkers deserve better, I have secured record investment to finally modernize aging subway infrastructure, including historic funding for resiliency and power upgrades as we experience the impacts of climate change. It is critical that the MTA spends these dollars wisely and that riders feel the benefits," Hochul said. "At the same time, New Yorkers can't wait years for more resilient service; I've directed the MTA to undergo a full review of this week's issues to prevent similar outages in the future. I will always stand with our subway riders to ensure they have safe, reliable service."
Click here for more information and to check the status of your subway line.
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