Signal Delays Disrupted Subways Almost Every Day in August, Advocates Say

The 1 train line has some of the oldest cars in the city, which could explain why so many people complain about hot cars on the line during the summer

More than a year after the MTA rolled out a stabilization plan meant to reduce subway delays, morning commutes are still slowed by extensive signal problems, according to a new report.

The Riders Alliance, a commuter advocacy group, tracked the MTA’s daily status report to find that issues with the signals slowed commuters every weekday morning except one during the month of August.

But there were other causes for delays on Aug. 23, the one morning rush hour free from signal days, said Danny Pearlstein, policy director and communications director of the Riders Alliance.

"Even though the M-T-A data showed that there were no signal or mechanical malfunctions between 6 and 10 in the morning, B and Q trains were still delayed while investigators tried to determine why a train's emergency break had been triggered."

He said the the group will continue to track the data.

The MTA noted some progress in improving its on-time record.

"The system has stabilized over the last year thanks to intensive investment and maintenance associated with the Subway Action Plan," said agency spokesman Jon Weinstein.

He added that an upgrade of the signal system will be an essential part of ensuring reliable service.

The MTA’s head of New York City Transit, Andy Byford has vowed to reduce delays by 10,000 going forward and announced a new plan to modernize the system, although it has yet to be backed by a funding stream.

More than half of subway signals are more than 50 years old and many subway signals date back to the Great Depression.