This archive report was first published on 20 July 2019.
On the first day of a heat wave, New York City's subway system was brought to a standstill on Friday night as several lines were suspended in both directions, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) attributed the disruption to a 'network communications' issue, which caused a 'total stoppage' at 5:50 p.m. due to a failure in the computer system that powers the signals in the A Division.
Passengers were left waiting for over an hour on train platforms, with some waiting up to 40 minutes for a train that never arrived. The heat was unbearable, with one passenger describing it as 'roasting hot.'
As the situation unfolded, city officials were quick to condemn the MTA's handling of the situation. Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted that the meltdown during a heat wave was 'UNACCEPTABLE,' while City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer described it as 'completely unacceptable.'
Despite the MTA's efforts to restore service, many passengers were left stranded, with some forced to take buses or cabs to reach their destinations. The incident has once again highlighted the problems plaguing the aging and troubled mass transit system.
