Watch CBS News

Service restored on multiple NYC subway lines after power failure at 59th Street

NYC subway riders stranded due to power loss
NYC subway riders stranded due to power loss 01:35

NEW YORK -- Service on multiple New York City subway lines has been restored after a power failure in Manhattan caused suspensions during the evening rush hour, the MTA says. 

The were "severe" residual delays on some lines, but they appear to be resolved, according to the MTA's website. 

Subways suspended from Columbus Circle to 125th Street

A, B, C and D trains were halted at around 5:30 p.m. Thursday, stranding people for hours. 

Platforms at the Times Square station grew crowded and MTA crews inspected the tracks at Columbus Circle, where confused riders waited on trains. 

According to the MTA, there was a loss of power on the third rail at 59th Street, which caused service to be suspended for hours from Columbus Circle up to 125th Street. 

MTA workers helped the frustrated riders exit trains and find alternate ways home. 

"At first they said 30 minutes. And then it's 40 minutes," said Regina Araujo. 

"It's just unfortunate. It's got to do better as a city. Just, why do we pay all these taxes? Nothing works," said Odaro Ighodaro. 

Especially with congestion pricing and a push to use mass transit, passengers say problems like this are unacceptable. 

"It's like they're spending all of this money with congestion prices and all of this work throughout the city, and it's constantly breakdowns of the train, the trains are unsafe, people are sleeping on it," said Tristan Phillip. 

While this commuter headache has been solved, many riders are anticipating the next one.  

Click here to check on current subway conditions. 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.