Massive Delays on the E, M, F, N, R, D, B, Q, C, 2, 5, and 7 Attributed to Human Error

(NEW YORK, NEW YORK)— Commuters were angry to find that despite the change in the calendar year, little had changed in New York City’s dysfunctional MTA system. The first Monday of 2020 saw huge delays on the E, M, F, N, R, D, B, Q, C, 2, 5, and 7, Gothamist reports. While multiple lines were affected, the 7 train was hit hardest.

Initially reporters attributed the blame to a signal problem at Grand Central after the city saw half an inch of snow the night before, allegedly damaging the sensitive signal. However, the MTA released a statement clarifying that the signal problems were caused by human error.

Sally Librera, Senior VP of Subways at the MTA said: “A transponder in an area of weekend track work on the 7 line that is designed to confirm the precise locations of trains was re-installed in the wrong location after work concluded before the morning rush hour. That caused trains to not connect properly to the transponder, resulting in slow speed operation as a safety precaution. Many customers therefore experienced severe delays as a result. This was a case of human error, not weather or equipment, and was completely unacceptable to our customers and to us. Simultaneously an unrelated switch issue caused delays on the E/M/F/R Queens Boulevard line. Because some riders had switched from the 7 line to the E/F/M/R line, their trips were impacted twice.”

Thankfully, the Long Island Railroad system accepted metro-card swipes during this time, providing 7 train commuters with alternate service.