Subway delays in NYC? Fallen leaves on train tracks could be why
NEW YORK (PIX11) – Subway delays happen for many reasons in New York City, whether its due to mechanical problems or NYPD activity.
But have you heard of fallen leaves being the cause of train disruptions?
Anywhere where leaves fall could cause problems for train tracks built in that area, according to the MTA. Fallen leaves could cause delays on the B, N, Q and S lines in Brooklyn, the No. 5 line in the Bronx, the A line in Queens, the Staten Island Railway, the LIRR and the Metro-North.
Fallen leaves, when crushed, leave behind a slippery residue known as pectin, the MTA wrote on its website. That could result in wheels slipping and sliding when a train speeds up or stops.
The sliding could result in flat spots on train wheels, which can take a whole car out of service, according to the MTA.
To help prevent delays, the MTA said it uses lasers and water jets to clean fallen leaves from the rails every night in the fall. The agency will also clean trains during the day when autumn peaks.
To find out about subway disruptions, you can check the MTA's website.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.