Beating the Heat

With temperatures topping 100 degrees earlier this week, the entire metropolitan area was feeling the heat, and the transit system was no exception. Reduced energy consumption affected commutes for some riders and impacted a few elevators and escalators in the subway system. But for the most part, the hard work of the MTA's operating agencies kept New York moving despite the temperature. MTA.info is the place for updated information throughout the summer.

New York City Transit has worked in tandem with the New York Power Authority to reduce electrical demand during high usage periods, doing its part by shutting down rectifiers for traction power in Substations reducing the load by a minimum of 12 megawatts. NYC Transit also reduced power consumption by turning off unnecessary lighting and electronics and adjusting air comfort systems. Elevators at several stations in downtown Brooklyn were impacted by reduced power, with portable generators utilized at the Court Street station.

At Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road departure terminals like Grand Central, Penn Station and Atlantic Terminal, special measures have been taken to keep trains cool and conserve energy. In extreme weather, every other train door is kept closed until three minutes before departure, when all doors open to facilitate customer boarding.

The extreme heat forced Metro-North to occasionally issue slow speed orders, especially on the New Haven Line. Trains were slowed to avoid pantographs getting ensnared in catenary wires that could sag due to the heat. Railroad employees were instructed to report hot cars and roving air-conditioning crews were dispatched to make any necessary repairs.

MTA employees subjected to high temperatures were provided water and projects where workers could be subjected to extreme heat were also put on hold. Crews remain at the ready if there are any heat-related issues impacting service. While we will continue to work hard to minimize any impact and inconvenience, we advise our customers to allow extra time for their commutes, dress appropriately for the hot weather, and check www.mta.info or local radio or television stations for the latest service information before starting their trip.