The electrical system powering New York City’s subway system is so outdated that it’s regularly prone to explosions, with much of its infrastructure still operating on technology from the Nixon era. MTA Chief Superintendent Joseph Daidone oversees one such substation located in Harlem, which powers the 2 train between Harlem and the Bronx. Daidone, who maintains the old system with creative workarounds, has to source replacement parts for malfunctioning equipment from online auctions, such as eBay. Many of the original manufacturers have long gone out of business, making it increasingly difficult to find necessary components.
In one instance, when something goes wrong and power must be isolated, Daidone uses a long stick to press a button on the ceiling, a task that would be difficult to accomplish without the makeshift tool. Despite the ingenuity and dedication of Daidone and his team, the system is under immense strain. The MTA reports that nearly a third of the subway’s substations are in “poor or marginal condition,” in desperate need of replacement due to decades of deferred maintenance. The power grid is so fragile that a minor issue at a substation can cause delays for up to 30 trains, and a major breakdown can lead to cascading failures across multiple stations.
This situation is particularly concerning given the high demands on the subway, which moves between 4 and 5 million riders a day. The MTA itself has acknowledged that the current infrastructure can barely sustain daily operations, much less the increase in service that is necessary to meet growing demand.
A recent explosion at a substation in Downtown Brooklyn, which caused significant delays, highlighted the vulnerability of the system. The Brooklyn substation, which is over 90 years old, is just one example of the dangers posed by the subway’s aging electrical equipment. As the MTA seeks $65 billion in funding for upgrades, including $3 billion specifically for electrical infrastructure, the agency warns that such explosions will only become more frequent unless substantial investments are made.
However, the MTA’s proposed capital plan has faced resistance in Albany. State lawmakers have expressed concern over the high cost of the plan, and fulfilling it would likely require new taxes. The funding debate is set to continue in the current legislative session. The future of New York City’s subway system may depend on the political will to address its aging infrastructure before more frequent and dangerous failures occur.
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