Computer Based Train Control, which was meant to let trains run closer to each other. When it was first envisioned, the L line has relatively low ridership numbers (this was before the boom in Williamsburg) so it was less disruptive to deploy it there first.
- Showtime performers
- God preachers
- People with similar troubles asking for money
- Delays
- Trains shutting down, causing people to overheat
- Trains crashing into walls
- Overcrowded stations/trains
I've been commuting in NYC for more than 15 years and I can't recall the subway being a hotter mess than it's been this year. I actually had to adjust my time to account for an inevitable cock-up.
I literally leave an hour earlier for work because of it. The A train is my train home, but thankfully I'm going to my girlfriend's apartment after work today.
NYC just basically differed on upgrading to a modern signalling system.
Its 100 years old and still using the 70+ year old system. It should have been replaced in the 90s and 00s but here we are and only 1 line has it (the L) and one soon will (the 7). Other countries are lucky because 1) they're not 24/7 and have more time to repair, and 2) were built with the new tech and don't need the retrofitting which the politicians are loathe to do instead of their fancy ribbon cutting ceremonies.
LIRR has been an absolute shitshow as well since April. July to September there shutting down tracks at Penn Station for "emergency repairs." NY transit has been really bad lately