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MTA: Increased Work On Subway Tracks A Factor In 45 Percent More Delays

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Tired of waiting for a train at the subway platform? Get used to it.

As WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported, subway delays have soared 45 percent.

MTA Spokesman Kevin Ortiz acknowledges that the number of delays has gone up due to a number of factors.

MTA: Increased Work On Subway Tracks A Factor In Increased Delays

"We have increased the amount of work that we're doing along our tracks over the past year and a half. Much of this is driven by increasing work related to Sandy and capital work, really keeping the system in a state of good repair," he said.

Ortiz said there are also more inspections, which means more workers on the tracks and trains passing them more slowly due to enhanced safety measures.

"We're seeing increased ridership," Ortiz added.

In fact, on 29 days last year, Ortiz said the subways moved 6 million riders-- which also plays a role in delays.

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