Train Troubles Cause Terrible Tuesday Commutes For LIRR Riders
LONG BEACH, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- As if the rails these days weren't rough enough, a partial derailment of a Long Island Rail Road train just after 5 a.m. Tuesday destroyed another morning commute.
The work day got off to a rough start for riders who use the LIRR's Long Beach branch.
MTA Chairman Joe Lhota said an equipment train suffered a partial derailment when it was being moved into position for the morning commute. Two cars came off the tracks.
The derailment took place at 5:16 a.m. as the train was moving at 5 mph.
No injuries were reported.
The railroad issued an alert at 5:48 a.m. saying that all service on the line was suspended in both directions because of a disabled train blocking access to the Long Beach Yard.
"This morning's situation is not something that we expected to happen but we know anything is possible when you run a railroad and so we have alternatives available to be able to work with each and every one of the folks who needed to come in," Lhjota said.
Service has since been restored
"What else can I do about it?" rider Peter Fonti said.
Other LIRR customers hoping for smooth service going home were in for disappointment themselves, a signal problem created a jam packed Jamaica Station and dinnertime delays at Penn Station too.
"Oh no, happens all the time," West Islip resident Dan Daley tells CBS2's Jessica Layton.
Daley's train to Deer Park was cancelled altogether.
Meanwhile, subway riders are reacting to the possibility of another wrinkle in their routine. The MTA is considering banning food on the subway after trash on the tracks sparked a fire at a station in Harlem Monday, bringing service to a stand still for thousands.
"The goal is no fires, plain and simple," Lhota told CBS2 Political Reporter Marcia Kramer.
"I think as long as you're respectful and self responsible and clean up the trash you should be able to eat on the train," Queens resident Kaitlyn Yates said.
The MTA is promising passengers brand new track cleaning trains and track vacuums by the end of the year. In the meantime, they're asking everyone to do their part and clean up after themselves.
