More Subway Windows Smashed On 7 Line, MTA Warns Service Could Be Disrupted If Spree Continues
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - A rash of windows being smashed on subway cars is causing alarm.
It's also costing the cash-strapped Transit Authority hundreds of thousands of dollars.
As CBS2's Aundrea Cline-Thomas reports, the 7 train has been one of the main targets. So far, hundreds of windows have been smashed. Each time, every one of us ultimately has to pay for it.
Images show shattered windows on subway cars are now all too familiar. More than 400 have been smashed in recent months, especially on the 7, 2 and 3 train lines.
"We're challenged financially, so it's a big deal to us. It should be a big deal to everyone in New York too, because this is your money," said MTA Chief Safety and Security Officer Patrick Warren.
Fixing the mess has cost the MTA $250,000, and counting.
"I think this is boredom for our teenagers. This is their way of acting out," said rider Ann Spreeman.
"The 7 train is one of the rougher trains out of Queens because of the graffiti and the broken glass windows," said 7 train rider Rachel Tyo.
Federal regulations won't allow train cars to run without the windows being intact, so with each incident trains have to be taken out of service.
So far it hasn't caused too much disruption to customers, but that could soon change.
"It could make your commute a little bit longer while you wait for a second train. It also presents more opportunities for crowding because we have less trains on the line," Warren said.
Earlier this month, police shared surveillance video showing a man who they say smashed subway windows 63 times. No one in any incident has been arrested.
"People aren't commuting regularly on the trains. You know, there hasn't been a lot of security around, so people have been up to a lot of nonsense without people reporting them," one rider said.
Officials hop with more awareness about the problem, that changes.
The subway windows are much thicker than the ones that may be installed in your home. That's why the the MTA believes whoever is doing this is using a hammer, pipe or another blunt object.
It also means someone has to see it happening, so they hope those with information come forward.
Each panel of glass cost about $400 to replace.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.
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