Vandals Smash Dozens of Subway Windows, Causing Delays and Service Suspensions
NEW YORK — The New York City subway system experienced major disruptions on Tuesday as several subway lines faced delays and W train service was suspended. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that over 30 train cars were vandalized, leading to the removal of 36 train cars from service due to smashed windows.
Photos released by the MTA and NYPD officials showed the extent of the damage, with a total of 78 train car windows smashed during the early morning hours on Tuesday. The W line was hit the hardest and has been suspended since Tuesday evening. Commuters on the Yellow Line, as well as D and F train riders, have also faced delays due to the repairs.
New York City Transit Authority President Richard A. Davey expressed his outrage at the vandalism, stating, “To have, as I said, a group of individuals or an individual disrupt the commute of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and probably cost us tens of thousands, if not more, dollars to repair these windows is outrageous.”
Although it is unclear where exactly the vandalism took place, officials believe it happened on active subway cars rather than in a yard. An investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made at this time.
Davey issued a warning to the vandals, stating, “We will find you. We have your picture. I have no doubt. We will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
NYPD Chief of Transit Michael Kempter emphasized that breaking windows on trains and causing disruptions is not only an inconvenience but a crime. He warned that those responsible will be arrested and face felony charges.
The repairs for the vandalized train cars are estimated to cost more than $500,000. Commuters have expressed their frustration with the delays and disruptions caused by the vandalism.
“It took so long. I was 45 minutes late to work today. A bunch of people were as well,” said one commuter named Maya Malde.
Another rider described the situation as “horrible,” stating, “It’s bad enough the service is usually slow, but…”
The MTA has repaired 25 out of the 36 vandalized trainsets as of Wednesday morning. However, W service on the Yellow Line remains suspended.
The MTA and NYPD urged the public to report any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation.
This article was written by Doug Williams, a reporter and anchor in the Tri-State Area since 2013, and was originally published on CBS New York.