Big Apple subway riders were slammed with mass rush-hour delays the second time this week Thursday morning – just a day after they were whacked with the news of a probable price hike.
Numerous subway lines all experienced major disruptions thanks to a power outage near Manhattan’s West Fourth Street station that left straphangers stranded on stifling platforms and steaming mad. Downpours further threw the transit system into chaos later Thursday as the busy evening commute was starting.
And the travel headaches came as the MTA unveiled details Wednesday of fare hikes that would up the subway fare to $3 by next year.
NYC subway lines experience delays after a power outage, on July 29, 2025. FOX 5 NY
As of 9 a.m., the B, D, F and M lines were all experiencing major disruptions, the MTA warned. Annie Wermiel / NYPost“None of what we are paying for is matching what we are making,” Brooklyn resident Chanta Hunter, 42, told The Post at the West Fourth station. “It’s like inflate my paycheck.
“It’s ridiculous. It’s hot as hell,” she added. “It’s filthy. Where’s the money going to?”
But some MTA officials were singing a different tune Wednesday as its chief, Janno Lieber, argued the transit agency is not fueling affordability issues in the Big Apple.
MTA employees inspect the tracks and try to restore power on July 31, 2025. Annie Wermiel/NY Post
A disabled train at the West 4th Street F train platform in Manhattan. Stephen Yang
The MTA blamed a “loss of power” to signals near the West Fourth Street station for the rush-hour mayhem. NBC New YorkMeanwhile, MTA board member Neal Zuckerman claimed the bump was nominal.
“As a finance guy, I like a hike just so we can keep pace with the wage increases we have and other costs but this is a very gradual raise and I think very respectful of the inflation and affordability issues,” he said.
Hunter called that a “crock” and another straphanger, Jennifer Vasquez, 38, said a price increase should be tied to service.
“If it was $3 and the service was good I would not complain about it,” said Vasquez, a medical assistant from New Rochelle while waiting for a train to Grand Central Station. “But nothing has changed with the service.”
Queens housekeeper Teresa, 66, agreed.
As of 9 a.m., the B, D, F and M lines were all experiencing major disruptions, the MTA warned. Robert Mecea
Furious subway riders blasted the transit agency on social media as they accused the MTA of trying to jack up prices even as reliability seemed to plummet. NBC New York“It’s higher and higher and nothing changes for the better,” she said. “It’s even worse.
“It seems like $6 every day is a lot of money for people,” she added. “Some people make little money so $6 is a lot of money for people.”
But one rider, a retired 84-year-old city worker, didn’t know what all the fuss was about.
“I’m not really concerned about it. I think the fare is reasonable,” Chris said.
Lieber argued the transit agency is not fueling affordability issues in the city. Annie Wermiel/NY Post
The heat and aging infrastructure were suspected of being behind the disruptions earlier in the week after a breaker was flipped at the busy station. Annie Wermiel / NYPost“When you think you can travel for two hours a day and night and the subway never closing down for the fare that they charge I think it’s pretty remarkable.”
He also endorsed the rationale pushed out by Lieber and Zuckerman.
“I like the sound of that. I think he’s right,” he said about Lieber.
The B, D, F, and M lines all dealt with major problems after a mishap knocked out power at the same station Tuesday leading to the same travel nightmares for commuters.
MTA board member Neal Zuckerman claimed the fare bump was nominal. Annie Wermiel/NY Post
The MTA last jacked up the price in the middle of 2023. NBC New YorkThe heat and aging infrastructure were suspected of being behind the disruptions earlier in the week after a breaker was flipped at the busy station.
The aging infrastructure also took a beating with torrential downpours pounding the city Thursday afternoon into evening with multiple trains lines either suspended or severely delayed.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency in response to the rain.
