NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The MTA pulled nearly 300 subway cars due to safety issues effective immediately on Wednesday after they were alerted about two recent incidents.
NYCT President Andy Byford said in a statement that thete were questions raised about the reliable operation of a door mechanism on their newly-delivered R179 cars.
"Out of an abundance of caution, NYCT removed all R179 train cars from service overnight for thorough inspection and re-deployed other spare cars to continue service for this morning’s rush and ensure minimal impacts to customers."
299 Bombardier R179 subway cars were affected on the A, C, J and Z lines, but according to Byford, all lines operated at normal service levels with the exception of the J/Z line, where headways were "increased by two minutes in between trains for the AM peak period, and skip-stop service suspended."
Byford also added that the MTA has had "repeated issues" with Bombardier’s performance and finds this latest development unacceptable. "We intend to hold the company fully accountable," he said. Adding that the MTA will provide updates as they become available.
No passengers were injured in either incident.