Train disruption: B and C line services are halted at W. 4th Street station due to a local power outage nearby
Power Outage Disrupts Subway Service in New York City
A power outage that occurred near the W. 4th Street - Washington Square subway station in Greenwich Village on July 29, 2025, caused significant disruptions to multiple subway lines during the morning rush hour.
The outage, which happened around 8:30 a.m., was due to a breaker tripping at a substation that powers the subway signals. This led to the signals going red, stopping train movement and causing severe delays on the A, B, C, D, E, F, and M trains.
NYC Transit President Demetrius Crichlow announced that service would be restored gradually "within the hour." However, it took several hours for the MTA crews to reset the tripped breaker and the signals manually, gradually restoring service. By 1 p.m., C train service was fully restored, and other services resumed with significant delays still ongoing.
During the outage, B and C train service remained suspended in both directions. Commuters in the Bronx could take the 4 or D train for B train service, while those heading to Manhattan could take the 1 train at Central Park West or the 1, R, or W train for local service on Broadway and 7th Avenue.
For those in Brooklyn planning to take the C train, an alternative was to take the A train instead. Bus service in Brooklyn was also available as an alternative. For B train service in Brooklyn, travelers could use the Q train.
Despite no reports of stalled trains, some lines, such as the F, were moving slowly. Crews were still working on the system as of 11 a.m.
The MTA is investigating the cause of the outage, suspecting that the heat that day put strain on the system, contributing to the breaker tripping and the dip or surge in power that caused the outage. More information can be found at mta.info.
This is a developing story; check back for updates.
The power outage, affecting multiple subway lines in New York City's transportation system, also had implications for the finance industry, as some commuters might have missed crucial meetings or deadlines due to the disruptions during the rush hour. General news outlets are reporting increased traffic on alternative routes, such as buses and other affected train lines, as a result of the subway service interruptions. The MTA's investigation into the root cause of the outage, which they suspect may have been exacerbated by the extreme heat of the day, will likely involve various aspects of the industry, including infrastructure management and power distribution.
