It’s never good when the 7 line shuts down

Update 3:53 p.m.: Well, phew, the MTA got everything up and running just before rush hour. Service is restored along the 7 line in both directions from Flushing to Times Square. There is, however, no express service today. I guess the LED lights will all be saying LCL tonight.

Update 3:13 p.m.: As of a minute or two ago, the MTA announced that there is limited
service between Times Square and Queensboro Plaza. At Queensboro Plaza riders can transfer to the N or W trains or buses that head deeper into Queens. The other lines though that run along Queens boulevard are bound to be crowded.

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Due to a mechanical failure on the 7 line, there is no service in either direction on the 7 line right now, the MTA informs us at 3:04 p.m.. More from the service alert:

Limited Shuttle Bus service is available between Flushing – Main Street and 74th Street – Broadway where customers can transfer to the E, F, R or V for service into Manhattan.

In addition, customers are advised to take the Q32 from 42nd Street and Madison Avenue, running along Queens Boulevard and Roosevelt Avenue, making nearby station stops between Grand Central-42nd Street and 82nd Street-Jackson Heights.

For additional stops, customers can use the Q23, Q48, Q66 or Q72 bus service.

William Neuman at the Cityroom has more. Apparently, the line went down at around 1:35 p.m. when power to one of the electrical signals went out. Paul J. Fleuranges, NYCT spokesman, said the MTA does not know when the power will be restored. Another spokesman Charles F. Seaton noted that the power outage is affected just one part of the line, but all train service had to be halted to fix the problem.

With rush hour looming in an hour or so, the MTA is racing against the clock to get service on a very popular line restored, and this outage won’t help the 7 improve on that C-minus it received in August.