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Rough ride as MTA cuts car inspections – Metro US

Rough ride as MTA cuts car inspections

NYC Transit is quietly extending subway car inspection cycles, a veteran subway car inspector revealed to Metro yesterday.

Subway cars that once were inspected every 10,000 miles will now be checked every 11,000 miles, confirmed a subway spokesperson.

But realistically, trains will end up being inspected every 12,000 miles, said the inspector.

Brakes and air conditioning units will most likely be the first to go, says the car inspector, who has 20 years on the job.

If they’re not checked regularly, the filters on car’s air-conditioning units become clogged — enjoy traveling on those trains in 103-degree weather.

The brake shoes, which stop the trains, and the current collectors, which connect the train to the electrified third rail, also wear out.

“If a brake line blows out, the train stalls. You’ll have longer waits and possibly get stuck,” said the inspector.

At worst, the train could crash or derail.

New subway cars break down less often, and therefore need less maintenance, said the spokesperson.

But if they’re not properly maintained, new cars can turn into old cars very soon, warned the inspector.

“Inspections are important,” said MTA board member Andrew Albert. “You cut maintenance and there are going to be repercussions.”