Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Subway Countdown Clocks Can't Take The Heat, Quit
By
Garth Johnston
Published Jul 21, 2011
Modified Jul 21, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Garth Johnston
Published Jul 21, 2011
Modified Jul 21, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Thanks to the intense heat "dome" currently enveloping us, at least 13 of the MTA's beloved countdown clocks have been taken down for the count! But which ones?
As of 2 p.m. the MTA tells us not to expect to find out when the next train is coming at these stops:
Spring Street (6)
Intervale (2)
Park Place (2,3)
191st Street (1)
145th Street-Lenox (3)
Clark Street (2,3)
Utica Ave (4)
Gun Hill Road (2, 5)
86th Street/Lex (4)
79th Street (1)
77th Street/Lex (6)
59th Street-Columbus Circle
145th Street (1)
The MTA explains the situation like this: “In certain subway stations, when we experience several days of hot weather, temperatures can exceed 120 degrees in the communications rooms that hold the equipment that drive the countdown clocks. We are constantly monitoring temperatures and working to install cooling systems in impacted communications rooms. We know our customers have come to rely on the “next train arrival” information and we apologize for the inconvenience and ask for their patience as we work to resolve this issue.”
So basically the clocks brains are located in very, very hot equipment rooms and are overheating (especially in underground stations). Which is to say, don't be too surprised if a few more of the clocks installed in more than a hundred stations across town go out before this heat breaks. At least they should be back in action when it cools down? And the MTA assures us that in the meantime their techs are working hard to bring them back online (and keep them that way) as soon as possible.
Tagged
countdown clock
heat dome
MTA
Garth Johnston
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.
By
Catalina Gonella
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting
By
Ryan Kost
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Phil Corso
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .