NEW YORK — Subway service was disrupted for hundreds of thousands of commuters Wednesday because of a theft of copper cable from train tracks, transit officials said.
The theft of 500 feet of cable forced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to suspend train service between the Rockaway Boulevard and Broad Channel stations in Queens and instead use shuttle buses during the morning rush.
The cable was stolen from about 12 locations along the tracks, the authority said.
The crime caused delays and overcrowding along the entire length of the heavily used A and C lines, which transport 775,000 riders per day, the transit authority said.
The theft was discovered late Tuesday when a train lost power north of the Howard Beach station in Queens.
Crews pulled in a train behind it, and an estimated 150 passengers had to walk through the trains to get back to the station.
“We are working closely with the [New York police] Transit Bureau to help them investigate this crime and identify the culprits responsible,” New York City Transit President Carmen Bianco said.
A state lawmaker who represents the area where the thefts occurred wrote to the transportation authority’s chairman, Thomas Prendergast, demanding an investigation.
“I am alarmed by reported security breaches along the A train and the failure to put in place effective alternative travel plans for our families,” Assemblyman Philip Goldfeder said.
Service was partially restored by late morning, but the transit authority said trains would be replaced by shuttle buses again Wednesday night so that repairs could be made.
Thefts of copper to be sold as scrap have plagued railroads and utilities across the country.
Copper was trading for about $2.80 per pound Wednesday.