De Blasio Staffer Stuck With 'Sobbing' Riders On Broken Down 7 Train

We can’t fix Penn Station or update the subway’s signal systems. But we can give voice to your frustration, hold those in charge accountable and find creative ways to make commuting more pleasant. Patch is partnering with WNYC and Gothamist to do just that. Join "We the Commuters" and you’ll receive tips, inspiration and a megaphone for your voice this summer.

NEW YORK CITY, NY – A staffer for Mayor Bill de Blasio was surrounded by '"sobbing" riders on a 7 train that got stuck underground for more than 30 minutes Wednesday, she said.

Around 9:30 a.m., the MTA announced some 7 trains making their way to Manhattan would stop at the Roosevelt Ave. or 61st St./Woodside Ave. stations. It also said some express 7 trains would stop at Queensboro Plaza. The problem stemmed from a broken-down 7 train at Grand Central terminal, according to NBC.

De Blasio spokeswoman Jessica Ramos tweeted that her train got stuck in the Steinway tunnel connecting Queens to Manhattan for about half an hour.

In a subsequent tweet, Ramos said, “7 now out of service! Stuck at Vernon-Jackson waiting for next 7 w hundreds of working Queens residents. Summer of hell for outer boros!”

At 10:30 a.m., the MTA tweeted that 7 service had resumed.

After apparently catching another 7 at the Vernon Blvd./Jackson Ave. stop, Ramos said, “There are people sobbing because they think they are going to lose their jobs."

She said it took her 2.5 hours total to complete a commute that usually takes her an hour and 15 minutes “on a bad day.”

Her boss has shied away from addressing the city’s beleaguered transit system since major repair work began at Penn Station on Monday – making for what Gov. Andrew Cuomo dubbed a “summer of hell” for all commuters.

When a reporter raised Ramos’ tweets at a Wednesday press conference, de Blasio said employers should be understanding when workers are late because of the subway.

Patch is partnering with WNYC to get your voice heard. Sign up for the We The Commuters project here.

Lead image by Patch