Electrical systems that power NYC subways pre-date moon landing

WNYC News

Each 2 train’s trip between Harlem and the Bronx is powered by a ramshackle electrical room maintained by an MTA manager who uses unorthodox tricks of the trade to keep its antiquated technology running.

When electrical components fail in the substation – a common occurrence, as evidenced by burn marks on the walls – MTA Chief Superintendent Joseph Daidone searches eBay for replacements. Many of the manufacturers that once made critical equipment there went out of business decades ago, so he looks for gear from decommissioned substations around the country that’s up for online auction.

If Daidone needs to reach the outside world from 40 feet below a Harlem sidewalk, he must use a rotary phone that was installed in 1969. Younger hires often need to be instructed on how to make a call because they’ve never seen one in person.

And when something really goes wrong and electricity from the tracks needs to be isolated, Daidone grabs a stick – a little longer than a broomstick – to reach a button on the ceiling.