Phase 2 of MTA’s intense track clean up begins

MTA crews executing the second phase of “Operation Track Sweep” at 14th St., one of 469 stations to be cleaned during the next two weeks.

Marc A. Hermann/MTA New York City Transit

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has begun Phase 2 of its “Operation Track Sweep,” a multi-phase plan to get trash off of subway tracks, which is expected to minimize train delays and lower the risks of track fires.

The clean up’s second phase includes a two-week cleaning schedule at all 469 subway stations along the line that spans more than 10 miles of track, officials say. More than 500 employees are expected to participate in the cleanup efforts.

“This multi-part track-cleaning initiative will have a real effect on service—by getting rid of trash on the tracks we can reduce the number of track fires, and limit delays,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast.

Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim, president of NYC Transit, describes this phase of the track sweep as “just one part of a larger initiative.”

“We’re also increasing the frequency of track cleaning over the long haul, developing new track cleaning technologies and acquiring three new vacuum trains that can remove up to 14 cubic yards of trash every day,” Hakim said. “Finally, we’re asking everyone to help out by disposing of trash properly—a cleaner subway benefits everyone.”

The following is a breakdown of each phase of “Operation Track Sweep”:

Phase 1

In June 2016, the MTA implemented an aggressive cleaning schedule that re-prioritizes stations based on the amounts of trash usually removed, and increases the frequency of station track cleaning from 34 station tracks every two weeks to 94 station tracks every two weeks.

Phase 2

Beginning Sept. 12, the MTA launched an intensive two-week, system-wide cleaning program during which more than 500 workers will remove trash and debris from the tracks at all of the system’s stations. The cleanup work on underground stations will be done at night, when ridership is at its lightest. During the day workers will clean tracks at outdoor and elevated stations.

Phase 3

The MTA is also working with two manufacturers on the development of a powerful—but portable—track vacuum system that can be quickly deployed, operated from platforms and swiftly transported from one station to the next. Prototypes of the new vacuums are slated to arrive in November or December.

Phase 4

In addition, the MTA has ordered a trio of powerful new track vacuum trains, with the first two trains arriving in 2017 and a third set to arrive in 2018. Vacuum trains can remove up to 14 cubic yards of trash daily. The MTA is also purchasing 27 new refuse cars to move debris out of the system. The cars are equipped with special railings to secure and transport wheeled garbage containers that are collected at subway stations.