It’s been a rough ride for NYC commuters this morning, as widespread subway disruptions continue to snarl the Wednesday rush hour.
As of 9:50 a.m. on March 18th, 2026, the real-time-updates section of MTA’s website indicates that 18 subway lines are experiencing a mix of delays, reroutes, and major service changes—making for a particularly challenging commute across the city.
🚨 Major Service Changes
- 3 train: Fully suspended in both directions between 96th St and Harlem–148 St due to an FDNY investigation near 135th St
- 2 train: Rerouted via the 5 line between 149th St–Grand Concourse and Nevins St
- E & F trains (uptown): Rerouted via Roosevelt Island because of smoke conditions near 7 Av
- E trains are running along the F line from W 4th St through Rockefeller Center into Queens
- F trains are rerouted from Rockefeller Center to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av
- Some F trains are also running along the G line between Bergen St and Court Sq
⏱️ Delays Across Multiple Lines (as of 9:50 am)
Delays have been reported on a wide variety of lines, currently including:
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- C
- B
- D
- J
- R
🛤️ Track Maintenance
The disruptions to the E and F lines come as the MTA conducts urgent third-rail maintenance following a track fire near 7 Av, which was earlier extinguished by the FDNY.
As a result, uptown E trains are rerouted via the F line from W 4 St–Washington Sq to 47–50 Sts–Rockefeller Center and then continue through Roosevelt Island to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av, while some terminate at 168 St on the C line.
Uptown F trains are also being rerouted via Roosevelt Island from Rockefeller Center to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av. Commuters should anticipate delays and listen for announcements regarding altered train operations.
⚠️ Systemwide Impact
With multiple lines suspended, rerouted, or delayed at once, the disruptions are cascading across the network. Riders are facing longer travel times, unexpected transfers, and crowded platforms—especially in Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
📱 What Commuters Should Do
The MTA is urging riders to check the latest updates before and during their commute using the official app or website, as conditions are continuing to evolve in real time.