Meanwhile, on the 6 train

Dave on 7th spotted this scene today on the 6 train... and the MTA is not a big fan of self-propelled or motor-propelled vehicles on trains...

[Updated] Report of a fatality at the Astor Place station

There are delays and multiple impacts in 4 5 and 6 service while we remove third-rail power after someone was fatally struck by a train at Astor Place. https://t.co/Z7aQlLpRmm

— NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) February 24, 2020

Several readers have passed along information that there are extensive delays on the 4, 5 and 6 trains this afternoon (as of 3:30 p.m.).

According to the MTA and various social media users, a man on the tracks was struck by a southbound 6 train at Astor Place around 3 p.m.

In an alert at 4:18 p.m., the MTA reported that service was resuming. However, the MTA says southbound 6 trains are skipping Astor Place as the NYPD and FDNY continue their investigation.

Will post more information as it becomes available.

Updated:

Per the Post:

Monday’s victim was already on the roadbed in the East Village station when a southbound No. 6 train ran over him around 3 p.m., cops said. He was declared dead at the scene.

It was not immediately clear how the victim ended up in the tracks, police said.

A man was also struck by a train at Astor Place yesterday morning. He was walking along the tracks, according to published reports. He was expected to survive his injuries.

Updated 2/26

According to Gothamist, the victim was an 80-year-old man, who jumped on the tracks to retrieve an item he dropped.

Fare deal: The MTA's new digital payment system arrives at Astor Place

Vinny & O yesterday spotted the MTA's new fare payment system (not in working order yet) at the downtown 6 at Astor Place...



We first heard about this in October 2017, when the MTA board voted to approve a contract to phase in this new digital system.

Per the MTA press release at the time:

The moves help officially mark the formal transition away from the MetroCard, which was first introduced in 1994. ...

Rather than swiping a MetroCard, MTA users will instead be able to use a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or tap a contactless bank card at turnstiles and on buses across the city. The new system will test payment options for all-door boarding on SBS buses, a critical measure for reducing the time it takes for customers to board and travel.

The system was reportedly set to launch this May along a stretch of the 4, 5 and 6 trains and across all bus routes on Staten Island, per amNY.

And a few more details about the tap-and-go system via amNY from June 2018:

In addition to MetroCards, which won’t be completely phased out until 2023, commuters will only be able to use specific, contactless credit or debit cards or mobile wallets from Apple, Google and Samsung to pay for fares during this initial launch.

The MTA won’t unveil its new smart card until February 2021, when it will be available to purchase like any gift card at drugstores and other convenience stores. Vending machines within stations will follow in 2022.

Updated 4/4

[Updated] Woman has her face slashed on the 6 train at Bleecker Street this morning

The NYPD says a 71-year-old woman was slashed in the face while riding a southbound 6 train as it approached Bleecker Street around 7:15 a.m., according to published reports.

The injured woman, who told police that she did not know her attacker, was taken to Bellevue Hospital with a 4-inch laceration on the left side of her face.

The NYPD described the suspect as a light-skinned black or Hispanic 18-year-old man, wearing a red sweater and black sneakers, the Daily News reported. He reportedly fled the scene on board a southbound D train leaving the Broadway-Lafayette station.

Updated 1/26

Police released a sketch of the suspect... and noted that the attack happened on a downtown D train entering the Broadway-Lafayette station... and not the 6 arriving at Bleecker as originally reported in media outlets yesterday...



Gothamist has an update with video surveillance footage and relevant links here.

Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online.

Updated 1/27

Police arrested 21-year-old Damon Knowles, of Brooklyn, in the assault.

No. 2 on the 6

Adventures of Balloon Girl on the 4, 5 and 6

Rush hour, and the 4 and 5 are too crowded... waiting and waiting...

...for a much less-crowded local...