New York subway breakdown on Monday morning enrages commuters, seems all too familiar

It is no secret that there have been numerous train breakdowns recently due to SMRT's testing of a new signalling system.

Understandably, Singaporeans who are just getting to work or looking forward to going home have been terribly upset.

Myself included.

However, it is also no secret that train services in other countries face their share of problems and disruptions.

On Monday, July 17, Upper Manhattan residents were stranded when A, B, C, D trains stopped running beyond 125th Street due to a track fire at 145th Street.

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Definitely not a great way to start the week.

According to Business Insider, the fire was sparked by garbage on the track.

Service only resumed two hours later with extensive delays.

What followed was a nightmarish morning commute to work that may make our disruptions here in Singapore look mellow.

Matthew Hawkins, a Washington Heights-based writer told AM News, "There were so many people trying to get into the elevators at the station.

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"Eventually I was able to get in and get down to the platform, which was a madhouse - everyone is angry and disgruntled because they're late."

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Private cars' rates surged, naturally.

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The New York subway has been riddled with major disruptions, even before this one.

And it sure seems like angry and disgruntled commuters behave pretty much the same around the world.

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And understandably so. As I said, I have been there.

akosasi@sph.com.sg