Posted on 03/04/2004 6:20:00 PM PST by Sub-Driver
AirTrain Passengers End Up At Storage Yard Instead Of Airport
POSTED: 8:06 am EST March 4, 2004 UPDATED: 6:42 pm EST March 4, 2004
NEW YORK -- For the second time this year, passengers on the Kennedy Airport AirTrain were accidentally diverted to a storage yard that contained electric rails, officials said.
The Feb. 12 mistake prompted an internal overview of the $1.9 billion, eight-mile long transit system which runs from Howard Beach and Jamaica Queens to the airport, Newsday reported in Thursday editions.
The train was riding on the Howard Beach line when it went off course and into an area where unused trains are kept. When the train's doors opened, the dozen passengers on board were exposed to live electrified rail.
Passengers who were expecting to arrive at the airport called for help with the intercom on the train and an employee advised them to stay clear of the doors.
After about 15 minutes, the train was back on course.
Two employees of Montreal-based Bombardier, the company that operates the AirTrain system, were disciplined after the incident.
"This incident is unacceptable and the Port Authority deeply regrets any inconvenience," said Pasquale DiFulco, a Port Authority spokesman.
On Jan. 26, another train filled with travelers was also mistakenly diverted to the same yard.
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