Operating System Problem Causes Light Rail Delays

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Commuters that use the Port Authority's light rail service experienced significant delays this morning.

Port Authority spokesman Jim Ritchie said the system had to be shut down because of a computer-based problem at a South Hills operation center. They lost control of the signals and ventilation systems.

"We had to keep cars in place until we made sure we had those manual controls in place to operate safely," Ritchie said.

All inbound cars were being stopped at the First Avenue station for a period of time.

Some light rail passengers said the morning rush hour delay was an inconvenience for two reasons. First, some of them were late to work. The other reason? others It was just too cold, to wait for the train.

The delays began early Wednesday morning. Many passengers were unaware of the delay until they arrived at a train station.

"We got a radio call that they were pulling out and we stopped again, and the lights weren't working right, the stop and go lights," James Coles said.

"It was a little bit longer wait today, than usual," Carley Mendez said.

Ritchie said they don't expect problems in the afternoon or evening rush.

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