5 Shocking Reasons Why The 4 And 5 Train Delays Are Getting Worse (And The MTA’s 2025 Plan To Fix It)
The New York City commute on the 4 and 5 subway lines is notoriously unpredictable, a daily gamble that commuters on the Lexington Avenue Line face. As of today, December 19, 2025, while the MTA’s official service alerts may only show planned weekend work or minor incidents, the underlying systemic issues causing chronic delays remain a major concern for millions of riders.
The ‘4’ (Woodlawn to Utica Avenue/New Lots Avenue) and ‘5’ (Dyre Avenue/Eastchester to Bowling Green/Flatbush Avenue) trains, which share the heavily trafficked trunk of the IRT Lexington Avenue Line, are consistently plagued by slowdowns. These delays are not merely random events; they are the result of a complex interplay between aging infrastructure, high passenger volume, and unexpected human factors that create a cascading effect across the entire system. Understanding these core causes is the first step to navigating one of the most critical arteries of the NYC subway.
The Anatomy of a Delay: 5 Shocking Causes Behind 4 and 5 Train Service Disruptions
The 4 and 5 trains operate on the oldest part of the subway system, the Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) lines. This historical context means that minor issues can rapidly escalate into major service disruptions, particularly during the critical rush hour periods. The causes of these chronic delays are often varied, ranging from technical failures to human error and unexpected events.
1. The Critical Signal Problem and Aging Infrastructure
One of the most frequent and debilitating causes of 4 and 5 train delays is the antiquated signal system. The current signals on the Lexington Avenue Line are decades old, making them prone to mechanical failures and malfunctions. Signal problems are a leading cause of major incidents, often requiring trains to proceed at a crawl, stacking up behind one another and causing system-wide congestion.
- Signal Malfunctions: These issues, which account for a significant portion of infrastructure-related delays, force trains to operate on manual control, drastically reducing throughput.
- Aging Equipment: Beyond signals, aging cars and general equipment issues contribute to a third of all delays caused by infrastructure problems. This constant wear-and-tear leads to mechanical failures that can shut down entire sections of the line.
2. The Cascading Effect of Sick Passengers and Door Holds
While technical issues are frustrating, human factors also play a massive role in delay propagation. The sheer volume of passengers on the Lexington Avenue Line means that small incidents can have huge, cascading impacts.
- Sick Passengers: When a sick passenger requires medical attention, the train must be held in the station. On a high-volume line like the 4/5, this single event can cause trains to stack up for miles behind it, leading to hundreds of subsequent delays across the line.
- Door Holds: During peak rush hour, people holding doors to board a train that is already running back-to-back with others introduces a small but critical delay that is amplified down the line, affecting thousands of commuters.
- Police Action: Incidents requiring police intervention, while less frequent, are also cited as a major cause of delays, often leading to significant service interruptions.
3. Track Fires and Roadbed Issues
The environment of the subway system itself contributes to the problem. Track fires, primarily caused by accumulated trash and debris on the tracks, are a persistent issue. These fires damage equipment, require emergency response, and halt service until the area is cleared and inspected, adding to the overall unreliability of the service.
Furthermore, issues with the rail and roadbed—the foundation of the tracks—contribute to infrastructure-related delays. Maintaining the integrity of this old infrastructure is a constant battle for the MTA, and any failure necessitates slow-speed operation or outright service suspension for emergency repairs.
The MTA’s Multi-Billion Dollar Plan to Fix the 4 and 5 Trains (2025-2029)
Recognizing the critical state of the Lexington Avenue Line, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has outlined significant investments aimed at modernization and reliability. The focus is on replacing the decades-old signaling system and upgrading the physical infrastructure.
The Promise of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC)
The long-term solution to signal-related delays is the implementation of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC). This modern signaling technology allows trains to run closer together, more safely, and with greater efficiency, effectively increasing the line's capacity and reducing the domino effect of delays.
- CBTC Implementation: The Lexington Avenue Line (4/5/6 trains) was originally slated for CBTC in a previous capital plan, but the project faced delays. However, the MTA's continued capital program, which extends through 2029, is expected to finally advance this crucial modernization, which will directly address the chronic signal problem.
- Capital Program 2025-2029: The current capital program is designed to alleviate the reliability issues on lines like the 4 and 5, which have been noted as having a high number of major incidents, particularly those caused by signal problems and police action.
Infrastructure and Fleet Modernization
In addition to signaling, the MTA is focusing on tangible upgrades to the physical components of the line and the rolling stock.
- New Subway Cars: The MTA is set for a period of "record-breaking progress" in 2025, which includes the delivery of new, more reliable subway cars. Replacing the aging fleet directly addresses mechanical issues that contribute to delays.
- Targeting Pinch Points: The Authority is also working to "untangle" notorious pinch points in the system, such as critical infrastructure in Brooklyn that affects the 4, 5, and 6 lines. Resolving these bottlenecks is essential for improving overall flow and reducing congestion-related delays.
- Maintenance and Inspection: Increased investment in rail and roadbed maintenance aims to reduce the 14% of delays attributed to these foundational infrastructure problems.
How to Navigate Current 4 and 5 Train Delays in December 2025
While the long-term fixes are underway, commuters still need strategies for navigating the day-to-day unpredictability of the 4 and 5 trains, especially during the busy holiday season and planned work weekends, such as the MTA Weekender service changes.
Check Real-Time Status: Always check the MTA's official status page or app before you leave. The MTA provides real-time alerts on active service disruptions, planned work, and estimated wait times. For example, planned weekend work often means the 4 or 5 trains may be running in two sections or skipping stops, requiring alternate routes.
Know Your Alternatives: The 4 and 5 trains run parallel to several other key transit options, which can be lifesavers during major delays:
- The 6 Train: This local train shares the Lexington Avenue Line and can be a viable, albeit slower, alternative for local stops between The Bronx and Lower Manhattan.
- The Q and R Trains: These lines offer north-south service on the East Side of Manhattan, often serving as a reliable backup when the IRT is crippled.
- Bus Service: The M101, M102, M103, and M15 Select Bus Service (SBS) routes run along Lexington and Third Avenues, providing a surface-level alternative that avoids subway congestion entirely.
Plan for the Unexpected: The nature of the 4 and 5 train delays means that unexpected events—from a track fire to a sick passenger—can happen at any moment. Commuters should build an extra 10–15 minutes into their travel time, especially during rush hour, to account for potential slowdowns. By staying informed about the MTA’s 2025 progress and utilizing real-time tools, riders can minimize the impact of the ongoing reliability issues on their daily commute.
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