(NYC) MTA Crews Seek Source of 7 Line "Subway Smell" (Smells like sh--, probably is...)

WABC-TV New York ^ | 8.13.03

[mhking]

(Flushing-WABC, August 12, 2003) — Today, MTA crews have a dirty job ahead of them. They will be searching for the source of some raw sewage which has created a smelly mess on the tracks of the seven subway train in Flushing.

If you're taking the seven train at the Main Street Station in Flushing, you better hold your breath!!

Straphanger: "You can smell it. It is really strong."

No one knows exactly what it is but local officials have a pretty good idea. Queen's City Council Member John Liu can sum it up.

John Liu, Queens City Council Member: "We're talking about the smell of feces."

Subway workers say it is so bad, the smell has even scared off the rats. They believe the disgusting mess is from a broken sewage pipe linked to an upstairs bathroom. Transit officials believe it is dirty cleaning water and debris leaked from a sink. Either way, crews today will work to get to the bottom of the plumbing problem.

It's a dirty -- make that a filthy job -- but someone has to do it, and fast!

MTA workers said they first started smelling "the smell" about two months ago. Crews hope to fix it today.

[mhking]

Just damn.

If you want on the new list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...

[brianl703]

Smells like something's been Flushing!

[KellyAdmirer]

That station sits way underground and the tracks decline as you come into the station. Lots of Asian grocer-type stores in the area above it. Anything could, well, drip down into there. The irony is that it only recently had a multi-million dollar improvement, it used to be much more of a hole than it is now.

[dighton]

Flushing Alert.

[hellinahandcart]

Subway workers say it is so bad, the smell has even scared off the rats.

Okay, that's bad...

[07055]

Now, what was it that John Rocker said about the Number 7 train...?

[07055]

John Rocker on ever playing for a New York team: "I would retire first. It's the most hectic, nerve-racking city. Imagine having to take the [Number] 7 train to the ballpark, looking like you're [riding through] Beirut next to some kid with purple hair next to some queer with AIDS right next to some dude who just got out of jail for the fourth time right next to some 20-year-old mom with four kids. It's depressing."

Not to mention the terrible smell from the tracks!

[Lockbar]

"Smells like something's been Flushing!"


LOL Brian! You win funniest comment of the day award!

[FreedomPoster]

Wasn't it Letterman who said "well, we know he's ridden the 7 Train."

[Clemenza]

Wasn't it Letterman who said "well, we know he's ridden the 7 Train."

Nope. Colin Quinn on SNL Weekend update.

[Clemenza]

I WISH my station had that problem. The MTA doesn't give a rats a-s about the stations in the outer boroughs. You should see the size of the rats I encounter while waiting for the W train at the 36th Street station here in Brooklyn!

[correctthought]

Just moved to Flushing, and you say it used to be worse?

[DonQ]

The Number 7 line was always an exciting ride, mostly elevated, giving you an interesting view of the Manhattan skyline and, if you were standing, a feeling somewhat similar to a rollercoaster.

The smells - which frighten off rats - might be the aftermath of wild animals. Many years ago a powerful stench was reported at the subway station at 34th Street-Penn Station, the subway line under the railroad terminal. The repairmen who investigated recognized it as the overpowering smell of elephant. Elephant? Then someone remembered that Ringling Brothers circus would bring their rail train into Penn Station and then move their equipment - and animals - through the subway tunnel that ran from Penn Station to underneath Madison Square Garden, a distance of approximately one or two blocks. It was obvious that dried and fairly ancient elephant poop had been reactivated by a water leak somewhere in the tunnel.

[firebrand]

I'm glad it's not Manhattan. I don't know what I'd do to pass the time while waiting for the train without the little rodents to watch as they play on the tracks. There's one station where they go into these little archways in the wall and come out another one. Can't beat it.

[correctthought]

Actually, not a bad description albeit crude

Stops on the 7 train:....Beirut, Its like LIC although not quite as bad in LIC, Jackson Heights/Corona - Mom with 4 kids, Jackson Heights - AIDS patient....Queensboro Plaza - the place where they release Riker's convicts (really), Have yet to see the purple hair,orange yes, maybe Main St. Flushing, some teen trying to be a punk.

All in all, could be worse, its not like we have a gay highschool.

D'oh!

[Hildy]

20 years ago I got on the 7 line. I got on the car with the least amount of people, because I thought it would be more comfortable. As soon as I got in, I realized why it was less crowded than the other cars: There was a homeless guy there, with his pants down and he had just taken a S**t on the seat. Nice, huh?

[Clemenza]

Just moved to Flushing

Enjoying the Chinese/Korean places and Karaoke bars?

I have fond memories of a couch on the top floor of the old Stern's Department store on Main Street and even fonder ones of the Peruvian lass who shared it with me...

Anyway, you should consider shelling out the extra bucks from time to time and taking the LIRR North Shore line. You'll get to the city quicker and won't have to put up with foul odors.

[Clemenza]

Queens ping!

[The Chief]

Oh heck it's just the 2003 New York METS.....