MTA says loose third rail protective board caused commuting headache

MIDTOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- Service changes and delays due to a loose third rail protective board on the tracks caused quite the headache for commuters on Thursday morning.

Many commuters were left scrambling with ways to get to work after service was suspended on the 1 train between 137th Street and South Ferry. In addition, 2 trains were not running between 149th Street-Grand Concourse and Times Square. There were also no three trains between 148th Street and Times Square. Riders were advised to take alternate trains or buses.

Thursday afternoon, service on 1, 2 and 3 trains were running smoothly.

The MTA says the third rail's protective board, a 30-foot long piece, became loose and was spotted lying across the tracks by a conductor.

It is unclear why the board, which is bolted down, popped off the rail.