Severe cold causing problems for Port Authority riders

PITTSBURGH — The severe drop in temperatures is causing problems with Port Authority equipment in Allegheny County.

Around half of the ConnectCard machines are not working.

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A spokesman for the Port Authority said the problem is with a mechanism that automatically shuts the machines down when it gets too cold to protect internal equipment.

"I don't believe we've seen it at this level," said Adam Brandolph, spokesman for the Port Authority, who said the machines are working as they were designed.

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When the machines reach a certain temperature, they automatically shut down to protect internal mechanisms.

On Thursday, technicians inspected the machines to make sure there wasn't additional damage and the machines are expected to start working again as temperatures rise.

"We did see it in 2014 and 2015 with the previous polar vortex," Brandolph said. "This year it's unprecedented that it's been so widespread."

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While many of the machines are starting to work again, the Port Authority expects there could be more shutdowns with the expected temperature drop over the next 12 hours.

Machines in 19 locations are impacted.

In the meantime, riders who are unable to use or reload their cards will be able to ride for free until the problem is corrected.

The T runs more than 26 miles through Allegheny County from the city to the South Hills, providing essential transportation for hundreds of riders each day.

But so much rail means there are exposed lines, something that can become an issue as the temperatures plummet.

"Right now there's very little we can do. We know that the overhead wires become taut when it becomes very cold out," Brandolph said.

When there's freezing rain or snow, crews can clear the rails and lines overhead, but extreme cold can cause stress on those lines, causing other problems.

"We are operating vehicles 24 hours per day," Brandolph said. "We are keeping an eye on it, monitoring the situation and we will jump into any action mode if necessary."

Crews will also be on standby for the possible buildup of snow and ice on the lines and the rails, which present challenges of their own.

Cox Media Group