Governor declares 'state of emergency' in NYC transit system

June 29, 2017 12:00 am • Last Updated: June 29, 2017 11:14 am

Michael Sciaraffo, center, who was one of hundreds aboard a New York City subway train that lost power for nearly an hour earlier this month, speaks during a rush hour rally outside New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office, Wednesday, June 28, 2017, in New York. They were protesting following another accident of the New York subway on Tuesday, when the derailment in Harlem caused to toss people to the floor and forced hundreds of passengers to evacuate through dark tunnels. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

NEW YORK — Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he's asked the new leader of New York City's troubled public transit system to do a series of urgent reviews of the agency's management and aging infrastructure.

The Democratic governor said Thursday he's also declaring a "state of emergency" in the system.

The city's subways and commuter trains have been plagued by rising delays and unreliable service. Dozens of people were injured when a subway derailed Tuesday.

Cuomo said he's asked Metropolitan Transportation Authority chairman Joe Lhota (LOH'-tuh) to come up with a reorganization plan in 30 days and an equipment review in 60 days.

He also wants a 90-day review of transit power failures.

Cuomo spoke at a conference for the MTA Genius Transit Challenge, which is seeking innovative solutions for the aging subway system.

A woman holds up a sign during a protest demanding better service on the New York City subway system outside New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's offices, Wednesday, June 28, 2017, in New York. People were protesting following another accident of the New York subway on Tuesday, when the derailment in Harlem caused to toss people to the floor and forced hundreds of passengers to evacuate through dark tunnels. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

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