[UPDATE BELOW] Debris on the tracks at the 50th Street IRT station crippled the 1, 2, and 3 lines this morning, with delays spilling over onto the 4 and 5 lines as the MTA rerouted trains. For people trying to get downtown, this was not a fun morning, particularly at 168th Street, which is prone to overcrowding.

The delays started around 8 a.m., and a subsequent announcement on the MTA website informed commuters that some southbound 2 trains would be running along the 5 line from 149 Street-Grand Concourse to Nevins Street, while some southbound 1 trains were running express from 72 Street to Times Sq-42 Street.

Subway service along the 3 line was completely suspended between 148th Street-Harlem and Penn Station. 4 and 5 trains were running local from Atlantic Av-Barclays Center to Franklin Avenue, and shortly before 9 a.m. the MTA warned that there were additional 4/5 delays due to a sick customer at Union Square.

As an alternative, the MTA suggests commuters try their luck on the A, B, C, D, N, Q, R and W trains or M7, M10, M11, M20 or M104 buses. In a perfect world, we would suggest going back to bed.

There were also delays on the M line due to a train with mechanical problems at Essex Street, the MTA announced via Twitter around 7:20 a.m. Meanwhile, in Queens, switch problems at Queensboro Plaza caused delays on the N, Q, and W lines.

Details about the nature of the debris at 50th Street were not immediately available, but it sounds like Cuomo missed a spot.

Update 10:45 a.m.: An MTA spokesperson tells Gothamist a third rail protection board and debris were "involved" in the problems at the 50th Street station, but it's still not clear what caused the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

If you found this commute frustrating, tell your state representatives and Governor Cuomo to stop robbing the MTA of badly needed funding and figure out a way to come up with more cash for a 21st Century transit system.