Rodents have long been a nuisance in New York City's subway system, but a shocking revelation has shed light on how one pivotal decision in 1971 inadvertently paved the way for their reign of terror. In a bid to save money and streamline operations, city officials made the decision to abandon regular cleaning and maintenance of the subway tunnels, creating a perfect environment for rodents to thrive. As the city's infrastructure crumbled, so did the barriers that kept these unwanted critters at bay, allowing them to multiply and spread their influence throughout the underground network. The consequences of this monumental mistake have been felt for decades, leaving riders to face the unwelcome company of rodents on their daily commute.


How one monumental decision in 1971 led to the rodents’ reign of terror.