The subway system's first airport-style people movers have broken down an average of more than twice a week since they were installed just four months ago.

At least one of the two moving walkways in Queens has been out of service 51 times, according to Transit Authority statistics obtained by the Daily News.

The $3.5 million system was installed to make the commute faster for more than 10,000 riders a day at two stations in Long Island City. They cover much of the 460-foot passageway connecting Court Square and 23rd St./Ely Ave.

"Every other day, one is not working," said subway rider Timothy Carr, 32, of Queens. "It's a pain, it's inconvenient — it's also disgusting now that I know how much they cost."

The frequent breakdowns are troubling because a series of moving walkways are proposed by the Port Authority for a passageway that would run underground from the World Financial Center to a new PATH station at the former World Trade Center to the Fulton St./Broadway/Nassau St. subway complex.

A spokesman for the Port Authority said that the moving walkways at Newark Airport, which the agency manages, are very reliable, although he couldn't provide statistics.

The manufacturer of the TA's moving walkways has been making adjustments in hopes of reducing the breakdowns. "This is the first of its kind in the system," said TA spokesman Al O'Leary. "We're having some growing pains."

The Long Island City moving walkways' safety sensors are too sensitive for the rush-hour crowds, sometimes shutting them down, O'Leary said. During peak travel times, about 2,500 people an hour transfer between E and V trains at 23rd St./Ely Ave. and G trains terminating at Court Square.

As Joe Glacy, 41, approached the moving walkways one recent morning, he let out a frustrated sigh. "It's out again," said Glacy, who suffers from a painful skin disease and uses a cane.

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