Mass transit, travel information ahead of weekend storm
NEW YORK (WABC) -- The snow and ice storm expected to hit the Tri-State Area Saturday night into Sunday has shifted north, meaning mostly rain before a fast freeze Sunday. Still, areas to the north and west are expected to see some snowfall, and parts of upstate New York could still be blanketed.
The storm is expected to create dangerous traveling conditions, especially on area roads and highways, as temperatures nosedive Sunday.
Drivers are urged to use caution, and mass transit is the preferred option for those who have access to trains and buses. Here are the latest service advisories:
MTA
-- Subways and Staten Island Railway staff will sand and salt station platforms and stairs, as well as driveways and walkways for employee facilities, yards, and terminals.
-- Personnel will remotely activate third-rail heaters systemwide, activate switch and train stop heaters, and perform winterization procedures on signal equipment.
For more, CLICK HERE.
NJ TRANSIT
NJ Transit anticipates regular weekend service on its rail, bus and light rail systems as long as weather conditions permit safe operation. Parts of New Jersey are forecasted to experience snow and icy roadway conditions with rapid freezing of wet surfaces. There is also a possibility of high wind conditions, which could impact the overhead wires on rail and light rail service.
Due to the potential snow and ice accumulation in conjunction with possible local and county travel bans, there is the potential for all bus service - including bus service to/from PABT - to be suspended at some point during the weekend. Customers will have advance notice of a service suspension.
All customers should closely monitor the website, download the mobile app with push notifications, sign up for My Transit alerts, or monitor social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and broadcast news reports for the latest status of the system.
For customers of Bus Route Nos. 196/197, NJ TRANSIT rail will cross-honor bus passes and tickets on the Port Jervis Line trains to/from Harriman, Tuxedo and Sloatsburg through the end of the service day on Sunday. Bus service to/from Warwick, N.Y., will originate/terminate at West Milford Park & Ride due to weather conditions. Bus 196 will operate on a snow detour and will not operate on Skyline Drive.
NJ Transit will have personnel and assets in position to address any issues that may arise during or after the storm, which could include downed wires or trees.
NJ Transit's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is open and closely monitoring weather forecasts and conditions as the storm develops. Key personnel will monitor any impacts to the system throughout the duration of the storm.
Customers are advised to use extreme caution around bus stops, stations and facilities as slippery conditions may exist. Customers should also build extra travel time into their schedules as residual delays and some cancellations may occur from the residual effects of the storm.
Snow fighting supplies and equipment have been dispatched across the state and are ready to be deployed as conditions warrant.
For additional information and language assistance, please call NJ Transit Customer Service at (973) 275-5555 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
LIRR
CLICK HERE to see how the LIRR is preparing for the winter storm.
METRO-NORTH
CLICK HERE for Metro-North's guide to winter weather travel.
AMTRAK:
Canceled service for Saturday, Jan. 19, includes:
-- Capitol Limited (Chicago - Washington, D.C.): Trains 29, 30
-- Lake Shore Limited (Chicago - New York): Trains 49, 449, 48, 448
-- Cardinal (Chicago - New York): Train 50
Canceled service for Sunday, Jan. 20, includes:
-- Acela Express service (Boston - New York - Washington, D.C.): Trains 2250
-- Empire Service (New York - Buffalo/Niagara Falls): Trains 250, 260, 238, 284, 68, 63, 281, 283, 253, 259
-- Lake Shore Limited (Chicago - New York/Boston): Trains 49, 449, 48, 448
-- Keystone Service (New York - Philadelphia - Harrisburg): Trains 662, 664, 672, 661, 667, 671
-- Pennsylvanian service (New York - Philadelphia - Harrisburg - Pittsburgh): Trains 42 & 43
Modified service for Sunday, Jan. 20, includes:
-- Acela Express service (Boston - New York - Washington, D.C.): 2254, 2249, 2251, 2253 will not operate only between New York and Boston.
-- Northeast Regional service (Boston - New York - Washington, D.C.): Trains 160,164, 88,161,135,167 will not operate only between New York and Boston.
-- Cardinal (Chicago - New York): Train 51 will not operate between Indianapolis and New York.
-- Vermonter (St. Albans, Vt. - New York - Washington, D.C.): Trains 54, 57 are not operating between St. Albans, Vt. and New Haven, Connecticut.
-- Northeast Corridor service between New York City and Washington, D.C. and points south will continue to operate as scheduled.
Anyone planning to travel should check their train status on Amtrak.com or our smartphone apps prior to departing, allow extra time to get to the station and be extremely careful in stations and on platforms.
AIR TRAVEL
Air travelers are urged to expect delays at area airports once the storm begins. Travelers are urged to contact their airlines before heading to the airports.
Several airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest and JetBlue, are waiving their change fees.
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