NJ TRANSIT MONITORING THE FORECASTED TRACK OF TWO UPCOMING STORMS

NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT anticipates regular service on its rail, bus and light rail systems for Thursday night and Friday morning and again on Saturday and Sunday as parts of the state are subject to two predicted winter storms, with snow and slick roadway conditions possible.

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, station 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.

“Preparations for any storm begin months in advance of the winter season,’’ said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “Our operations personnel throughout the state have prepared the transit system, equipment and facilities for weather impacts. We ask our customers to be prepared by using caution when walking on or around our system and by monitoring the latest service information, including our new push notifications on our recently updated mobile app.”

Snow fighting supplies and equipment have been dispatched across the state and ready to be deployed as conditions warrant. 

NJ TRANSIT Preparations for Winter Weather

Rail Operations

• Hundreds of rail cars and locomotives have been "winterized," a process that includes checking onboard heating systems, ventilation, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components, as well as changing locomotive filters and fuel from a summer blend to a winter blend.
• NJ TRANSIT’s preventative maintenance program also includes the inspection and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and switch heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 moveable bridges and wayside power at storage yards and terminals.
• Two jet-engine-powered snow blowers are available to remove ice and snow from tracks and critical switching areas. In addition, all locomotives are equipped with snowplows to clear snow from the rails.
• NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations has approximately 20,000 pounds of salt on hand with the ability to obtain an additional 100,000 pounds, if needed.
• In addition, our year-round tree trimming program proactively minimizes downed trees or limbs along the right-of-way and on our overhead electrical system, personnel are on standby to quickly respond to reports of trees or limbs that could damage overhead wires or prevent safe passage of trains.  Our year-round tree trimming program is part of our preventative maintenance program.

Bus Operations

• Bus maintenance personnel have checked the heating systems, engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers, doors and airbrake systems on NJ TRANSIT's 2,200 buses.
• Bus snow-fighting equipment has been readied and ice/snow-inhibiting supplies have been restocked for winter to keep 52 bus loops, terminals and lots cleared throughout the state.
• NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations has 900 tons of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its 16 garages stocked with bags of salt.

Light Rail Operations

• Snowplows are ready to clear station platforms and park/ride lots.
• Switch heaters have been tested throughout NJ TRANSIT’s three light rail systems.
• Necessary supplies such as calcium chloride, snow shovels, and scrapers are available and strategically located on the system.
• Snow blowers and backup generators have been checked to ensure they are in working order.
• Subcontractors are under contract to assist work crews in clearing all light rail stations, walkways, and park/ride facilities.
• Management staff for all three lines will be coordinating with local municipalities to discuss snow removal in the light rail’s downtown ‘street running’ territory.

Stations and Terminals

• All rail stations equipped with heaters have been inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order.
• Staff will monitor platform conditions to ensure safe walking conditions.