NJ TRANSIT PREPARES FOR WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS

Customers Advised to Monitor for Potential Service Disruptions, Detours or Suspensions

February 12, 2024

NEWARK, NJ – All NJ TRANSIT services will operate on full weekday schedules tomorrow, Tuesday, February 13, 2024 for as long as weather and road conditions safely allow. Northern and central sections of New Jersey are expected to see accumulating snow while southern sections of the state are anticipated to see mostly rain. NJ TRANSIT customers are urged to build in extra time for their commute.

For the safety of our customers and employees, weather conditions may require temporary service suspensions. Should that occur, NJ TRANSIT will provide as much advance notice as possible. However, conditions may change quickly due to the nature of the storm. Customers are encouraged to continuously monitor njtransit.com for the latest service information.

Systemwide cross-honoring is in effect for rail, bus and private carriers and light rail service for the full service day on Tuesday.

For example, customers who normally take the bus from Rutherford to the Port Authority Bus Terminal may use their bus pass or ticket on the train from Rutherford to New York Penn Station. Customers using their tickets or passes to travel to a destination other than the destination printed on their original ticket will be subject to the appropriate additional fare if applicable.

On Tuesday, February 13, Bus Route Nos. 196/197 will originate/terminate at the West Milford Park & Ride. NJ TRANSIT Rail will accept NJ TRANSIT Bus tickets and passes on Port Jervis Line trains to/from Harriman, Tuxedo and Sloatsburg stations. Short Line Bus will accept NJ TRANSIT tickets and passes in Orange County.

NJ TRANSIT’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be open and closely monitoring weather forecasts and conditions as the storm develops. Key personnel will be pre-positioned to respond to 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 delays and cancellations are possible as a result of the storm’s impact.

Severe Weather Rail Schedules

Should weather conditions require that NJ TRANSIT reduce its rail service, special Severe Weather Schedules are available online by clicking HERE. In the event that these schedules are being enacted, customers will be notified through all available communication channels. The decision to operate these schedules is based on anticipated severity of the storm and the ability to safely and reliably operate the regular weekday schedule.

The Severe Weather Schedules reduce the total number of trains operating and the frequency of trains especially during peak travel periods. Severe Weather Schedule 1 is similar to a weekend level of service with enhancements to the schedule to ensure all rail stations have service. Severe Weather Schedule 2 represents weekend levels of service, however, some trains may operate on different timetables than the weekend schedule.

For further details and updated travel information, sign up for My Transit Alerts, download the NJ TRANSIT app and follow us on Social Media.

NJ TRANSIT Preparations for Winter Weather

Rail Operations

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 2,300 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 more than 400 tons of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its 18 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.

Travel Advice:

Before starting your trip, visit njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information.

Customers are encouraged to download or update the NJ TRANSIT mobile app to set up and receive customized service alert information via push notifications. Visit the You Tube video for easy instructions on setting up custom push notifications.
Stay connected to NJ TRANSIT social media during your commute. Find and follow your rail, bus or light rail-specific Twitter accounts for the best information:

Sign up for the My Transit alert system on njtransit.com, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone via email or text.
Allow extra time getting to and from your destination. Use extreme caution when walking on exposed sidewalks or station platforms and when boarding trains and buses.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 263 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.