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NJ TRANSIT PREPARES FOR WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS

Customers Advised to Monitor for Potential Service Disruptions, Detours or Suspensions For Sunday, January 19 and Monday, January 20

January 18, 2025

NEWARK, NJ – All NJ TRANSIT services will operate on regular weekend and holiday schedules for as long as weather and road conditions safely allow. NJ TRANSIT customers are urged to build in extra time for their commute. Key rail, bus and light rail personnel will be pre-positioned across the system to respond to any impacts throughout the duration of the storm.

 

“With the winter storm approaching, we are diligently preparing to ensure the safety of our customers and employees while maintaining full weekend service for as long as conditions safely allow. Our teams are implementing numerous precautionary measures, including deploying snow removal equipment across the system, and enhancing infrastructure and fleet vehicle inspections,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “We are committed to keeping our transit system as safe and accessible as possible, and we encourage everyone to stay informed about service updates and travel only if necessary during severe weather conditions.”

 

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 will be in effect for rail, bus and private carriers and light rail service for the full service day on Sunday and Monday.

 

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.

 

Note for bus customers traveling on routes 196/197: Beginning at the start of the service day on Sunday, January 19 and continuing until the end of the service day on Monday, January 20, 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. 

 

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. 

 

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 a fully stocked supply of salt on hand with the ability to obtain additional supplies, 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 also has a fully stocked supply of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its 19 garages stocked with bags of salt. 

 

Light RailOperations

 

  • 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.  

 

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.