Based on the latest weather forecast from the National Weather Service, and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of customers and employees, NJ Transit bus, light rail and Access Link services will be temporarily suspended systemwide at the start of the service day at 4 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25.
Rail service will begin operating on a regular weekend schedule on Sunday and continue until 2 p.m., when it will be temporarily suspended. Rail customers must be on trains that arrive at their final destination at or before 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Customers should check njtransit.com later this evening for the final eastbound and westbound trains of the day on Sunday for each rail line. Service will remain suspended through the end of the service day on Sunday and will remain so until conditions safely allow for the gradual resumption of service. We will provide updates on Monday service during the day on Sunday as we assess the storm’s impacts throughout the state.
Aligned with Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s message to New Jerseyans regarding this storm, customers should avoid unnecessary travel tomorrow as roads need to remain clear for local, county and state forces to remove snow so service can resume as quickly as it is safe to do so.
Customers are encouraged to continuously monitor njtransit.com for the latest service information regarding the resumption of services.
During a service suspension, customers may see trains and light rail vehicles operating. However, those cars are operating without passengers to keep overhead wires and tracks free of snow and ice. Motorists should always obey railroad crossing gates, and pedestrians should only cross at designated pedestrian crossings, even during service suspensions, as equipment may continue to move throughout the railroad and light rail systems.
NJ Transit’s Emergency Operations Center will be open and closely monitoring weather forecasts and conditions as the storm develops and moves through the state. Key personnel will be pre-positioned in the field and at NJ TRANSIT facilities to monitor and respond quickly to any impacts to the system throughout the storm.
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 will continue with the following work to ensure the system is prepared for the resumption of service as soon as conditions safely allow:
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 preventive maintenance program also includes inspections and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and switch heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 movable 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 and can obtain additional supplies if needed.
- In addition, our year-round tree trimming program proactively minimizes the risk of downed trees or limbs along the right-of-way and on our overhead electrical system. Personnel are on standby to respond quickly to reports of trees or limbs that could damage overhead wires or prevent the 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 air brake systems on NJ Transit’s fleet of more than 2,000 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 garage stocked with bags.
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 throughout 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
- Salting will occur prior to the storm and ahead of winter weather at stations throughout the system.
- 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.
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