Ride NJ Transit Trains, Buses? Here’s The Plan If Snowstorm Hits

This article was updated at 4 p.m. on Jan. 28

NEW JERSEY — Do you ride NJ Transit trains or buses? The agency's plan was to proceed as normal this weekend, but things are changing in a hurry.

Weather forecasters are warning New Jersey residents about an ugly snowstorm expected to hit this weekend. Up to 18 inches of snow is predicted for some parts of the state; it’s expected to arrive Friday evening into Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” the NWS advised. Read More: Blizzard, Winter Storm Warnings Ahead Of Nor'easter

NJ Transit released an update about storm preparations on Friday morning. Spokespeople wrote:

“All NJ Transit services will operate on a regular weekday schedule Friday, Jan. 28, and on regular weekend schedules on Saturday, Jan. 29 for as long as weather and road conditions safely permit.”

However, NJ Transit riders could see delays, detours and service cancellations if storm conditions intensify, the agency added.

One of those changes took place shortly after NJ Transit issued their advisory on Friday. According to transit officials:

"Due to severe winter weather expected to impact the region, NJ Transit will temporarily suspend all bus, River Line and Access Link services at the start of the service day on Saturday, January 29. Service is anticipated to resume later in the day as soon as it is safe to do so. NJ Transit will communicate the resumption of these services following an evaluation of the storm’s impacts. It is important that local, county and state roads are free from vehicular traffic to the greatest extent possible to expedite snow removal, which will allow service to resume more promptly. Train service, Newark Light Rail and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail on Saturday will remain on regular weekend schedules for as long as conditions allow safe operation. Customers may see the possibility of delays, detours and potential service cancellations as a result of the storm’s impacts."

Commuters are being encouraged to monitor njtransit.com, watch social media or check the NJ Transit mobile app for the latest service information.

Need to cross-honor a ticket? Here’s what you need to know, NJ Transit stated Friday:

• Cross-honoring will be in effect for rail, light rail, NJ Transit bus and private carrier bus service on Saturday, Jan.29. Customers should check njtransit.com for updates.
• Beginning Saturday, Jan. 29 for customers of Bus Route No. 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, NY, will originate/terminate at West Milford Park & Ride due to weather conditions.
• 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.

NJ Transit warned riders 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 to lessen the blow of any potential delays or cancellations, NJ Transit officials said.

According to NJ Transit, here’s what the agency is doing to prepare for the snowstorm.

TRAINS

• 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.

BUSES

• 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

• 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.

ACCESS LINK

• Access Link anticipates offering regular weekday service, but modifications may be made if severe weather conditions warrant. Customers should continue to monitor the weather as modifications or delays may occur.

STATIONS/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.

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