Governor Phil Murphy

ICYMI: NJ Transit Announces Service Suspensions For Monday, February 1St

01/31/2021

Due To Winter Storm NJ TRANSIT Will Temporarily Suspend All Service Except Atlantic City Rail Line Which Will Operate On A Regular Weekday Schedule

 

NEWARK, NJ — All NJ TRANSIT buses, rail (except Atlantic City Rail Line), light rail and Access Link service will be temporarily suspended systemwide for the entire service day on Monday, February 1st due to the significant expected impacts of the snow storm. Service is suspended out of an abundance of caution for the safety of NJ TRANSIT customers and employees.    

Given the volume of snow predicted throughout the state and the timing of the storm when accumulations will be highest beginning in mid-morning, there is a significant risk of not being able to get customers back to their origin points later in the day as the storm intensifies. Further, particularly on bus, roads need to remain clear for local, county and State forces to remove snow so service can resume on Tuesday as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Regular weekday service will operate on the Atlantic City Rail Line on Monday, as long as weather conditions safely allow.  Customers are encouraged to only use the ACRL for essential travel only. Customers should closely monitor social media, MyTransit alerts or njtransit.com for the latest service information.
Customers may see trains and light rail vehicles operating during the service day tomorrow, those cars are operating without passengers to keep catenary wires and rail lines free of snow and ice.  

NJ TRANSIT’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be 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.   

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 

  1. Bus maintenance personnel have checked the heating systems, engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers, doors and airbrake systems on NJ TRANSIT's 2,200 buses.
  2. 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.
  3. NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations has 525 tons of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its 16 garages stocked with bags of salt.  

Light Rail Operations 

  1. Snowplows are ready to clear station platforms and park/ride lots.
  2. Switch heaters have been tested throughout NJ TRANSIT’s three light rail systems.
  3. Necessary supplies such as calcium chloride, snow shovels, and scrapers are available and strategically located on the system.
  4. Snow blowers and backup generators have been checked to ensure they are in working order.
  5. Subcontractors are under contract to assist work crews in clearing all light rail stations, walkways, and park/ride facilities.
  6. 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 

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

Travel Advice:

  1. Before starting your trip, visit njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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:
    1. Twitter: @NJTRANSIT
    2. @NJTRANSIT_NEC
    3. @NJTRANSIT_NJCL
    4. @NJTRANSIT_ME
    5. @NJTRANSIT_MOBO
    6. @NJTRANSIT_MBPJ
    7. @NJTRANSIT_PVL
    8. @NJTRANSIT_RVL
    9. @NJTRANSIT_ACRL
    10. @NJTRANSIT_HBLR
    11. @NJTRANSIT_NLR
    12. @NJTRANSIT_RL
    13. @NJTRANSIT_NBUS (North Jersey Bus)
    14. @NJTRANSIT_SBUS (South Jersey Bus)
    15. Facebook:  facebook.com/NJTRANSIT
    16. YouTube Channel:  TheNewJerseyTransit
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 253 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.