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 ornjtransit.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
- 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 2,200 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 525 tons of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its 16 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.
