As New York City prepares for a snowstorm expected to be significant, MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber stated that subways and buses will continue to operate. The agency has implemented plans designed to address the anticipated weather conditions and maintain the functioning of the city’s transportation network. “We have detailed plans in place for storms like this to protect the network, to protect our riders, to protect our employees. We preposition a ton of equipment and personnel,” Lieber said, according to CBS News.
The MTA’s preparations include equipping buses with chains and temporarily removing articulated buses from service for safety. Lieber noted that the city’s 220 miles of outdoor subway tracks remain vulnerable to freezing conditions and require specialized treatment. “We'll be focused on making sure that those continue to be operational with our snow-fighting trains, with the de-icing systems,” he told CBS News. The bus network is also being positioned to support service in case of disruptions caused by the weather.
Some residents are making preparations ahead of the upcoming storm. Sheila Dawes told News 12 that she does not like snowy or cold weather but is taking steps to prepare, including stocking up on essential supplies.
Due to the unpredictability of the weather, NJ Transit has indicated that temporary service suspensions could occur during the storm’s peak on Sunday and Monday. Safety remains the agency’s priority. “With the winter storm approaching, we are keeping safety as our top priority,” Kris Kolluri, NJ Transit president and CEO, told CBS News. The MTA advises riders to check their app or website for real-time updates on transit service changes.
