NEWARK, NJ — NJ Transit is prepared to do battle with Old Man Winter this season, according to a press release. Snow-fighting supplies and equipment across the state are stocked and ready to be deployed as conditions warrant. NJ Transit is busy inspecting and winterizing its infrastructure, equipment and stations to be in the best possible position to handle winter’s potential fury.
“We can’t predict what kind of winter season we will have, but I can say with confidence that NJ Transit will be as ready as we can be” Executive Director Steven H. Santoro said in a press release. “The safety of our customers and employees is always the top priority as we work to keep our transportation system moving during the winter weather season.”
Santoro outlined the following steps NJ Transit has taken in advance of possible inclement weather:
- Rail Operations: hundreds of 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 and all locomotives are equipped with snowplows to clear snow from the rails; NJ Transit Rail Operations has 20,000 pounds of salt on hand with the ability to obtain an additional 100,000 pounds, if needed; NJ Transit’s year-round tree-trimming program proactively minimizes downed trees or limbs along the right-of-way and on the overhead electrical system; and personnel are on standby to respond quickly to reports of trees or limbs that could damage overhead wires or prevent safe passage of trains.
- 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- and 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 bag salt; and vendor contracts have been finalized to perform plowing of larger park and ride facilities.
- Light Rail Operations: snowplows are ready to clear station platforms and park and ride lots; and all switch heaters have been tested.
- Stations and Terminals: all rail stations equipped with heaters have been inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order; and all public address systems at rail stations and bus terminals have been inspected.
Lastly, NJ Transit offers the following travel advice:
- Before starting your trip, visit the “Travel Alerts” page at njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information. This information is also available by calling 973-275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
- Customers are encouraged to sign up for the “My Transit” alert system on njtransit.com, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone.
- 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.
- Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or NJ Transit staff.
- Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
About the Author
