NJ TRANSIT buses, light rail and Access Link will operate on a regular weekday schedule for as long as weather and road conditions allow.
Rail service will run on a Level 2 Severe Weather Schedule due to the predicted severe winter storm starting tomorrow. Customers should expect delays, detours and potential service cancellations if storm conditions intensify. Level 2 Severe Weather Schedules can be found by clicking here.
For the safety of customers and employees, weather conditions may require temporary service suspensions. Should that occur, customers will be provided with a minimum of four hours’ notice to allow for sufficient time to make return travel arrangements. Customers are encouraged to continuously monitor njtransit.com for the latest service information.
Cross-honoring is in effect for rail, bus and private carriers and light rail service for Wednesday and Thursday. Customers should check njtransit.com for updates. 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.
Bus Route 196/197 will start and end at West Milford Park and Ride all day tomorrow and Thursday.
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.
“NJ TRANSIT is ready for what many are predicting will be a powerful nor’easter, forecast to dump heavy snow throughout New Jersey beginning tomorrow,” NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett said. “To prepare our system, snow fighting supplies and equipment have been mobilized across the state and are ready to be deployed as conditions warrant. We have maintenance crews strategically located throughout our system to immediately respond to fallen trees, downed overhead wires or any other issues impacting service. We urge our customers to limit travel to essential purposes only.”
Customers are advised 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 as delays and cancellations are possible as a result of the storm’s impact.
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, the year-round tree trimming program proactively minimizes downed trees or limbs along the right-of-way and on the overhead electrical system, personnel are on standby to quickly respond to reports of trees or limbs that could damage overhead wires or prevent the safe passage of trains. The year-round tree trimming program is part of their 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.
- Snowblowers 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 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.
Travel Advice:
- Before starting your trip, visit njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information.
- 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 YouTube video for easy instructions on setting up custom push notifications.
- 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:
- Twitter: @NJTRANSIT
- @NJTRANSIT_NEC
- @NJTRANSIT_NJCL
- @NJTRANSIT_ME
- @NJTRANSIT_MOBO
- @NJTRANSIT_MBPJ
- @NJTRANSIT_PVL
- @NJTRANSIT_RVL
- @NJTRANSIT_ACRL
- @NJTRANSIT_HBLR
- @NJTRANSIT_NLR
- @NJTRANSIT_RL
- @NJTRANSIT_NBUS (North Jersey Bus)
- @NJTRANSIT_SBUS (South Jersey Bus)
- Facebook: facebook.com/NJTRANSIT
- YouTube Channel: TheNewJerseyTransit
- 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.
- 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.
- Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.