NJ Transit Gradually Restores Services After Severe Winter Storm
New Jersey Transit is resuming its rail operations after the most intense and coldest winter storm in recent years compelled the state-run agency to suspend all public transportation services on Sunday. The severe weather conditions led to a complete halt of the transit network, affecting thousands of commuters across the region.
Service Resumption and Ongoing Suspensions
Most rail services recommenced on Monday at 12 p.m. New York time, operating under a severe weather schedule as indicated on NJ Transit's official website. However, certain lines, including the Gladstone Branch, Pascack Valley Line, and Princeton Dinky, remain suspended due to ongoing recovery efforts and infrastructure challenges.
Kris Kolluri, the Chief Executive Officer of NJ Transit, announced during a press conference on Monday that the agency anticipates running trains on Tuesday according to a weekend schedule. This adjustment aims to facilitate a smoother transition back to normal operations while ensuring passenger safety.
Critical Infrastructure and Regional Impact
The rail network serves as a crucial connection to Manhattan and spans across northern and central New Jersey, making its restoration vital for the regional economy and daily commutes. Kolluri emphasized the lingering effects of the cold weather on infrastructure, stating, "The storm is clearly over, but I remind everybody that the cold weather wreaks havoc on the infrastructure, not just on our infrastructure, but the Northeast Corridor infrastructure, which is so critical for our service." This reference highlights the shared rail lines used by both Amtrak and NJ Transit in the New York City area.
Additional Transit Services and Safety Concerns
In addition to rail services, NJ Transit's light rail operations restarted on Monday morning, albeit with some delays. The agency has also resumed 85 bus routes as part of its phased recovery plan. Kolluri urged municipalities that own NJ Transit bus shelters to clear accumulated snow from these structures to enable the restoration of more bus routes. He stressed the importance of safety, noting, "It is not helpful if the only place that our customers can stand is in a live traffic lane. That does not make for a safe condition."
Storm Severity and Historical Context
The National Weather Service reported that some areas in New Jersey received up to 17 inches of snow, coupled with icy conditions that prompted the temporary suspension of all light rail, bus, and rail lines on Sunday. This storm is noted as one of the most significant winter events in years, disrupting transportation across the state and highlighting the vulnerabilities of public transit systems during extreme weather.
As NJ Transit continues its recovery efforts, commuters are advised to stay updated on service changes and exercise caution while traveling. The agency's proactive measures aim to minimize further disruptions and ensure a safe return to regular operations in the coming days.
