NJ Transit Shutdown Preparations Underway

In response to the increasing dire forecast surrounding Hurricane Sandy, the Christie Administration announced that preparations have begun for the potential shutdown of NJ Transit bus, rail, light rail and Access Link service, effective Monday. 

“The safety of our customers, employees and the public-at-large is paramount,” said NJ Transit Board Chairman and New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner James Simpson. “By beginning this important process, NJ Transit will be better able to support the state’s response to Hurricane Sandy by freeing up buses or other resources that may be needed for hurricane relief.”

The systematic shutdown of NJ Transit service would require a minimum of 12 hours to complete. The process requires the relocation and securing of buses, rail equipment and other NJ Transit assets away from flood-prone areas. It also requires complete coordination with state and local officials throughout the process. 

As of now, the plan is a precautionary measure and no final decisions have been made regarding any potential future service suspension. 

Cross-Honoring 

Earlier Saturday, Christie announced system-wide cross-honoring of all rail, bus and light rail tickets starting Monday at midnight and continuing through Wednesday at 6 a.m. Customers holding NJ Transit tickets can use alternate means of transportation to get to their final destination, such as PATH, PATCO and private bus carriers. 

NJ TRANSIT PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANE SANDY

Rail and Light Rail Operations

• NJ Transit's maintenance forces continue inspecting culverts, drainage pipes and rights-of-way to ensure they are clear of blockages that could exacerbate flooding and disrupt service.
• NJ Transit rail and light rail crews and equipment are on standby to respond to downed trees, wires and flooding.

Bus and Access Link Operations

• NJ Transit Bus and Access Link maintenance and support staff will be on standby 24/7 to respond where needed.

Customer Service

• Customer Service Field Offices will extend their hours of operations if necessary.
• The Transit Information Office (TIC) – NJ Transit’s call center, is also prepared to extend its hours if necessary.

TRAVEL ADVICE

• For the latest travel information, customers should listen to broadcast traffic reports, visit the website or access our Twitter feed at @NJ_Transit prior to starting your trip. 
• In the event of service delays or adjustments, including the suspension of service, NJ Transit will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager. Those not yet a My Transit subscriber, can sign up here. Service information is also available by calling 973-275-5555.   
• Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
• Build additional travel time into your trip to a station, terminal or bus stop.
• Stairs, floors and platforms can be slippery, so please use caution when walking along wet surfaces or any outdoor surface exposed to the weather. Use extra care when boarding or exiting buses and trains.
• Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or to NJ Transit staff.