New York City commuters should prepare for significant disruptions to service as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) implements its severe weather plan in anticipation of an approaching storm. Changes are being made across the subway, bus, commuter rail, and bridge systems, with a focus on prioritizing safety and maintaining as much service as possible.
Subway and Bus Adjustments
To facilitate snow removal, most New York City subway lines will operate locally. The MTA has also suspended all scheduled weekend track and infrastructure work to allow crews to concentrate fully on storm response. While the majority of subway tracks are protected from the elements, crews are deploying trains equipped to clear debris and apply de-icer to the 220 miles of exposed track. The A/S, N, 7, B/Q, and 5 lines are identified as particularly vulnerable to freezing precipitation.
Above ground, New York City Transit is modifying its bus fleet. All longer, articulated buses are being removed from service and replaced with standard 40-foot buses equipped with tire chains. Thirty-five specialized snow-fighting vehicles are positioned throughout the boroughs to clear terminals and key routes. Bus routes will be adjusted as needed based on local road conditions.
Commuter Rail Impacts
Riders on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) should expect a standard Sunday schedule on February 22, with potential evening modifications on the Babylon, Port Washington, Huntington, West Hempstead, and Oyster Bay branches to allow for snow equipment deployment. Monday’s service levels will be determined based on the storm’s severity. LIRR station waiting rooms will remain open 24/7 starting at 6:00 a.m. Sunday.
Metro-North Railroad will operate a regular schedule on Sunday, but will shift to an hourly schedule on Monday, with branch lines operating on weekend schedules. The Hudson Rail Link bus and the Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry shuttle buses are suspended.
Bridges, Tunnels, and Access-A-Ride
To prevent accidents, the MTA Bridges and Tunnels is banning empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks from the Bronx-Whitestone, Cross-Bay, Henry Hudson, Marine Parkway, Robert F. Kennedy, Throgs Neck, and Verrazzano-Narrows bridges from 7:00 p.m. Sunday through 10:00 a.m. Monday. Pedestrian walkways on these bridges may also be closed due to wind and ice. Access-A-Ride service will continue 24/7, though delays are expected, and drivers have been instructed to exercise patience regarding potential “no-indicate” declarations.
The MTA encourages all riders to check for real-time updates before traveling via the MTA app, TrainTime app, the MTA website at mta.info, or by dialing 511.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will subway service be affected?
Yes, most New York City subway service will run local to accommodate snow-clearing operations. The MTA has suspended scheduled weekend track and infrastructure projects to focus on storm response.
What changes are being made to bus service?
All longer articulated buses are being removed from service and replaced with 40-foot standard buses equipped with tire chains. Bus routes will be adjusted based on local road conditions.
Are there any restrictions on bridges and tunnels?
Yes, a ban is in place for empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks on several bridges from 7:00 p.m. Sunday through 10:00 a.m. Monday. Pedestrian walkways may also close depending on conditions.
As conditions are expected to change rapidly, what steps will you accept to ensure a safe and informed commute?
Related reading