Tri-State Area Public Transit Gears Up For Snowstorm
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork)-- Public transportation officials are taking steps to prepare for a possible winter storm approaching.
MTA announced in a press release Thursday that personnel will be ready to drop salt and clear platforms and stairs of snow throughout MTA New York City Transit, Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road, and MTA bridges and tunnels.
The wintry blast is expected to dump as much as 12 inches of snow in parts of the metropolitan region.
"We will make every effort to keep our services up and running so that our customers can get to where they need to be," MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast said in the press release. "We have a tremendous investment in equipment, manpower and experience. However, we will only provide service as long as it's safe to do so."
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Mayor De Blasio said he doesn't believe public transportation will be shut down due to the storm, but that people should be taking extra precautions.
MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz expects that the system will stay up and running.
"Ranging from snow-towers to de-icers, we got jet-blowers and diesel locomotives that are outfitted with scraper shoes," Ortiz told WCBS 880's Peter Haskell. "We plan on running service as long as it's safe to do so."
While underground portions of the systems may not be affected during snowstorms, there are almost 220 miles of outdoor tracking throughout the boroughs.
Officials said Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road are well-equipped to fight the effects of a possible snowstorm. The systems may be modified or disrupted if snowfall exceeds 10 inches.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey also announced that it has taken significant measures to ensure safe and efficient operations at its airports, tunnels, bridges, and PATH systems.
Operations personnel are expected to work 12-hour shifts to ensure the facilities are operated safely. Additionally, Port Authority will be in contact with the states of New York and New Jersey to discuss preparations for the storm.
American Airlines announced Thursday it will be canceling the majority of its Northeast flights ahead of the storm as snow, ice, and strong winds will likely create problems for travelers. New York's three airports will see all Saturday afternoon American flights canceled. Flights are scheduled to resume on Sunday.
All major airlines have issued waivers for weekend travel allowing for passengers to rebook earlier or later flights.