Snow Forces Cancellation of 100+ Flights In and Out of PHL; Mass Transit Systems Modifying Service Schedules
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – As the snow moved into the Delaware Valley Thursday night, over a hundred flights were canceled at Philadelphia International Airport. The winter storm also prompted mass transit systems to modify their service schedules and make accommodations for commuters for Friday morning.
Philadelphia International Airport
As for Philadelphia International Airport, spokesperson Victoria Lupica says 160 arriving and departing flights had to be canceled Thursday. She says crews will be constantly working overnight in preparation for those Friday travelers.
"We might have some delays and a slower start in the morning. We urge all travelers to either contact their airline for the status of their flight or they can certainly go to our website PHL.org or call 1-800-PHL-GATE," Lupica said.
SEPTA
SEPTA says service on SEPTA bus routes 132 and 139 has been suspended due to weather conditions.
Throughout the storm, SEPTA riders are urged to use the System Status feature online for real-time updates on all SEPTA modes of travel. Visit http://www.septa.org/realtime/status/system-status.shtml or go to SEPTA's homepage, and click on the System Status icon on the left-hand side. This tool is also available on the official SEPTA iPhone App.
Amtrak
Amtrak says they will operate on a modified snow schedule on Friday, Jan. 3.
Acela Express and Northeast Regional service will operate between Boston and Washington. Passengers should expect reduced frequencies, particularly in New England.
Amtrak says corridor services, including the Keystone Service (New York – Harrisburg, Pa.), Empire Service (New York – Albany, N.Y.), Amtrak Downeaster (Brunswick, Maine – Boston) and most of the Springfield Shuttle (New Haven, Ct. – Springfield, Mass.), are not affected and are expected to operate a normal schedule.
Passengers holding reservations that require modification are being accommodated on other trains and proactively notified by Amtrak Customer Service.
Amtrak says passengers who have paid but choose not to travel due to this service disruption can receive a refund or a voucher for future travel.
Amtrak says a range of tools including Amtrak.com, smartphone apps and 1-800-USA-RAIL are available to assist in travel planning.
NJ Transit
NJ Transit passengers will be able to use their passes system-wide during the incoming weather event.
The transportation company says cross-honoring has been extended through Friday, Jan. 3 in order to give riders additional travel options. That means passes are good for all rail, light rail, bus or private bus carriers.
NJ Transit says it will continue to monitor the storm and may make changes to service if necessary. The plan is to operate on a regular weekday schedule on Friday, Jan. 3.
For more info, visit: www.njtransit.com
Cape May - Lewes Ferry
Cape May - Lewes Ferry (CMLF) officials announced that the service will be operating a modified scheduled for Friday, Jan. 3. Four (4) departures scheduled have been cancelled: 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. from Cape May, New Jersey and 11:15 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. from Lewes, Delaware.
For Friday, Jan. 3, the modified schedule is as follows:
Cape May, NJ Lewes, DE
7:30 a.m. 9:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m. 12:45 p.m.
2:30 p.m. 4:15 p.m.
6:00 p.m. 7:45 p.m.
Travelers who plan to use the Cape May - Lewes Ferry are urged to call the Cape May – Lewes Ferry Guest Services Center at 800 64 FERRY (800.643.3779), visit us online at www.cmlf.com or like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CMLFerry for the latest departure information.
Stay with CBSPhilly.com for the latest on this developing story.