No replies to this topic

[CNJRoss]

NJ Transit press release, 9/18:

NJ TRANSIT PREPARING FOR HURRICANE ISABEL

Equipment and Crews to be Deployed at Key Locations

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Hurricane Isabel continues to move toward New Jersey, NJ TRANSIT is readying its bus, rail, and light rail equipment, and securing its infrastructure in preparation for the storm. The Corporation’s cross-honoring plan will begin at 3 p.m. today. The plan includes all rail, bus and light rail daily and monthly tickets, together with private bus carriers, ferry services and PATH tickets.

Since Monday, NJ TRANSIT has been meeting to develop contingency plans for both bus and rail operations, and working in coordination with other transportation providers, to prepare for possible service impacts caused by local flooding or high wind conditions.

Auxiliary equipment, including backup generators, pumps, and chainsaws are ready and in place. Crews have been inspecting culverts along the railroad right of way to ensure they are clear of debris to prevent flooding. Overhead wires and signal systems are also being inspected to ensure their reliability.

In addition, Customer Service response teams have been assigned to major boarding locations today and tomorrow; management staff will be deployed to key locations where needed.

NJ TRANSIT’s contingency planning efforts focus first on safety and second on attempting to accommodate as many customers as possible traveling to Newark, New York and Hoboken during the morning peak period and service from these locations during the evening peak period.

NJ TRANSIT has also been working closely with regional transportation agencies, and will cross-honor its tickets on the following beginning at 3:00 p.m. today, Thursday September 18.

· PATH service boarding at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal and 33rd Street in New York.

· NY Waterway and Sea Streak ferry service.

· PATCO.

· Private carrier bus lines including Academy, Coach USA, DeCamp, Lakeland, Rockland Coach and Short Line.

The Corporation is urging its customers to listen closely to news reports and check its website at njtransit.com for updates regarding Hurricane Isabel and its rail, bus and light rail services before leaving home or work. Update announcements will also be provided at stations.

To assist customers further, the Corporation’s Transit Information Centers (TIC) will offer extended hours today and tomorrow. In North Jersey, office hours will be from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. and in South Jersey, the office will be open from 6 a.m. to 12 midnight.

Riders in North Jersey can call NJ TRANSIT at 1-800-772-2222 or at 973-762-5100 from out of state. In South Jersey, riders may call NJ TRANSIT at 1-800-582-5946 or at 215-569-3752 from Pennsylvania. For persons with hearing impairments, the number is 1-800-772-2287. Riders can also visit the NJ TRANSIT website at www.njtransit.com.

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 752,600 daily trips on 240 bus routes, two light rail lines and 11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 162 rail stations, 28 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.