NJ Transit preps for winter weather

New Jersey Transit announced yesterday that it has finished winterizing hundreds of rail cars and locomotives.

The work included checking the units' on-board heating systems, ventilation, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components. The agency also changed locomotive filters and switched fuel from a summer blend to a winter one.

In addition, the agency's preventative maintenance program includes the inspection and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 moveable bridges, and wayside power systems at storage yards and terminals.

Snow blowers also are available to remove ice and snow on NJ Transit's commuter- and light-rail lines.

Meanwhile, NJ Transit has rolled out new severe winter weather schedules to help riders figure out their travel options. The schedules provide details about the agency's limited weekday rail service during severe weather events or other emergency situations.

"In the midst of winter weather, visibility outside may be low, but we want our customers to have a clear picture of how much service we can safely operate and when their next train will be departing," said NJ Transit Executive Director Steven Santoro in a press release.