New York, NY - January 21st, 2014 - The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced today that its railroads – Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road – are changing service after the evening rush hour tonight as snow accumulations make operating trains difficult. Reducing the number of trains is aimed at preventing trains from becoming stranded in accumulated snow, and to allow personnel to concentrate resources on trains that will continue to operate.
The LIRR will reduce service on a branch-by-branch basis after 8 p.m., consistent with its policy to curtail or suspend service if snow accumulations reach 10 to 13 inches. The forecasted heavy snowfall and high winds will generate snow drifts that could force some trains to suspend service short of their final destinations after 11 p.m. Customers who must travel should leave as early as possible and monitor www.mta.info for service status.
During rush hour, Metro-North is running a regular outbound evening rush hour schedule. Metro-North personnel will be counting the number of passengers aboard all outbound trains; if trains get too crowded, Metro-North is adding trains as needed.