MTA Shutdown Complete
Well as I sit here riding out the storm on Long Island, the MTA sent out word a little over an hour ago that they have completed their shutdown. Details courtesy of the press release I received:
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has now completed the shutdown of its subway, bus and rail network, with equipment and facilities secured and employees returned home or safely positioned for the storm.
This safe and orderly process began at approximately noon today when final runs began on scheduled services, and finished with the relocation of equipment to higher ground, sandbagging of facilities and securing of crossing gates, among many actions taken to protect infrastructure. As of 10 p.m. the MTA’s Bridges and Tunnels remain open but closures are expected and will be posted on mta.info.
The MTA’s focus now turns to preparing for the safe and timely restoration of service when conditions allow. Even if damage is minimal, this will be a lengthy process, and potential widespread flooding, mudslides, washouts, fallen trees and downed power lines could dramatically complicate the situation.
“I’m extremely proud of the MTA’s dedicated employees, who worked tirelessly to ensure a safe and orderly suspension of service and shutdown of our vast transportation network today,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Jay H. Walder. “Our next goal will be a safe and orderly restoration of service. This is going to be a very difficult process, beginning with assessment of the storm’s damage. Safety will continue to be our first priority.”
To best prepare for restoration, the MTA’s agencies have thousands of workers on standby throughout the 5,000-square-mile territory. In anticipation of road closures, personnel have been positioned at key locations so that workers would be in place when conditions allow the restoration process to begin.
xoxo Transit Blogger
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