By Philip Newman
The National Weather Service has forecasted some parts of the New York Metropolitan area could get up to six inches of snow after Friday night, but the Transit Authority says it’s ready.
Metropolitan Transit Authority workers were being sent out, snow-fighting equipment was ready to keep rails free of ice and snow, and chains were being installed on bus tires.
The MTA said it’s all in the name of ensuring safe travel all across the region.
The agency said it expects normal Saturday service on all its services Saturday, but riders were asked to watch for the latest information on www.mta.info.
“Our goal is to provide service as long as it is safe for our customers, employees and equipment,” said MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota.
Extra personnel will be brought in for snow-fighting duty, the MTA Incident Command Center will be operating and Local Storm Fighting Centers will be manned and activated.
Some weekend work has been canceled. The critical work on the Steinway Tube will go on as scheduled so No.7 train riders should be mindful that planned service diversions remain in effect. The N and Q lines will take No.7 riders from Queens Plaza to Manhattan.
The Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad will operate switch heaters and third rails with anti-freeze agents and with assigned personnel at key locations.
The railroads will operate electric trains equipped with special scraper shoes to help reduce icing on the third rail. LIRR station waiting rooms will be open around the clock to provide shelter.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels has posted its fleet of 102 snow-fighting trucks and other heavy equipment.
