Month: October 2012

Christie Administration Begins Preparations For Possible NJ TRANSIT System Shutdown

TRENTON, NJ –The Christie Administration has announced that preparations have officially begun for the potential shutdown of NJ TRANSIT bus, rail, light rail and Access Link service, effective Monday, October 29. This preliminary step is being implemented as the statewide transportation agency continues preparations for Hurricane Sandy.

“The safety of our customers, employees and the public-at-large is paramount,” said NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman and New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner James Simpson. “By beginning this important process, NJ TRANSIT will be better able to support the state’s response to Hurricane Sandy by freeing up buses or other resources that may be needed for hurricane relief.”

During Hurricane Irene, NJ TRANSIT implemented a full-scale system shutdown spanning nearly 36 hours. This decision is credited with saving billions in NJ TRANSIT assets, which enabled NJ TRANSIT to restart service with all equipment available for use. Additionally, no customer or employee injuries were reported during this time.

The systematic shutdown of NJ TRANSIT service will require a minimum of 12 hours to complete. The process requires the relocation and securing of buses, rail equipment and other NJ TRANSIT assets away from flood-prone areas. It also requires complete coordination with state and local officials throughout the process.

It is important to specifically note that this step is being taken solely as a precautionary measure. No final decisions have been made regarding any potential future service suspension.

Earlier today, Governor Christie announced system-wide cross-honoring of all rail, bus and light rail tickets starting Monday, 12:00 a.m. and continuing through Wednesday, 6 a.m. This important step will allow customers holding NJ TRANSIT tickets to use alternate means of transportation to get to their final destination, such as PATH, PATCO and private bus carriers. Due to the duration of the storm and the potential impact to the NJ TRANSIT system, this timeframe could be extended if necessary.

NJ TRANSIT PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANE SANDY

Rail and Light Rail Operations
NJ TRANSIT’s maintenance forces continue inspecting culverts, drainage pipes and rights-of-way to ensure they are clear of blockages that could exacerbate flooding and disrupt service.
NJ TRANSIT rail and light rail crews and equipment are on standby to respond to downed trees, wires and flooding.
Bus and Access Link Operations
NJ TRANSIT Bus and Access Link maintenance and support staff will be on standby 24/7 to respond where needed.
Customer Service
Customer Service Field Offices will extend their hours of operations if necessary.
The Transit Information Office (TIC) – NJ TRANSIT’s call center, is also prepared to extend its hours if necessary.

TRAVEL ADVICE
For the latest travel information, customers should listen to broadcast traffic reports, visit njtransit.com or access our Twitter feed at @NJ_TRANSIT prior to starting your trip.
In the event of service delays or adjustments, including the suspension of service, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager. (If you are not yet a My Transit subscriber, we encourage you to sign up at www.njtransit.com/mytransit) Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
Build additional travel time into your trip to a station, terminal or bus stop.
Stairs, floors and platforms can be slippery, so please use caution when walking along wet surfaces or any outdoor surface exposed to the weather. Use extra care when boarding or exiting buses and trains.
Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or to NJ TRANSIT staff.

NJ TRANSIT CONTINUES PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANE SANDY

As Hurricane Sandy moves into the region, NJ TRANSIT is closely monitoring Hurricane Sandy’s movements along the Atlantic Coast and preparing the system to minimize service suspensions and delays as much as possible. Current reports estimate Hurricane Sandy beginning to affect New Jersey late Sunday evening with the storm intensifying Monday into Tuesday.

NJ TRANSIT crews are currently preparing rail, bus and light rail infrastructure for the storm and additional crew and equipment will be on standby to respond to downed trees, wires and flooding when the storm hits. Additionally, NJ TRANSIT is coordinating with state, county and local OEMs (Offices of Emergency Management) to keep them updated on service status, outages and restoration efforts.

Storm forecasts indicate Hurricane Sandy has the potential to impact transit services. It may be necessary for NJ TRANSIT to modify service as conditions change. While every effort will be made to continue operating rail, bus, light rail and Access Link services throughout the state, customers may experience delays, detours or cancellations on their routes due to significant rainfall expected in some areas.

Customers are advised to plan accordingly and anticipate disruptions to service. NJ TRANSIT advises customers:

For the latest travel information, visit njtransit.com or access our Twitter feed at @NJ_TRANSIT prior to starting your trip. In the event of delays or service adjustments, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager. (If you are not yet a My Transit subscriber, we encourage you to sign up at www.njtransit.com/mytransit) Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
Build additional travel time into your trip to a station, terminal or bus stop.
Stairs, flooring and platforms can be slippery, so please use caution when walking along wet surfaces or any outdoor surface exposed to the weather. Use extra care when boarding or exiting buses and trains.
Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or NJ TRANSIT staff.

NJ TRANSIT Customer Service Field Offices will extend their hours of operation if necessary. The Transit Information Offices, NJ TRANSIT’s call center, is also prepared to extend its hours if necessary. Customers in need of service information can call (973) 275-5555.

Red Cross Urges New Jersey to Plan for Hurricane Sandy

The American Red Cross North Jersey Region is monitoring Hurricane Sandy as it heads north along Florida’s coastline and is working closely with government and other New Jersey partners on response plans should the storm have an impact on the state. While it is still too early to predict the precise track Sandy will take, forecasters say the storm may pose a threat to New Jersey early next week.“Now is the time to put your plans in place and shop for any supplies necessary to update your disaster kits,” says Dennis McNulty, director of Disaster Services with the American Red Cross North Jersey Region. “Discuss your communication plan with family members to make sure all household members know what to do should this storm have a major impact on New Jersey.”Just as the Red Cross is preparing for Hurricane Sandy, people in New Jersey should take the threat of Sandy seriously and take steps now to be prepared – build a kit, make a plan and be informed. Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of hurricanes, which may bring flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes.Red Cross tools make it easier for people to make or update plans.

The Hurricane App for iPhone or Android smart phones helps people create a plan, share it with household members and over social networks. In addition, a template and instructions to build a plan are available at redcross.org.

The American Red Cross recommends the following preparedness actions:Get or assemble an emergency preparedness kit:A portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy to carry, water resistant container should have enough supplies for three days. Check your kit and replace perishable stock every six months. Whether you purchase a kit or choose to build your own, your three-day kit should include:

Water – one gallon per person, per day.
Food – non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items such as tuna fish, peanut butter, crackers, and canned fruit. Make sure to include a manual can opener.
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight and plenty of extra batteries.
A first aid kit.
Prescription and non-prescription medication items. Include medical supplies like extra hearing aid batteries, syringes, etc.
Copies of important documents, including birth certificates, insurance policies and social security cards.
Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
Extra cash. ATMs and credit cards won’t work if the power is out.
Special items for infant, elderly or disabled family members.
One blanket or sleeping bag per person.
Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowls).
Prepare a family evacuation plan:
The American Red Cross urges each and every household to develop a household disaster plan.
Meet with your family to create a plan. Discuss the information you have gathered and why it is important to prepare for a disaster.
Identify two meeting places; One right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, and one outside your neighborhood in case you can’t return home.
Be sure to make advanced preparations for your pets. Be aware that pets may not be allowed in shelters. Contact hotels, motels, family members and animal shelters to see if they would allow pets in a disaster situation. Keep a contact list of “pet friendly” locations. If you are asked to evacuate, take your pets with you.
Choose an out-of-area emergency contact person. During or after a disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance, especially if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your emergency contact person’s phone number and email address.
Show and explain to each family member how and when to turn off the water and electricity at the main switches. Turn gas off only if instructed by local authorities. Remember, if the gas is shut-off, only a professional can turn it back on.
Plan your evacuation route. Use local maps and identify alternate evacuation routes from home, work and/or school. Know where you are going and how you plan to get there before you leave home.

Be informed:

Find out what types of disaster are likely to occur in your area and how to prepare for each.
Find out how local authorities will contact you during a disaster. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions and follow the advice of local authorities.
If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. You may choose to evacuate sooner than alerted if you think you may need additional time.
Know what to do if a hurricane WATCH is issued:
Listen to weather updates from your battery-powered or hand-cranked radio.
Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, hanging plants, bicycles, toys and garden tools, anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
Close all windows and doors. Cover windows with storm shutters or plywood.
If time permits, and you live in an identified surge zone, elevate furniture or move it to a higher floor to protect it from flooding.
Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.
Check your disaster supplies kit to make sure items have not expired.
Know what to do if a hurricane WARNING is issued:
Listen to the advice of local officials, and leave if they tell you to do so.
If in a manufactured home, check tie-downs and evacuate as told by local authorities.
Secure your home by unplugging appliances and turning off electricity and the main water valve.
If you are not advised to evacuate, stay inside, away from windows, skylights and glass doors.
Do NOT use open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
If power is lost, turn off appliances to reduce damage from a power surge when electricity is restored.

For more information about hurricane preparedness, visit www.redcross.org.