Here is an update of where MTA services stand as of 11:00 this morning.

Martin J. Golden

August 29, 2011

Subways:

 

* All service is running with very limited exceptions (such as no express service on some lines). There had been severe flooding in some areas where some pumps had failed, but these issues have been resolved and all stations are getting service.

 

 

 

Buses:

 

* All routes are running in NYC and Nassau County. Some routes may have detours around some fallen trees, but these are minor.

 

 

 

Paratransit:

 

* Access-A-Ride and Able Ride will be operating normally by noon today. This morning, they are focusing on returning evacuees to hospitals, nursing homes, and residences.

 

 

 

LIRR:

 

* Service is currently running on the Ronkonkoma, Babylon, Port Washington, Hempstead and Far Rockaway branches. The Port Jefferson branch is still out of service due to widespread LIPA issues in the vicinity of St. James. The Oyster Bay branch has a large number of trees down, but we hope to get one track open by tonight. .

 

 

 

Metro-North:

 

* Metro-North had been severely impacted by flooding, mudslides and trees across tracks and wires. Though there was no service this morning, crews have been working around the clock to get service up and running and we plan on starting Sunday-type service on the Hudson, Harlem (from North White Plains south) and New Haven Lines by mid-afternoon today. Unfortunately, due to the saturated ground, trees keep falling even this morning so new problems may yet arise. Our goal is to have full regular weekday service by tomorrow, with the exception of the Harlem Line from Wassaic south to Southeast which remains severely flooded where it passes through swampy terrain.

 

 

 

* West of Hudson, the Pascack Valley Line should be running when NJ Transit gets its service back. The Port Jervis Line, however, remains a huge problem. Like much of Orange County where many roads, including the NYS Thruway, are closed due to flooding, Metro-North is also experiencing severe flooding, especially near Otisville. In addition, there are 7 or 8 mudslides blocking the tracks. As a result of these mudslides and flooding, the rail cars needed for service are trapped in the Line’s only yard in Port Jervis (which also illustrates why Metro-North needs another yard mid-way along that line). We are working to get this service back as soon as possible, and I will let you know when we have an idea of when service may resume.