MTA Chair Janno Lieber on NYC Storm Response and Free Bus Service

Storm Preparedness and Response

• 💡 The MTA's ability to maintain service through the winter storm was largely due to extensive preparation, involving 15,000 workers over the weekend.
• ⚠️ Despite operating through the storm with delays and imperfections, the MTA faced new challenges with the risk of thaw and icing.
• 🚆 The subway and bus systems operated on all lines, with some delays attributed to transit workers unable to commute due to other systems being out of service.
• 🚂 Metro North and Long Island Railroad ran robust holiday/weekend schedules, with commuters advised to check the MTA website or app for specifics.

System Operations During Cold Weather

• ❄️ Ice is the primary enemy of good rail service, requiring constant operation of deicing trains and manual de-icing of switches.
• ⚡ The MTA worked to remove snow from the third rail by running service through the system and maximized the use of diesel engines on commuter rails.
• 🚌 Icing presents new challenges, particularly for the bus system, which is 100% chained.

Discussion on Free Bus Service

• 🗣️ Janno Lieber acknowledged the new mayor's pro-transit stance and welcomed discussions about transit initiatives.
• 🧐 He emphasized that implementing radical changes like free bus service requires extensive study and is not a simple switch to flip.
• 💰 The MTA's financial stability, achieved under Governor Hochul's leadership, is a key consideration, and any changes will be approached methodically.