SEPTA Updates for Tuesday Storm

from our friends at SEPTA:

 The winter storm moving into the region tonight is expected to bring snowy conditions that could impact SEPTA services on all modes of travel throughout the transit system. If the forecasts prove true, service disruptions are possible Tuesday morning. SEPTA is urging customers to plan ahead, and if possible, delay their morning commutes.

Below is a summary of some of the issues SEPTA may face, and steps being taken to maintain service and keep customers informed of possible disruptions:

• Proactive Measures & Additional Staffing: SEPTA will have additional personnel on-hand as of 8 p.m. Monday at the SEPTA Headquarters Command Center, and also in the field to monitor conditions. Personnel at bus depots and rail yards will take measures to address vehicle equipment concerns that come with this kind of weather. Track inspectors and maintenance crews, as well as signal maintainers and power crews, will be staged at various locations throughout the system to be available to address issues quickly. By deploying extra staff, SEPTA will be in the best possible position to quickly identify problems and take corrective action to minimize the impact to our riders. Crews will also run pilot vehicles on all trolley routes and the Norristown High Speed Line (NHSL) over night to keep the lines clear and ready for morning service.

• Twenty-Four Hour Market-Frankford Line and Broad Street Line Service: Due to the storm, there will be no OWL Bus service on the Market Frankford and Broad Street Lines — SEPTA’s two busiest routes. Trains will operate every 20 minutes, all-night. This will keep additional buses off potentially hazardous roads, and help with efforts to continue service on these vital transit arteries. Also, trains that are not being used for this overnight service will be stored in subway tunnels –out of the elements, and prepped for Tuesday morning’s commute.

• Regional Rail to Operate on a Severe Storm Schedule: Regional Rail trains will operate on a Saturday schedule. Wilmington/Newark Line service will be enhanced with service to Newark and Churchmans Crossing Stations. The Cynwyd Line will not operate. Complete Regional Rail storm service is available at www.septa.org/service/rail/midday-schedule.html.

 • Historically Affected Bus Routes to be Detoured: In case of heavy snow levels, SEPTA made need to cut back and possibly suspend bus service along routes that are historically impacted by storms, such as hilly areas or on tight streets. Bus detours will be posted online at www.septa.org/realtime/status/systemstatus.shtml. Look for the storm cloud icon for weather-affected routes.

o Beginning at 8 p.m. on January 26, Bus Routes 7, 9, 18, 19, 27, 32 38,48,65,92,94,95,97,99,103,124,107,117,119,120,126,G,H,XH, J, K, and L will be on detour

o Beginning at 12 a.m. on January 27, Bus Routes 14,20,22,23,24, 26,28,29,31,44,46,47,50,52,53,55,57,58,70,73,84,88,108,112,114 will be on detour

• Drifting Snow Could Impact NHSL: On Tuesday, January 27, the NHSL will operate with two-car trains every 20 minutes; however, potentially high winds can cause snow drifts, along the line. NHSL passengers should monitor SEPTA’s website and Twitter alerts for possible service delays.

• Customized Community Transportation (CCT) to Operate Limited Schedule: CCT is planning for limited service” Tuesday, January, 27, 2015, and will only provide eligible customer trips for dialysis, medical and work. Customers should anticipate delays due accumulated snow and icy conditions on streets and sidewalks. Additional service reductions or a suspension in service may become necessary should conditions deteriorate. Impassable streets and/or sidewalks not cleared of accumulated snow and ice may prevent safe boarding and transport. Customers should contact the Control Center at (215) 580-7720 to cancel trips if they don't plan to ride or to inquire about the status of any pending “Same Day” trips. Customers should call CCT Customer Service at (215) 580- 7145 for all other inquiries.