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As a result of the winter storm, Metro-North operated on a Saturday schedule Friday morning, which represents 40 percent of normal weekday service. There were also 14 extra trains in the morning -- nine on the New Haven Line, four on the Harlem Line and one on the Hudson Line -- bringing total service up to about 55 percent of a normal weekday. According to Metro-North, ridership Friday morning was about 68 percent of a normal weekday, resulting in overcrowded trains.
“Based on forecasts of up to a foot of snow falling overnight, we were conservative in planning schedules to help reduce the chances that trains could become stranded or would have to be canceled,” said Joseph Giulietti, president of Metro-North. “When the sun shone through this morning, we had more customers than anticipated, particularly on the New Haven Line. We apologize for this morning’s crowding and expect to do better this afternoon.”
Metro-North will continue to operate a Saturday schedule Friday evening, with extra trains on stand-by in Grand Central Terminal. Capacity is expected to be 77 percent that of a normal day. The Long Island Railroad and New York City subways and buses will operate on a normal schedule.
Four patrol trains operated Thursday night to clear snow from the third rail, which provides power to the electric fleet. Crews continue to dig out switches, and mechanics are stationed at Pelham in case trains encounter difficulty, Metro-North said. Additional employees will on hand at Grand Central Terminal to assist riders and answer questions.
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