NYC Subway Guide

Got Snow?

We got socked with plenty of snow in NY today. Train service in the subway is not so bad but there are delays and the key word for the day is LOCAL! Ever wonder why there is no express service on bad snow days? This is because most trains are stored under ground to avoid weather damage and to keep storage yards as empty as possible to clear the snow from the tracks. There is a limited amount of space under ground so the trains are stored on express tracks. Trains that normally run express cannot because of the stored trains on those tracks.

Storage yards were completely blanketed with snow today and the work crews have there hands full trying to keep the yards as clear as possible. This is difficult given the fact that the snow is very "powdery" and gets blown around easily. A diesel train will "sweep" a track in a storage yard with a small plow on each end and then get "switched" over to another track to sweep the next one. By the time the second one is swept, the first one is already almost covered again due to the wind! It's a continuous battle and will not stop until the temperatures rise. Then everything gets iced over and a new set of problems appear.

There are crews with shovels and snow blowers trying to keep the walkways in the storage yards clear. They are fighting the same uphill battle as the diesel trains. Making matters worse for everyone working in the storage yards is the snow "hiding" the dangers of where to step while walking. There are live "third rails" that carry 600 volts of electricity at about 10,000 amps and at times difficult to see with snow. Stepping near or over them is a normal part of work but when covered by snow, they become a real danger. One slip in the snow and it may be a worker's last step.

For people that are outdoors today, keeping warm is essential. Layered clothing seems to work best and a nice hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate helps! My friend just showed up with some Dunkin' Donuts coffee and a dozen donuts. I'll have a coffee but I'm going to pass on the donuts since I just started a weight loss program. I'm going to shovel now. Back with an update and maybe some pictures tomorrow or Tuesday.

posted by Slim @ 9:57 AM