Northeast rail traffic halted by blizzard as transit systems shut down

Northeast rail traffic halted by blizzard conditions on Monday, Feb. 23, disrupted Amtrak and multiple transit agencies, triggering cancellations, suspensions, and reduced schedules across the region.

Meanwhile, the National Weather Service reported 24-hour snowfall totals of 20 inches or more in parts of New York and New Jersey, with a foot or more elsewhere on the Northeast Corridor. Separately, in New York City, a ban on vehicular travel was put in place until noon.

Northeast rail traffic halted by blizzard: Amtrak cancellations and corridor suspension

As of 9 a.m. ET, Amtrak had suspended all operations between New York and Boston’s South Station until at least 4 p.m., as noted on Amtrak Service Alerts and Notices. In addition, Amtrak reported large-scale cancellations, warned that other trains could be affected, and urged travelers to check its website or app before any planned trip.

Previously announced cancellations included Acela trains Nos. 2201, 2203, 2205, 2206, 2214, 2218, 2222, 2223, 2248, 2249, 2250, and 2271. Northeast Regional trains 82, 101, 103, 109, 124, 126, 127, 140, 143, 144, 146, 150, 151, 152, 153, 160, 162, 163, and 195 were also canceled.

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In addition, Amtrak canceled Vermonters No. 54 and 57; Downeasters Nos. 680, 681, 682, and 683; Empire Service trains Nos. 233, 236, 238, 243, and 244; and Keystone Service Nos. 601, 605, 607, 661, 643, 609, 640, 642, 600, 646, and 658.

Northeast Corridor rail service suspended or limited: agency-by-agency updates

Transit agencies along the corridor reported widespread impacts early Monday, ranging from full suspensions to limited operations and weekend-style schedules.

Also, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority said commuter rail, subway, and bus service was operating on a reduced schedule. Ferry service was canceled, and The RIDE service could experience delays.

At the same time, in Connecticut, CTrail said all Hartford Line trains were canceled, along with Amtrak Hartford Line trains 490, 470, 143, 496, 147, 471, 140, and 146. All Shore Line East trains were canceled as well, with determinations to be made later on Tuesday operations.

In the New York area, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority reported that Long Island Rail Road service was suspended until further notice, as reflected in MTA winter storm service changes, as was Metro-North West-of-Hudson service operated in conjunction with NJ Transit. Other Metro-North service was running hourly on the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven lines, with branches operating on a weekend schedule. Staten Island Railway service was also suspended.

Still, the subway system continued operating, but some express trains were running local. Delays — some potentially severe — were expected on lines that run outdoors.

NJ Transit service suspended storm impacts across the region

According to NJ TRANSIT, NJ Transit said all operations were suspended and would remain so “until conditions safely allow for the gradual resumption of service.

SEPTA, MARC and Virginia Railway Express run reduced schedules

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority said Regional Rail service was suspended until safety inspections were complete; if it resumes Monday, it will operate on a Saturday schedule. SEPTA’s L, B, and D rapid transit lines were running with possible delays and cancellations, T service was diverted to 40th and Market streets, and M service was operating only between the 69th Transit Center and Radnor because of a downed tree. All bus service was suspended.

MARC reported the Penn Line was operating on a Saturday schedule, while the Camden and Brunswick lines were on an “R” schedule. This reflected the storm’s significant impact at Washington Union Station.

Virginia Railway Express trains were operating on a reduced schedule, with morning trains terminating in Alexandria and evening trains originating there. More details are available.

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