As the Polar Vortex makes its way across the Northeast, weather conditions will continue to deteriorate.
Advisory in effect until Thursday afternoon
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Keep Calm & Stay Warm
In bad weather, especially in snowy and icy conditions, government officials and the media often urge us to leave our cars at home and take public transportation. However, there are some things to keep in mind during your commute:
Winter travel on public transit best practices
*Check Moovit before leaving your house to plan for delays & cancellations!
#1 Dress Warmly:
- When the temperature is below zero, frostbite can set in within a half an hour.
- The National Weather Service has created a pictorial guide to dressing for outdoors in chilly, cold, and extremely cold conditions.
- Please take their advice to wear layers and cover exposed skin.
#2 Think Ahead:
- Planning is important and subzero days are definitely not the time to just wing it.
- Put some thought into where you will transfer—is there someplace warm to wait at your transfer point?
#3 Stand at a Safe Location:
- When snow or ice impede your ability to safely stand at your stop, please choose the nearest safe location.
#4 Understand Why Operators Stop Where They Do:
- Bad weather adds a lot of variables to an Operator’s route.
- During inclement weather, Operators are trained to use their best judgment at each stop and, if they are unable to stop near a curb because of accumulated snow or ice, they may make a decision to stop an extra distance from the curb to avoid a trip hazard.
- If you are concerned about safely boarding any bus, please let the Operator know so they can employ the ramp or offer other assistance.
#5 Don’t Succumb to Heater Hate:
- “It’s too hot!” “It’s freezing!” Because buses don’t have the same kind of heat controls that automobiles do, questions and comments about bus temperature are frequent during winter months.
- The fact is, most buses do not allow for manual temperature control by an Operator.
#6 Know About Kneelers:
- When temperatures drop (usually below zero degrees Fahrenheit), Operators are routinely instructed not to kneel their bus because of a risk of freezing that can prevent the bus from returning from the kneeled position.
- The Operator can still operate the ramp to help passengers board and alight, so please let them know if you need assistance.
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