MTA updates winter operations plan

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has activated New York City Transit's 2014-15 winter operations plan for subways and buses and the Staten Island Railway, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday.

Updates to the plan include eight new R156 locomotives and 79 revenue trains with scraper shoes that will help reduce icing on the third rail; and increased personnel and enhanced communications equipment at the Incident Command Center, MTA officials said in a press release.

"By activating this winter operation plan, the MTA is doubling down on its preparations for inclement weather and taking important steps to help buses and trains avoid delays and keep commuters safe," said Cuomo.

The snow-fighting equipment targeted for the subway system includes 10 snow-throwers, eight deicers, four jet blowers, 61 locomotives, and 22 heated/insulated rider cars that can be used to carry crews and equipment to snow removal sites. The cars are equipped with ice-scraping mechanisms to help keep the third rail clear and can be used as rescue trains. Signal equipment also has been winterized to protect nearly 220 miles of tracks.