Ice Is Main Enemy of Public Transit, MTA Chair Says

Summary

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber says New York City's subway, bus, Metro-North and Long Island Railroad service were operating after a weekend snow and ice storm, though delays and icing risks remain. He credits forecasting and preparation by 15,000 MTA workers. He also says any move to free bus service needs extensive study and should not threaten the MTA's restored financial stability.

• MTA operated all subway and bus lines Monday after a severe snow and ice storm.
• Metro-North ran about 550 trains and Long Island Railroad about 750 on holiday or weekend schedules.
• Delays were partly caused by New Jersey Transit's shutdown, which stranded some MTA crew members.
• Persistent cold and icing remain key operational risks, especially for buses and rail switches.
• MTA used de-icing trains, diesel engines and snow-clearing work on the third rail.
• Janno Lieber said free bus service is a radical idea requiring study, not a quick switch.
• He credited Governor Hochul's leadership with restoring MTA financial stability and said he does not want to undermine it.
• No specific securities or investment recommendations were discussed.