Heat Wave Preparedness Plan for The MTA

By Idy Perl

With high heat and humidity making itself at home in NYC, many are wondering what the MTA is doing to keep public transportation comfortable for passengers. 

The MTA, Mayor Adams, and NYC Office of Emergency Management met to discuss how they will prepare to keep transportation running smoothly during this heat wave and released a statement detailing their plan. 

The MTA will employ additional patrols who will be out on the tracks to ensure that the heat isn’t having an impact on the track alignment. Additionally, there will be more patrols throughout the subway system as well for a quicker response in the case of a heat related emergency. There will also be inspections on the trains and buses to make sure that the air conditioning is working properly.  NYC Transit will complete a continuous welded rail watch when rail temperatures exceed 100 degrees to be vigilant for rail kinks or other issues.

Regarding city buses, the MTA announced that in the event of a power outage, each depot is equipped with generators to keep buses running. At the tunnels and bridges, the agency is prepared to work with ConEd to assist with electrical grid loading by shifting to generator power if requested, ensuring grid stability by checking substations at randomized intervals. It is also monitoring the temperature of traffic systems and coordinating with Transcom as necessary for messaging to motorists.

“At the MTA, we are no stranger to extreme weather preparations, whether it’s snow, rain, or extreme heat. Our game plan is the same – keep employees and riders safe while providing great service,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said. “The Long Island Railroad and Metro-North are also going to have all air-conditioned waiting rooms open for everybody to come and cool off.”