All articles tagged with #commuters
BART rolled out a system-wide schedule update aimed at reducing wait times: Yellow and Red lines will have 10-minute headways, Blue and Green lines will run every 8 and 12 minutes, Bay Fair gets a cross-platform transfer, and MacArthur adds a four-minute transfer window; changes vary by station and some platforms may shift.
After a 3,500-worker strike shut down the Long Island Rail Road, negotiators for the MTA and five unions returned to bargaining Monday. Gov. Hochul urged remote work and praised a smoother-than-expected morning commute thanks to emergency transit plans, but there was no immediate progress on wage increases. The MTA and unions remain at an impasse, with contingency measures—such as free shuttles and extra subway service—and congestion-pricing debates in play as talks continue.
Long Island Rail Road remains shut on the first weekday of a strike now in its third day, forcing riders to take replacement shuttle buses and subways into New York City. Talks resumed after mediation with no deal, centered on wage hikes and the MTA’s push for higher healthcare contributions for new hires. About 275 free shuttle buses have been deployed, but capacity is far below the normal 250,000 daily riders, leaving many commuters scrambling and, in some cases, relying on remote work. Even if a deal is reached soon, full service would not resume immediately as crews and tracks are inspected and operations are reorganized, with ripple effects expected on city roads and transit.
Philadelphia's public transit system faces a significant decline due to unresolved funding issues, potentially leading to a 'death spiral' that could serve as a warning for other cities.
NJ Transit and Amtrak warned commuters of potential delays and cancellations after downed power lines in Kearny, NJ, caused a major service disruption, stranding thousands. The incident affected travel along the Northeast Corridor, including New York, Philadelphia, Metropark, and Trenton. Limited service has resumed, but extensive delays are expected as the region prepares for Memorial Day weekend and a rally by former President Donald Trump.
Amtrak and NJ Transit riders are facing residual delays Thursday morning due to downed wires that caused major disruptions during Wednesday's evening rush. While Amtrak plans to run a regular schedule, NJ Transit warns of potential delays and cancellations. The issue, which began in Kearny, NJ, affected service between New York City and Newark, and later extended to Philadelphia. Some NJ Transit lines were diverted, and commuters expressed frustration over the ongoing disruptions. Amtrak is advising customers to call its reservation center for assistance, and tickets are being cross-honored with NJ Transit, PATH, and private buses.
A gaggle of Egyptian geese caused "total chaos" for commuters in London as they brought rush-hour trains to a standstill by traveling along the track between Mortlake and Richmond in south-west London. The avian trespassers were removed within two hours, allowing train services to resume, but not before causing significant disruption.
New Jersey Transit has approved a 15% fare hike for railroads, bus routes, and light rail lines starting in July, with monthly passes for some lines increasing to $342. This comes as New York plans to impose a $15 daily toll on drivers, sparking concerns about the financial burden on commuters. NJ Transit's financial struggles are expected to worsen, with deficits projected to reach nearly $780 million by 2026. Meanwhile, New Jersey politicians are challenging New York's congestion fee in court, arguing that it unfairly targets New Jersey commuters.
New York City experienced record rainfall, causing flooding on roads and trapping commuters, while airlines faced delays and cancellations. Dramatic images showed rescues of stranded individuals, including a man and woman rescued from a submerged car and a doctor pulled on a raft in Newark. The storm also led to 487 flight delays and 31 cancellations at JFK Airport. Despite the sixth wettest March on record, the region is expected to dry out with a breezy and sunny day ahead.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul's plan to deploy National Guard soldiers and State Police troopers in the city's subway system has elicited mixed reactions from commuters. While some feel safer with the added security, others are skeptical about the necessity and express concerns about having armed soldiers conduct bag checks. The presence of heavily armed soldiers in the subway has sparked a debate about privacy and safety, with some commuters welcoming the additional security measures while others feel uneasy about the potential invasion of privacy.
Public transport across Germany was disrupted as 90,000 workers went on strike, causing chaos for millions of commuters and travelers. The strike, called by labor union Verdi, aimed to improve working conditions, including reduced hours and increased holiday entitlement. The disruptions follow a series of industrial actions in the transportation sector, with recent strikes affecting airports and now public transport. The strike led to widespread closures of bus and tram stations, impacting passengers across the country.
San Diego's Metropolitan Transit System trolley lines are running at reduced frequencies following damage from Monday's rainstorm, with the Orange Line being the most affected. Commuters are advised to plan ahead and use alternative routes, such as the Blue line, as the system recovers. Bus services are operating on a full schedule, but some detours are still in effect.
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation has opened two bypass lanes on the Washington Bridge, providing some relief to commuters affected by the bridge closure. The bypass lanes, which opened earlier than expected, are on the eastbound side of the bridge for drivers heading westbound. The DOT plans to take a similar fast approach when working on a permanent fix for the bridge. Some on-ramps and off-ramps will remain closed, but the bypass lanes have significantly improved traffic flow in East Providence. Ferry service between Bristol and Providence is set to open on Monday, weather permitting.
Two trains collided on a Beijing metro line during snowy conditions, sending hundreds of commuters to the hospital, with dozens suffering fractured bones. The collision was caused by a malfunction related to signal and emergency braking due to weather conditions. No fatalities were reported, and the subway operator has apologized and promised to investigate and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Angry commuters confronted pro-Palestinian protesters who blocked the southbound 110 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles during rush hour. The protesters, organized by the far-left anti-Israel group IfNotNow, called for a cease-fire in the Israel-Gaza war. Some motorists got out of their vehicles and physically confronted the demonstrators, leading to fistfights. The California Highway Patrol eventually detained 75 protesters, and incidents of physical violence will be investigated. The protesters described the highway rally as a desperate act to raise awareness about the situation in Gaza.