January 26, 2026 NEW YORK, NY The tri-state area is currently locked in a frost-bitten chess match with Mother Nature, and the MTA is making some high-stakes moves. While the official line is that "almost all trains are running," don't let the lack of cancellations fool you—getting from Point A to Point B right now is anything but business as usual.
If you’re planning to step outside, here is the ground-level reality of the transit situation through Monday.
The "Articulated" Disappearance and Bus Gridlock
The most visible casualty of the storm isn’t on the tracks; it’s on the asphalt. The MTA has officially scrubbed articulated buses (those long, accordion-style vehicles) from the streets. While these giants carry the most passengers, they are notoriously treacherous on slick roads.
To make matters worse, a significant portion of the standard fleet was pulled from rotation early to undergo "chaining"—the process of fitting tires with snow chains.
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The Result: Longer wait times and crowded stops.
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The Warning: All bus service at the Port Authority has been completely suspended. If your route relies on the terminal, you are officially grounded.
Railways: Sunday Vibes on a Workday
The railroads are bracing for impact by slowing down. If you’re used to your precision weekday timing, throw the watch away:
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LIRR: Currently operating on a Modified Sunday Schedule. Even if a train is listed, expect it to move with caution.
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Metro-North: Running with "adjusted frequency." Translation? Expect gaps in service and platforms that feel much colder while you wait for the next headlight.
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Subway Stations: While the tunnels are sheltered, the entrances are ice traps. The MTA is issued a "use extreme caution" warning for stairs and platforms.
