Sandy Forces New York Mass Transit Shutdown

UPDATE: Click Here to Track New York-area Transit Alerts

Communter railroad, subway and bus service in New York would begin shutting down Sunday night, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said at a morning news conference.

Subway and rail service would begin suspensions at 7 p.m., with bus service starting to end at 9 p.m. 

Cuomo said the shutdown was called over safety concerns as Hurricane Sandy approaches the region. In New York, service is expected to be restored 12 hours after the storm passes, the New York Times reported.

"Customers who need to travel today should do so as soon as possible and not wait until the last train or bus is departing. Anyone who does not leave for their destination before 7 p.m. runs the risk of being stranded when service is suspended. New York City Transit, Metro-North and the LIRR will cross-honor each other’s passes today to speed the process of returning customers to their homes," said a press release issued by Cuomo's office Sunday.  

NJ Transit was preparing for a possible statewide mass transit shutdown, but no decision had been announced Sunday morning. System wide ticket cross honoring with begin at 12:01 a.m. Monday and continue through Wednesday. 

Officials have urged residents to stay indoors during the storm and take immediate precautions before Sandy’s expected landfall on Monday. High winds, heavy rain and a potential massive storm surge are forecasted.

For transit updates, visit mta.info or njtransit.com.