Power outage - Should I cancel my New York trip?
 

I was planning on leaving for New York City this afternoon after work. I was going to be taking the Metro North train from New Haven into NYC. Does anyone know if those trains are running yet or if they are scheduled to be by this afternoon. And what about the rest of the city, what going on witht eh power? Should I still keep my plans for the weekend?

I heard that Metro trains into the city are not running yet; no subways. There is limited bus service. I did not hear estimated time when they may resume normal schedules.

Tashsa you might want to consult the official websites or news sources for timely info regarding when trains and subways are running again. But if I were you, I would reschedule the weekend plans. Many services will still be in recovery mode throughout the weekend: many restaurants will have had to throw out food, many businesses will have staffing issues, etc.

Too bad I booked through Priceline...

The MTA buses seemed pretty empty this morning ~7AM, and some traffic lights and electric still not working yet on east side. :?

http://www.nbc30.com/news/2407496/detail.html

Tasha -- have friends in almost same boat -- they have theatre tickets although hotel room is a complementary one. If you try calling hotel directly & ask about their handling of situation -- please post the results. I have heard that hotels responded very differently to this -- some the electronic keys wouldn't work [would think public safety would require an override ability] -- Marriott Times Square was terrible about situation, other hotel opened lobby & handed out cold water/drinks.

please keep us posted
thanks

opps -- this was meant to be first part of my response & somehow it got left out --

Morning news New Haven area said that Metro North expected to be up & running by evening rush -- but schedule/service would not be fully "normal". WTNH web site might help with updated info. http://www.wtnh.com/

Metro-North officials said that train service will be extremely limited and officials are suggesting that commuters avoid the rails. 6-8 hours to get even basic service up & running after the power is restored. not expected to be completely restored by Friday morning "Trains are all in the wrong place. Crews are all in the wrong place," said Department of Transportation Commissioner James Byrnes.

Tasha - get a hold of Priceline, I bet you can get a refund. They do give refunds under extreme circumstances and the last thing they'd want the press to get their hands on is them not being sensitive during a NYC crisis. Power was out at PL HQ also so not sure how quick they will be to respond but my bet is that they will refund your hotel. If you do go, it might not even be that enjoyable if restaurants and businesses are trying to get back on their feet (no fresh foods, etc)

I would second the suggestion of cancelling and getting a refund for any tickets. The city is still pretty much shut down (as of 11 am)and you probably wouldn't have the best weekend. Additionally, trains may be overbooked by those unable to travel yesterday.

Bloomberg said if you don't have to come into the city today, don't.

One of my roommates just called me...He is a block from Central Park...He told me cabs want $200 to take him to LaGuardia and $400 to Newark!!

Have your friend write down the cab drivers name and cab number. Not only is this unethical, it is illegal as hell. He should call the police and the NYC Taxi commission.

Go... I told him that could NOT be right..but he said the cabbies didn't want to go to any of the airports....I think another guy came up to the roomie and they got the cabbie down to $60.Under the circumstances I think they just want to leave.

That is the thing. They HAVE to take you wherever you want to go in the 5 bouroughs. They can be turned in for refusing.

These are unique circumstances but the cab drivers still have to follow the rules.

Now if traffic is horribly backed up, it would cost him an arm and a leg.

Tasha, I think the power is mostly restored but trains are not running very well. If you can postpone, I would. If not, try taking some other transport (since I don't know where you're coming from can't advise).