NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- Officials on Wednesday warned drivers that New York City’s roads will be especially chaotic on 14 days in November and December as “Gridlock Alert” season kicks off.
Each year, the Department of Transportation designates the days expected to experience the heaviest traffic volume as Gridlock Alert days. See the full list below.
There are five Gridlock Alert days in November and nine in December, as the streets get jam-packed with visitors descending on the city for the holidays. Manhattan below 59th Street gets especially crowded.
The first Gridlock Alert day is Wednesday. It will be followed by 13 more, including Thanksgiving.
This year's Gridlock Alert days are:
• Wednesday, Nov. 16
• Thursday, Nov. 17
• Tuesday, Nov. 22
• Wednesday, Nov. 23
• Wednesday, Nov. 30
• Thursday, Dec. 1
• Friday, Dec. 2
• Tuesday, Dec. 6
• Wednesday, Dec. 7
• Thursday, Dec. 8
• Friday, Dec. 9
• Tuesday, Dec. 13
• Wednesday, Dec. 14
• Thursday, Dec. 15
On Gridlock Alert days, the MTA and DOT urge drivers to opt for alternative modes of transportation like bicycles, the subway, buses, Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North.
“Riders across the metropolitan area should enjoy everything the city and region have to offer during the holiday season – not sit in endless traffic,” said Metro-North president Catherine Rinaldi in a statement.
The MTA said riders should take advantage of discounts when they use public transit during the busy holiday season.
Those traveling via the LIRR and Metro-North within New York City during off-peak hours can purchase a CityTicket at a discounted rate. Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road riders can also purchase a 20-trip ticket, which offers a 20% discount off comparable 20 peak one-way fares, the MTA said. The tickets are valid for 60 days.
Those traveling via subway and buses can utilize the “Lucky 13” fare-capping feature when tapping with OMNY more than 12 times in a seven-day period, Monday through Sunday. OMNY has also expanded to Reduced-Fare customers, allowing for even more customers to join the “Lucky 13” program, the MTA said.
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