Bloomberg Talks: MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber Talks NYC's Storm Response

Date: January 26, 2026
Host: Bloomberg
Guest: Janno Lieber, MTA Chair and CEO

Episode Overview

This episode covers New York City's response to a significant winter storm, focusing on how the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) managed to keep transit systems operational. Host Bloomberg speaks with Janno Lieber, Chair and CEO of the MTA, to discuss storm preparations, operational challenges, and the impact of persistent cold weather. The conversation also briefly touches on potential moves toward free bus service in the city.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. MTA’s Storm Preparedness and Response

Timestamp: 00:46 – 03:26

• Preparation and Workforce Effort:
  Lieber emphasizes the vital role of intense planning and rapid response by MTA workers.

  “15,000 MTA workers labored over the weekend and into today to make sure we could put on service... we were able to maintain bus and subway and Metro North and Long Island Railroad commuter service right through the storm...”
  — Janno Lieber, 01:21

• Impact of Advanced Forecasting:
  The MTA leveraged improved weather forecasting, allowing for greater preparation and minimizing service disruption compared to previous years.

  “The advantage of that [advances in forecasting] is it allows us to do a ton of preparation... which is not always the case in the past.”
  — Janno Lieber, 01:21

• Operational Status During the Storm:
  Despite adverse conditions, service remained operational on all subway and bus lines, though there were some delays, mainly due to worker availability.

  “There are some delays because partly because we have crews that live in New Jersey and they're not able to get in because New Jersey Transit is out of business for today.”
  — Janno Lieber, 02:26

• Current Transit Schedules:
  Metro North operated 550 trains and Long Island Railroad 750 trains on holiday or weekend schedules to maintain robust service.

2. Challenges Posed by Ongoing Cold Weather

Timestamp: 03:26 – 04:27

• Icing and Equipment Management:
  Icing is cited as a primary challenge, particularly concerning switches and third rails for rail transit.

  “ICE is the enemy of good service on rail... you have to have run your deicing trains constantly, make sure that the switches don't actually freeze up. And we have maintainers literally standing by our major switches.”
  — Janno Lieber, 03:38

• Mitigation Tactics:

  • Running trains through the system during snowfall to clear snow from third rails.
  • Utilizing diesel engines on commuter rails due to their independence from third rail power.
  • Chaining all bus wheels to aid traction.

• Commitment to Service:

  “But we're going to keep managing through.”
  — Janno Lieber, 04:21

3. Brief Discussion on Free Bus Service

Timestamp: 04:27 – 05:42

• Political Context:
  Bloomberg raises Lieber’s previous comments about potentially moving toward free bus service and asks for an update.

• Lieber’s Response:
  Lieber reiterates his strong support for Mayor Mamdani’s transit-friendly policies and outlines the complexity of making buses free.

  “If we're going to talk about something as radical and as impactful as making a whole section of our system free, we need to do a ton of study and it's not a flip-the-switch type thing.”
  — Janno Lieber, 04:47

• Financial Stability Emphasis:
  Maintaining the financial health of the system is a top priority, referencing progress made under Governor Hochul.

  “We've brought the MTA back to financial stability under Hochul's leadership and we don't want to mess with that. So we'll be moving methodically under Governor Hochul on addressing this idea amid the storm.”
  — Janno Lieber, 05:12

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Storm Preparation Success:
  “We were able to maintain bus and subway and Metro north and Long Island Railroad commuter service right through the storm... which is not always the case in the past.”
  — Janno Lieber, 01:21

• On Interstate Transit Disruption:
  “[There are delays because] we have crews that live in New Jersey and they're not able to get in because New Jersey Transit is out of business for today.”
  — Janno Lieber, 02:26
  Host’s lighthearted interjection: “Whoa, shade there in New Jersey. Hudson River.”
  — Bloomberg, 02:41

• On Icing Challenges:
  “ICE is the enemy of good service on rail... We have maintainers literally standing by our major switches, our major interlockings to constantly de ice.”
  — Janno Lieber, 03:38

• On Free Bus Service Caution:
  “If we're going to talk about something as radical and as impactful as making a whole section of our system free, we need to do a ton of study and it's not a flip-the-switch type thing.”
  — Janno Lieber, 04:47

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:46 — Introduction of Janno Lieber and first discussion of snow-related MTA challenges
• 01:21 — Detailed response on MTA’s storm readiness and operational outcomes
• 02:26 — Current service status; discussion on cross-state workforce complications
• 03:38 — Technical and operational challenges arising from persistent cold and ice
• 04:27 — Query and response on the potential for free bus service in NYC

Takeaway

Janno Lieber emphasizes that effective preparation, real-time response, and dedicated personnel enabled New York City’s transit system to continue running despite a major snowstorm. Ongoing cold and ice pose new challenges, but the MTA remains committed to adapting and serving the city. Financial responsibility and careful study will guide any decisions on future fare or transit policy reforms, such as free bus service.