WNET Launches Multi-Platform #DaysofDelays Transit Initiative

NEW YORK, July 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- WNET, parent company of New York's PBS stations THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of New Jersey's Public Television Network, NJTV, has announced the launch of #DaysofDelays, a new multi-platform transit initiative addressing significant transit delays this summer. In anticipation of Amtrak's emergency track work at Penn Station beginning on July 10, and with repairs impacting NJ Transit, Long Island Railroad and New York City MTA, the initiative will provide commuters throughout the tri-state area with support and resources during the anticipated 44-day service interruptions. 

"As workers in the tri-state area prepare for a challenging commute this summer, WNET is poised to explore this complex story with the kind of in-depth, community-focused coverage that only public media can offer," said Neal Shapiro, President & CEO of WNET. "We have a full slate of valuable resources that we hope will help area commuters navigate and connect about the difficult days ahead for transit and the broader infrastructure issues facing the tri-state region."

The #DaysofDelays website (daysofdelays.org) will provide various resources and a space for viewers to contribute their personal stories as they embark on extended commutes. The page will provide tri-state-area weather and traffic reports, a Twitter feed of transit updates and quick links to official transit websites. The site will also host a commuter survey to aid in the development of an unofficial "commuter index." Curated "survival kits" that contain infographics, an array of transit options, scheduling information, passenger bills of rights and ticket reimbursement policies, as well as Spotify playlists from on-air talent, will also live on the site.

The initiative will also be featured in regular segments from nightly news programs NJTV News with Mary Alice Williams and MetroFocus, providing in-depth reporting, conversations and solutions-oriented stories on the repairs, infrastructure, economic impact, politics and other transit-related topics. NJTV News will also take its newscast to Hoboken Terminal, where all riders of the Morris-Essex line will be forced to take a bus, a ferry, or the PATH to complete their trip.

Additionally, #DaysofDelays will incorporate social media events including "Midday with Mike," a daily hard hat tour on Facebook Live with a representative from Amtrak. The event will outline different aspects of the construction work, updates on the progress and opportunities for people to ask questions.

Learn more at daysofdelays.org and join the conversation using the hashtag #DaysofDelays.

About WNET
WNET is America's flagship PBS station and parent company of THIRTEEN and WLIW21. WNET also operates NJTV, the statewide public media network in New Jersey. Through its broadcast channels, three cable services (THIRTEEN PBSKids, Create and World) and online streaming sites, WNET brings quality arts, education and public affairs programming to more than five million viewers each week. WNET produces and presents such acclaimed PBS series as Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, PBS NewsHour Weekend, Charlie Rose and a range of documentaries, children's programs, and local news and cultural offerings. WNET's groundbreaking series for children and young adults include Get the Math, Oh Noah! and Cyberchase as well as Mission US, the award-winning interactive history game. WNET highlights the tri-state's unique culture and diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Theater Close-Up, NJTV News with Mary Alice Williams and MetroFocus, the daily multi-platform news magazine focusing on the New York region. In addition, WNET produces online-only programming including the award-winning series about gender identity, First Person, and an intergenerational look at tech and pop culture, The Chatterbox with Kevin and Grandma Lill. In 2015, THIRTEEN launched Passport, an online streaming service which allows members to see new and archival THIRTEEN and PBS programming anytime, anywhere: www.thirteen.org/passport.

SOURCE WNET