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Estimating cost of winter storm Juno – Metro US

Estimating cost of winter storm Juno

Winter storm Juno was a bit lackluster and fell short to all the predictions of being an epic, apocalyptic winter storm.

When the numbers get crunched, shutting down the entire city including mass transit can cost taxpayers millions of dollars.

According to a 2014 study from IHS Global Insight, a severe winter storm could have a major impact on the city’s budget. In fact, according to the study, it can cost as much as $300-700 million just for a one-day shutdown just for closed businesses and impassable roads. If public transportation stops service for a day, you’re looking at a cost reaching billions of dollars.

In a study from 2013, over 2 million people will ride the New York City subway in one weekday. By bus, an average weekday will bring over 400,000 riders. Of course some adjustments need to be made and there are plenty other variables involved, but it is safe to say that the city loses money when mass transit is shut down.

A graph from the New York City Independent Budget Office shows that in 2013, 40 million dollars was spent with a budget of 60 million dollars. During that year, there was only approximately 30 inches of snowfall. The city didn’t go over budget but you can see how much it costs to remove snow.

Juno, the mighty “blizzard” of 2015 has come and gone in New York City and based on these figures alone, it has cost the city millions of dollars to shut down MTA and pay the sanitation department to clear streets and highways.