Public agencies are being more "safety aware" in severe weather nowdays, so trains are more apt to be canceled or put on an alternate/improvised schedule based on what administrators feel is best. It isn't just about the trains moving. You need people to fuel locomotives, punch tickets, and operate the controls ot move the equipment, as well as folks that have the job of fixing any problems with physical plant or traction or signal power. That said, i'd much rather be on a train than in an automobile if i need to get somewhere. I've done just that in many a severe winter situation and have not regretted it at all.
I am not sure what goes on in the minds in trenton or elsewhere in NJ, but it seems unfair (to me) that the people taking traffic off the road be made to pay more with no gas tax increase. It's like rewarding people for being part of the traffic jam in my mind. Maybe it's just me and i'm crazy.
Train approaching, please stand back.