How To Get Around New York City in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

Oct. 30, 2012— -- Because of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, transportation in and out of New York City is extremely limited, but is starting to clear.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey reopened the Outerbridge Crossing, George Washington, Goethals and Bayonne bridges Tuesday but urged people not to drive unless absolutely necessary. The Holland Tunnel and Brooklyn Battery Tunnel are still closed.

The New York City subway system is closed because of flooding but New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg projects service will begin in three to four days. The subway system is 108 years old but has never faced a disaster like this, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that officials expect limited, and free, New York bus service to be restored by 5 p.m. today.

There have been more than 15,773 flight cancellations so far as a result of Hurricane Sandy, FlightAware.com reported. New York's LaGuardia and JFK airports remain closed Tuesday due to extreme flooding and debris. There is flooding around LaGuardia's runway and around the Delta Terminal. There is flooding at the east end of the tarmac and possible barge damage to the runway.

Due to flooding and damage, LaGuardia will not reopen Wednesday and workers will take a closer look to determine when the airport can be back in service.

JFK does not have any flooding but does have debris on the runway, although it is expected to reopen Wednesday. Newark airport is also closed and officials are working to determine when it will reopen.

Delta and JetBlue will start flying to Washington, D.C. today.

All of the airlines are offering changes free of charge for those flights affected by Sandy, according to FlightAware.com.

Amtrak is currently inspecting tracks and stations to determine the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. They are also working to make necessary repairs along Amtrak-owned sections of railroad in the Northeast, including the Northeast Corridor. Most Amtrak service along the route remains suspended today. The company plans to make a decision for Wednesday, Oct. 31 service later today.

PATH train service will take seven to 10 days to resume and New Jersey Transit will be slightly quicker, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said at a press conference this morning.

New York taxi drivers are also permitted to pick up additional passengers when a passenger is already inside, according to ABC affiliate WABC. The original passenger will pay the metered fare, even if the taxi has to take a detour to drop off the additional passengers. The fare for the additional passengers is to be negotiated between the driver and passenger. The NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission recommends a fare of $10 per additional passenger who join an already in process trip.

Liveries, black cars and luxury limousines are permitted to accept street-hail passengers anywhere in New York City. Fares are negotiable and the driver must quote the fare upfront. The TLC recommends a fare of $15 per trip for trips within Manhattan under 96th Street or within Manhattan above 96th Street, or within another borough, and $25 per trip for trips crossing from one borough into another borough or crossing 96th Street in Manhattan.