Commuters Still Struggling After Sandy

Monroe County-- Commuter troubles continue and frustrations mount in the Poconos, as workers attempt to make their way in and out of New York and New Jersey.

Keisha Naro, of Long Pond, went back to work in New York City Thursday for the first time this week.

She says she didn't expect Hurricane Sandy to hit the Poconos this hard.

Naro noted, "Going without electricity and having kids in the house, and kids who have Type 1 diabetes, and try to keep the medication cool-- but you know, it's doable. We've been dealing with it."

For people who live in Delaware Water Gap, homes and streets still remain in the dark-- long after Sandy left the area.

Shelley and Clint Tillman were stranded in California since Monday.          

They just got back to Marshalls Creek late Thursday night, after waiting several hours for gas in Newark, New Jersey.

Sherry said, "(We) pulled up to our house, trees were down everywhere, no electricity. We have no idea how long it's been out. He's taking a chance on getting to the city now, so he can get to work."

Travel has been tough because some transportation agencies have been forced to reduce the amount of trips they offer.

But Tom Spiliotopoulos, who owns Tobyhanna-based S & V Tours, has had the opposite problem.

He normally runs four buses a day to New York City, but says business has been down since Sandy blew through.

Spiliotopoulos explained, "160 people called me Wednesday night, for Thursday. Only 48 people showed up."

One man headed by car to New Jersey for work lamented the whole situation Sandy has caused.

He noted, "I have to leave my family at home, wondering, you know? I've got the wood stove going. I rely on my son and my father-in-law and my wife to take care of everything."

And although the Martz bus terminal at Delaware Water Gap remains in total darkness, some commuters found they could catch a ride there.

Derrick Cooper, of Effort, recalled, "I left at 4:45AM yesterday by car, didn't get to work until 11:00AM. I decided to take the bus today."

Yet-- however bleak the current situation may seem-- commuters we spoke with say they know things will get better.

Billy Hofving, of Long Pond, added, "We have to go on in life. This is what happens, and we're strong people. We made it through 9/11; we can make it through anything."