I took the photo above on my way to work this morning. It’s a Homeland Security vehicle trailing a long caravan of emergency vehicles from federal agencies like Homeland Security, FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers. Even saw one from the Maryland Urban Search and Rescue unit. It’s a reminder that the northwest Bronx was extremely fortunate during Sandy’s surge into the northwast and that there is still a lot of work to be done in our region’s most damaged areas.

Here’s a quick look at where we’re at in the Bronx and NYC three days after:

— Gov. Cuomo announced that until midnight on Friday riders can use all of the region’s mass transit systems — buses, subways and commuter trains — free of charge! That also includes Access-a-Ride. “The gridlock we experienced yesterday shows that the New York metropolitan region is in a transportation emergency,” Governor Cuomo said. “To get people out of their cars and onto mass transit, I immediately authorized the MTA to suspend transit fares through the end of the work week.”

— Here’s the updated subway service map. A few notes: No trains are running below 34th Street in Manhattan. The D and 4 trains are running local; The 2 train will still run express from 96th Street to 34th Street; the 6 is running local. More details here.

— All buses are running, but expect delays and bad traffic.

— Alternate side parking is suspended today and tomorrow. But parking meters are in effect.

— Schools will remain closed until next Monday, Nov. 5. All school-related activities have also been suspended until Monday. Teachers and other faculty, however, are expected to report to their schools on Friday.

— Most bridges are now open, but access to Manhattan from the east side is restricted to high-occupancy vehicles of three passengers or more.

— Classes have been cancelled at all City University of New York (CUNY) colleges on Thursday, 11/1. Most Classes will resume on Friday, 11/2.

— New York City, including the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), is coordinating a set of services to assist small businesses in recovering from Hurricane Sandy. For more information, please call 311 and ask for NYC Business Solutions.

— The City is making scheduled garbage collections as storm conditions permit. Recycling collections are suspended. All recycling should be stored until further notice. The Department of Sanitation is handling hurricane debris clean ups citywide.

— Bronx courts are open. Check here for more court info. Learn about NY Court status…

— All NYC parks, playgrounds, beaches, and recreation centers remain closed until further notice due to hazardous conditions. Learn more.

— Residents affected by Hurricane Sandy, including homeowners, renters, and businesses should contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or visit the website to register for federal disaster assistance.

— To report downed trees, call 311. Use 911 for emergencies only.

— To report a loss of electric service, contact Con Edison at 1-800-75-CONED (26633) or online at http://www.coned.com.