Unfortunately that official information is only correct in theory. Lighters and matches are only allowed (legal or not) if the TSA agents on duty when you pass through say they are. I have lost several allowed lighters and finger nail clippers in airports despite the published policies.
As for those stranded on the train - life is pretty much a come as you are event. I would probably go with life boat rules and try to help kids and women first. Given the very limited amount of stuff I have on me for my commute that wouldn't go very far but I'd feel better about helping out some kids even while I sat around shivering.
Even if I had the tools, I don't think I would consider a fire unless someone was seriously distressed (not just uncomfortable). Fire is a great tool but around the unwary it can help things go from bad to worse very quickly.
- Eric
Agreed on that, good observations - you're not in charge in this scenario either, its not your environment to burn, so if the conductor says put it out, it goes out. Its their job if your small fire sets a bigger one. A good approach might be to show the heat cell to the guy in charge, describe how it works, where you'll set it, and that you'll supervise it while the kids huddle around to get warm. These days they'll probably call up to a supervisor, and they'll say no - but it doesn't hurt to tell the higher ups that the folks are cold enough to try marginally unsafe things. FWIW though heat cells are designed to work on the dashboard of your car, they are pretty darn safe, and they are designed not to spread flames if tipped over etc.
You'd have to stretch reality quite a bit to put me on any elevated train in snow conditions, in Queens, with or without a lighter, much less a heat cell. Closer to home I travel far differently, and the ambient conditions are a good bit more pleasant than a NYC snowstorm.
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