E.B. White famously dissected New York City into three categories: the New York of its natives, the New York of those who come to the city on a quest and that of the commuter. Although he dubbed the commuter’s New York a “city that is devoured by locusts each day and spat out each night,” those who schlep from far away places (or even just Brooklyn) are as integral to the city’s landscape as those who plan to live and die in Manhattan.

Regardless of where you fall in White’s hierarchy, getting yourself around the city in inclement weather is no picnic. Use these five apps to quicken your commute.

CabSense NYC: Most New Yorkers know hailing at cab at certain times of day is near impossible. This free app uses data provided by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (and over 220 million taxi trips) to help users find the best location to hail a cab, based on location, time and day of the week. Shake your iPhone to try the “cab hailer” feature, which results in a whistle and flashing message to help you grab the attention of a passing car.

onTime (available in both free and paid versions): Shuttling commuters from along the Hudson River to Grand Central Terminal, the Metro North Rail is the busiest commuter line in the United States (based on overall monthly ridership). onTime was designed with these throngs of passengers in mind, covering the 120 stations operated by Metro North. Download this app to stay abreast of schedules and delays. With a simple user interface, learn when your train departs, the length of your trip and what time you’ll arrive with just a few taps.

Stopango: Combining the time tables of bus lines across the country, Stopandgo can be used in and out of New York City. Updated in real time, data is presented based on your physical location, so you’ll know what lines are closest and how often they’re running. Add a message from your location, attach a picture, report on accidents, traffic jams and more.

Notify Me NYC: Set it and “fuggedit” is Notify Me NYC’s motto. Tell this Android-only app what train lines you ride (subway, Metro North Rail, Long Island Railroad) at what times and days of the week and it will alert you of any changes.

Exit Strategy: Exit Strategy calls itself the “Ultimate NYC Subway App for iPhone” and it could be right (also available on BlackBerry App World and the Android Market). “Plan where to stand” with this app and shave minutes off your commute for just $4.99. By showing you where to stand on the platform, Exit Strategy allows users to board where they’ll arrive directly in front of the exit their destination. Beat the crowds pouring out of crowded subways cars and never walk blocks underground to the exit again. Bus routes are also included as are “enter strategies,” which will inform you of alternative subway entrances.