Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Train Station Station: Stairs Serving Pedestrian Tunnel Closed Temporarily for Roof Replacement Work – Beginning Monday, April, 24, 2017
Beginning on or about Monday, April 24 and continuing for approximately six weeks, the stair kiosks to/from the pedestrian underpass at Ridgewood Station between East Ridgewood Avenue and Wilsey Square will be closed temporarily for repair work.
The underpass and ramps to the south that serve the pedestrian underpass will remain open during this time.This closure is necessary to accommodate roof replacement work on the two endpoint roof structures over the staircases that serve the pedestrian underpass.For your safety, please follow directional signs and do not travel through barricaded areas.
The Ridgewood Police and New Jersey Transit apologize in advance for any inconvenience.
For further information, please call NJ TRANSIT Customer Service at (973) 275-5555 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
Nicholas Pugliese , State House Bureau, @nickpugzPublished 5:27 p.m. ET April 19, 2017
Several of New Jersey’s high-ranking elected officials gathered in Newark Penn Station Wednesday to present the federal government with a dire warning: either follow through on a commitment to fund a portion of the $24 billion trans-Hudson rail project known as Gateway or, in the words of U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, prepare for “traffic Armageddon.”
“We are in a state of crisis,” said Booker, a Democrat. “In fact, we are long past a state of crisis and New Jersey residents are feeling it just about every single day.”
Gateway, perceived as one of the most important infrastructure projects in the country, would double rail capacity between Newark and New York City by digging a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River and upgrading aging bridges, among other improvements.
But it’s a race against time. The current two-track tunnel under the Hudson River was badly damaged during Superstorm Sandy and will need to be repaired in the next 20 years, reducing train service by 75 percent.
Power loss follows two derailments, taxing regional railroads
Despite governor’s comment, cause of weekend incident unclear
Governor Chris Christie blamed Amtrak for a holiday-weekend travel meltdown on New Jersey’s commuter train line, though the federal passenger railroad said it was the state’s fault this time.
As many as 1,200 New Jersey Transit passengers were stranded on April 14 in a tunnel beneath the Hudson River aboard a train that had lost power. A statement emailed by Christie’s office on Monday attributed the incident to Amtrak, which owns the tracks, calling it an example of the railroad’s “failure to adequately maintain its facilities.’’
The investigation so far, though, was “inconclusive’’ about a cause, according to Steve Santoro, New Jersey Transit’s executive director, who spoke to reporters in Hoboken on Monday. Santoro was there to show lawmakers damage caused by a fatal New Jersey Transit crash in September.
Mike Tolbert, an Amtrak spokesman, said its infrastructure wasn’t at fault and “the preliminary cause appears to be a NJ Transit mechanical problem involving the train’s pantograph,” or power collector.
Pandemonium erupted at Penn Station Friday after Amtrak police used a stun gun on an unruly man — sending scared riders scrambling for safety.
The transit hub was unusually crowded at rush hour thanks to an NJ Transit train that stalled in a tunnel earlier, causing massive delays to kick off the holiday weekend.
Cops confronted a man and subdued him with a stun gun around 6:30 p.m., sparking a stampede of frightened travelers who feared that a shooting had taken place.
By Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on April 12, 2017 at 6:12 AM, updated April 12, 2017 at 9:48 AM
Last week, in the midst of the commuter chaos caused by the train derailment at Penn Station, NY Waterway set up an extra ferry route from Hoboken to mid-town Manhattan.
That service will now become a permanent later this year, NY Waterway officials said.
The new ferry service will run the same route between West 39th Street and Hoboken terminal, starting in September, said Arthur Imperatore Sr. NY Waterway president and founder.
That ferry service was launched as an emergency route during the height of last week’s commuting crisis caused by a derailment in Penn Station New York on April and four days of reduced rail service while track damage was repaired.
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today issued a joint letter to the CEO of Amtrak and Executive Director of the Federal Railroad Administration calling for a complete review of Amtrak’s infrastructure and maintenance protocols at Penn Station.
The text of the letter is below:
“Following recent train derailments and severe service disruptions at New York’s Pennsylvania Station, the need for a complete review of Amtrak’s infrastructure and maintenance protocols has become clear. While Amtrak and the Federal Railroad Administration are undertaking these badly needed assessments, the states of New York and New Jersey have not been invited to participate in the assessment and in the development of the needed response.
“As the primary users of Penn Station via the Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit, New York and New Jersey are requesting independent verification of track safety at Penn Station. Specifically, this comprehensive review should take into account the causes of recent failures at Penn Station and any needed changes to the processes by which routine maintenance and emergency repairs are performed.
“As you know, Penn Station is more than just a rail hub – it is a regional economic engine. The Long Island Rail Road carries 230,000 passengers through Penn Station every day. NJ Transit brings nearly 200,000 commuters to and from Manhattan every day. These riders, residents of our states, deserve safe and reliable rail service.
“Severe service disruptions at Penn Station not only impact and inconvenience riders, but also create a ripple effect across the region.
“Our passengers and our residents deserve better. “
By Kelly Heyboer and Ted Sherman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Most veteran police officers at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey earn about $90,000 a year in base pay. But, some officers pocket double — or even triple — that amount each year thanks to an abundance of overtime.
Last year, the Port Authority employees racked up 2.2 million hours worth of overtime doing everything from PATH train maintenance to clearing snow from airport runways and patrolling the World Trade Center.
The overtime bill totaled $262 million, about $2.8 million over budget, according to a Port Authority report. Thanks to overtime pay, some rank-and-file Port Authority police officers took home more than $300,000 in total pay for the year — more than the agency’s executive director.
The overtime helped “ensure that our customers and staff traveled and operated in safe and secure facilities, and that the agency met federal mandates such as rail safety improvements, and addressed our dynamic security, operational and maintenance needs,” a report detailing the costs said.
Here are the 26 Port Authority employees who earned the most in overtime in 2016, according to the agency’s payroll records:
Ridgewood NJ, the resent derailment at Penn Station New York has suggested new urgency to the Hudson Tunnel Project.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and NJ TRANSIT are jointly preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the Hudson Tunnel Project. The Project is intended to preserve the current functionality of the Northeast Corridor’s (NEC) Hudson River rail crossing between New Jersey and New York and strengthen the resiliency of the NEC. The EIS is being prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). As appropriate, FRA and NJ TRANSIT will coordinate with Amtrak and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) on the EIS.
The FRA and NJ TRANSIT have identified a Preferred Alternative for examination in the EIS. The Preferred Alternative would include two new tracks extending from the NEC in Secaucus, NJ, continuing in a tunnel beneath the Palisades (North Bergen and Union City) and the Hoboken waterfront area, and beneath the Hudson River to connect to the existing approach tracks that lead into Penn Station New York, as well as rehabilitation of the existing tunnel once the new tunnel is complete. For more information, see the Preferred Alternatives Summary (also available on the Library page.)
The Hudson Tunnel Project has completed an Alternatives Development Report (also available on the Library page) describing how the Preferred Alternative was developed.
The FRA and NJ TRANSIT invite you to learn about the proposed Project and the environmental review process. We have also added a document to our Library for your review.
Full Weekday Service Set To Resume Friday A.M.; Cross-Honoring Continues For Customer Convenience
April 7,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, be prepared for a few snafu’s but NJ TRANSIT will resume full weekday service into and out of Penn Station New York (PSNY) for Friday morning, pending completion of track repairs by Amtrak. Amtrak has committed to reopening the closed section of track near PSNY by 4 a.m.
At approximately 9 a.m. Monday morning, NJ TRANSIT’s Northeast Corridor line train #3926 experienced a slow-speed derailment while pulling in to Track 9 at New York’s Penn Station. Three cars in the middle of the ten car train derailed. These were cars 5, 6, and 7.
Amtrak, which owns and maintains the tracks near Penn Station New York, has determined that a track problem was the cause of the derailment
Northeast Corridor (NEC) and North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) schedules will return to full regular weekday service. MidTOWN Direct trains will resume service to and from PSNY. Raritan Valley Line (RVL) mid-day trains will resume direct service to and from PSNY.
“We now know that deficiencies in Amtrak’s infrastructure at Penn Station New York caused an extremely difficult and challenging week for our customers,” said Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “We appreciate and value all of our customers and thank them for their patience. I want to assure our riders that NJ TRANSIT is doing everything possible to ensure Amtrak sets the bar higher on maintaining their infrastructure to prevent these types of incidents..”
As customers return to regular weekday schedules, cross honoring will remain in effect with NJ TRANSIT bus, light rail, private carrier bus, NY Waterway ferry, and PATH at Newark, Hoboken and 33rd Street.
Note: The special New York Waterway ferry from Hoboken Terminal will not operate.
For the latest travel information, customers should visit njtransit.com, access NJ TRANSIT’s Twitter feed at @NJTRANSIT or listen to broadcast traffic reports. Additionally, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system (www.njtransit.com/mytransit), which delivers travel advisories to your smartphone. Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555.
Cross-Honoring Continues, Enhanced Ferry Service to Midtown
April 6,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is adding additional train service to the holiday schedule for the Wednesday morning and afternoon peak periods on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and North Jersey Coast Lines (NJCL) operating into Penn Station New York (PSNY). Additionally, enhanced cross-honoring ferry service into midtown Manhattan will be available every half-hour at Hoboken Terminal during morning and afternoon peak periods.
At approximately 9 a.m. Monday morning, NJ TRANSIT’s Northeast Corridor line train #3926 experienced a slow-speed derailment while pulling in to Track 9 at New York’s Penn Station. Three cars in the middle of the ten car train derailed. These were cars 5, 6, and 7.
Please Note: Customers are advised to expect this level of service through the close of the service day on Thursday, April 6, 2017 as Amtrak continues to make repairs in PSNY.
Highlights of the additional peak period train service include the following: two additional trains will operate on the North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) providing one seat rides to/from Bay Head during morning and afternoon peak periods; two additional trains on the NEC will operate to/from New Brunswick; and one additional NEC train will operate to/from Trenton making local stops (except Jersey Ave. in a.m.).
The following additional trains will operate inbound to PSNY:
NJCL 5:45 a.m. from Bay Head
NJCL 6:59 a.m. from Bay Head
NEC 8:11 a.m. from New Brunswick
NEC 8:41 a.m. from New Brunswick
NEC 8:32 a.m. from Trenton (local stops except Jersey Ave.)
The following additional trains will operate outbound from PSNY:
• NEC 4:38 p.m. to Jersey Ave.
• NEC 5:28 p.m. to Jersey Ave.
• NJCL 5:38 p.m. to Bay Head
• NEC 6:31 p.m. local to Trenton (including Jersey Ave. stop)
• NJCL 6:38 p.m. to Bay Head
Enhanced ferry service
Beginning at 6:30 a.m. through 9:30 a.m. New York Waterway Ferry will operate service from Hoboken Terminal slip 5 to 39th St. in midtown Manhattan every half-hour. This service will operate in the afternoon peak hours between 3:30 p.m. (39th St Manhattan) and 7:00 p.m. All of these trips will accept and cross honor NJ TRANSIT tickets and passes to New York.
NJ TRANSIT is continuing the HOLIDAY schedule for the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL). Customers should locate the SATURDAY/SUNDAY/HOLIDAY schedule on their timetables and note that all trains will be operating, including those listed in the color-shaded columns.
NJ TRANSIT and private bus carriers have increased bus service as much as possible on routes along the affected rail lines. Academy has enhanced their PNC park-and-ride service to accommodate North Jersey Coast Line customers. Suburban Transit has also added service to accommodate Northeast Corridor customers.
MidTOWN Direct trains continue to operate in and out of Hoboken Terminal where customers can access PATH, NJ TRANSIT bus service and New York Waterway ferry.
Raritan Valley Line service will operate on a regular weekday schedule and originate/terminate at Newark Penn Station.
Main/Bergen, Pascack Valley, Port Jervis and Atlantic City Rail Lines will operate on regular weekday schedules.
Customers are encouraged to check njtransit.com for complete details.
Cross honoring remains in effect with NJ TRANSIT bus, light rail, private carrier bus, NY Waterway ferry, and PATH at Newark, Hoboken and 33rdStreet. Path also has increased its level of service to accommodate the additional demand.
Hoboken services will be impacted due to the additional trains in the terminal. Because of track limitation in the terminal some Summit-bound trains will be impacted.
Due to the circumstances, impacted customers are advised to build in additional travel time as delays and overcrowding conditions are anticipated.
Cross-Honoring Continues, Enhanced Ferry Service to Midtown
April 5,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is adding additional train service to the holiday schedule for the Wednesday morning and afternoon peak periods on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and North Jersey Coast Lines (NJCL) operating into Penn Station New York (PSNY). Additionally, enhanced cross-honoring ferry service into midtown Manhattan will be available every half-hour at Hoboken Terminal during morning and afternoon peak periods.
At approximately 9 a.m. Monday morning, NJ TRANSIT’s Northeast Corridor line train #3926 experienced a slow-speed derailment while pulling in to Track 9 at New York’s Penn Station. Three cars in the middle of the ten car train derailed. These were cars 5, 6, and 7.
Please Note: Customers are advised to expect this level of service through the close of the service day on Thursday, April 6, 2017 as Amtrak continues to make repairs in PSNY.
Highlights of the additional peak period train service include the following: two additional trains will operate on the North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) providing one seat rides to/from Bay Head during morning and afternoon peak periods; two additional trains on the NEC will operate to/from New Brunswick; and one additional NEC train will operate to/from Trenton making local stops (except Jersey Ave. in a.m.).
The following additional trains will operate inbound to PSNY:
NJCL 5:45 a.m. from Bay Head
NJCL 6:59 a.m. from Bay Head
NEC 8:11 a.m. from New Brunswick
NEC 8:41 a.m. from New Brunswick
NEC 8:32 a.m. from Trenton (local stops except Jersey Ave.)
The following additional trains will operate outbound from PSNY:
• NEC 4:38 p.m. to Jersey Ave.
• NEC 5:28 p.m. to Jersey Ave.
• NJCL 5:38 p.m. to Bay Head
• NEC 6:31 p.m. local to Trenton (including Jersey Ave. stop)
• NJCL 6:38 p.m. to Bay Head
Enhanced ferry service
Beginning at 6:30 a.m. through 9:30 a.m. New York Waterway Ferry will operate service from Hoboken Terminal slip 5 to 39th St. in midtown Manhattan every half-hour. This service will operate in the afternoon peak hours between 3:30 p.m. (39th St Manhattan) and 7:00 p.m. All of these trips will accept and cross honor NJ TRANSIT tickets and passes to New York.
NJ TRANSIT is continuing the HOLIDAY schedule for the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL). Customers should locate the SATURDAY/SUNDAY/HOLIDAY schedule on their timetables and note that all trains will be operating, including those listed in the color-shaded columns.
NJ TRANSIT and private bus carriers have increased bus service as much as possible on routes along the affected rail lines. Academy has enhanced their PNC park-and-ride service to accommodate North Jersey Coast Line customers. Suburban Transit has also added service to accommodate Northeast Corridor customers.
MidTOWN Direct trains continue to operate in and out of Hoboken Terminal where customers can access PATH, NJ TRANSIT bus service and New York Waterway ferry.
Raritan Valley Line service will operate on a regular weekday schedule and originate/terminate at Newark Penn Station.
Main/Bergen, Pascack Valley, Port Jervis and Atlantic City Rail Lines will operate on regular weekday schedules.
Customers are encouraged to check njtransit.com for complete details.
Cross honoring remains in effect with NJ TRANSIT bus, light rail, private carrier bus, NY Waterway ferry, and PATH at Newark, Hoboken and 33rdStreet. Path also has increased its level of service to accommodate the additional demand.
Hoboken services will be impacted due to the additional trains in the terminal. Because of track limitation in the terminal some Summit-bound trains will be impacted.
Due to the circumstances, impacted customers are advised to build in additional travel time as delays and overcrowding conditions are anticipated.
Cross-Honoring Continues, Delays and Crowding Expected
April 4, 2017
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT will continue to operate an adjusted schedule to and from Penn Station New York (PSNY) for Tuesday, April 4th. The reduced train service is due to track constraints at PSNY following the slow-speed derailment of a NJ TRANSIT train Monday morning.
At approximately 9 a.m. Monday morning, NJ TRANSIT’s Northeast Corridor line train #3926 experienced a slow-speed derailment while pulling in to Track 9 at New York’s Penn Station. Three cars in the middle of the ten car train derailed. These were cars 5, 6, and 7.
Northeast Corridor (NEC) and North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) trains will operate on a HOLIDAY schedule with some additional service. Customers should locate the SATURDAY/SUNDAY/HOLIDAY schedule on their timetables and note that all trains will be operating, including those listed in the color-shaded columns. Due to the holiday schedule, rail service with NOT be operating to/from Jersey Avenue and Avenel stations.
NJ TRANSIT and private bus carriers are increasing bus service as much as possible on routes along the affected rail lines. Academy will enhance their PNC park-and-ride service to accommodate North Jersey Coast Line customers. Suburban Transit will also add service to accommodate Northeast Corridor customers.
MidTOWN Direct trains will continue to operate in and out of Hoboken Terminal where customers can access PATH and NJ TRANSIT bus service. PATH will also be increasing service.
Raritan Valley Line service will operate on a regular weekday schedule and originate/terminate at Newark Penn Station.
Main/Bergen, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis Lines will operate on regular weekday schedules.
Atlantic City Rail line rail service will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
Customers are encouraged to check njtransit.com for complete details.
Cross honoring remains in effect with NJ TRANSIT bus, private carrier bus, NY Waterway ferry, and PATH at Newark, Hoboken and 33rd Street.
Hoboken services will also be impacted due to the additional trains in the terminal. Because of track limitation in the terminal some Summit-bound trains will be impacted.
Due to the circumstances, impacted customers are advised to build in additional travel time as delays and overcrowding conditions are anticipated.
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is partnering with the U.S. Army on a program to help provide soldiers with career opportunities following their military service. In a signing ceremony held today at the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction, NJ TRANSIT became the newest member of the U.S. Army’s Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS).
The PaYS program is designed to help soldiers prepare for a career after the Army by connecting them with employers who understand the skill, discipline and work ethic that military service members can bring to an agency. Since PaYS began in 2000, more than 500 employers have partnered with the program.
“We are pleased to join the U.S. Army’s program which benefits both NJ TRANSIT and soldiers in many ways,’’ said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “As an agency that proudly employs veterans throughout all levels of our organization, we know firsthand the tremendous value they bring to our agency. The leadership skills that veterans possess are true assets to our transportation system.’’
PaYS matches soldiers with participating businesses most in need of their particular skill set. During the enlistment process, soldiers can choose to participate in PaYS and select the job and company they are most qualified for. By participating in PaYS, NJ TRANSIT will provide qualified PaYS participants the opportunity to be assessed and to possibly interview with a representative of the company when a job opening is available. The program does not guarantee employment, but it does help a soldier clear the first hurdle to starting a career.
“The Army PaYS program is a win-win opportunity. The Army helps soldiers find employment with companies who value the skill and discipline that comes with an Army career, and companies can draw from an endless pool of qualified talent to fulfill their needs,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Ed Croot, U.S. Army Mid-Atlantic Recruiting Battalion.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Charles Bozian asks ,”This is the “green” space everyone is getting hot and bothered about, the grass around the cement path….. really???”
funny how no one ever said a thing about the portopoty that was station at the train station for over 3 months ?
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is operating on a regular weekend schedule for today, Saturday March 25, following the Amtrak train derailment which caused service disruptions and train cancellations.
Northeast Corridor trains that operate between Rahway and Penn Station New York (trains in the 7600-series) are cancelled on Saturday, March 25. Please check with njtransit.com for the latest information.
An Amtrak derailment at New York Penn Station caused rail suspension in and out of Penn Station New York for most of Friday
