Category: commuters

Posted on

NJ TRANSIT SALUTES VETERANS WITH FREE RIDES

Ridgewood-Trainstation1_theridgewoodblog

All Active and Retired Military Personnel with ID invited to ride the system as guests
November 10, 2105

Ridgewood NJ,  In recognition of our customers who have served in the Armed Forces, NJ TRANSIT is inviting all active and retired military personnel to ride as guests of honor on our system on Veterans Day.

Whether going to the country’s largest Veteran’s Day parade in New York City, heading to ceremonies around New Jersey or simply commuting to work or school, veterans and active members (in or out of uniform) can utilize any portion of the bus, rail and light rail network all day on Wednesday November 11th, 2015 by simply showing a valid military ID.

“Opening our doors to these brave men and women who have sacrificed for the country is just a small token of our appreciation,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim.  “It is a privilege to salute our nation’s veterans and active members and to honor their service by offering a ride on our transit system.”

NJ TRANSIT’s policy year-round allows dependents of military personnel to purchase tickets at reduced fares using the senior citizen/passenger with disabilities option upon showing a military dependent ID card. When purchasing a ticket from a ticket vending machine or through MyTix, select Senior/Disabled to obtain the discounted fare.

Posted on

Officials discuss plans to bring NJ Transit trains through unused Bergen, Passaic rail line

Ridgewood-Trainstation1_theridgewoodblog

OCTOBER 30, 2015, 2:42 PM    LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2015, 6:53 PM
BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

Two dozen elected Democrats from across New Jersey gathered Friday morning in Paterson to announce a new coalition that will push to bring NJ Transit trains to a rail line through Bergen and Passaic counties that has not seen passenger service since the 1960s.

An earlier effort to bring passenger trains back to the line died in 2008, at least partly due to the recession that started that year, said Congressman Bill Pascrell, D – Paterson, who led Friday’s event. This effort is separate from one to extend the Hudson Bergen Light Rail into Bergen County.

The group got together in advance of discussions scheduled for next week in Congress next week about a bill to fund transportation construction projects for the next five years, after years of political deadlock that resulted in one short-term patch after another.

“We’re going to start talking about that Monday, so now’s the time to advance any projects we feel should be part of it,” Pascrell said.

Unmentioned was the fact that some of the officeholders who spoke Friday, including Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, D – Secaucus, are up for reelection on Tuesday. A poll released this week by the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University found that three-quarters of New Jersey residents have no idea the election is about to happen.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/officials-discuss-plans-to-bring-nj-transit-trains-through-unused-bergen-passaic-rail-line-1.1445314

Posted on

Gawker Fail: Christie campaign pushes back on quiet car report

gov christie press lrg1

October 25, 2015, 12:48 pm
By Caitlin Yilek

Chris Christie’s (R) presidential campaign is pushing back on a Gawker report that said the New Jersey governor was asked to leave an Amtrak Quiet Car on his way to New York from Washington on Sunday morning because he was yelling.

Christie got on the train “yelling at his two Secret Service agents I think because of a seat mixup,” Alexander Mann, a passenger on the train, told Gawker.

The governor sat down and immediately started making phone calls, according to Mann. Christie appeared to be having a heated phone conversation, repeating “this is fricken’ ridiculous” and “seriously?! seriously?!”

After about 10 minutes, a train conductor reportedly asked the governor to stop yelling or move to another car.

“He got up and walked out again yelling at his Secret Service,” Mann told Gawker.

 

https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/258043-chris-christie-campaign-pushes-back

Posted on

George Washington Bridge Closing Lower Level to Accommodate Road Work All Next Week

GWB

TRAVEL ADVISORY – GWB LOWER-LEVEL LANES TO CLOSE NEXT WEEK, IN ALTERNATING DIRECTIONS, TO ACCOMMODATE ONGOING WORKDate: Oct 23, 2015

The Port Authority announced today that the George Washington Bridge’s lower-level lanes will close in alternating directions during nighttime hours next week to accommodate ongoing construction work.

Key Question will the New Press blame it all on Christie ?

Next week’s lower-level closures are currently scheduled as follows:

On Monday night, October 26, the lower level eastbound lanes to New York will close from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

On Tuesday night, October 27, the lower level westbound lanes to New Jersey will close from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

On Wednesday night, October 28, the lower level westbound lanes to New Jersey will close from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

On Thursday night, October 29, the lower level westbound lanes to New Jersey will close from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

On Friday night, October 30, the lower level westbound lanes to New Jersey  will close from 11  p.m. to 8 a.m.

Similar weeknight closures, alternating between the lower-level eastbound and westbound lanes, will continue through mid-November. The Port Authority will provide weekly advisories about the closures.

The closures will allow for the removal of temporary construction platforms used for the upper-level deck installation.  The Port Authority will alert the public through its own and its regional partners’ highway variable message signs, with messages directing drivers to use the upper level in the affected direction.

Posted on

New Jersey Transit : Stay Clear of the Rude Zone

Ridgewood-Trainstation1_theridgewoodblog

NJ TRANSIT LAUNCHES CUSTOMER COURTESY CAMPAIGN

Reminds Passengers to Stay Out Of #RudeZone

October 13, 2015

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is launching a multi-faceted customer courtesy campaign aimed at reminding passengers to mind their manners when riding trains, buses and light rail vehicles.

The six-week campaign, which is currently focused on our heavy rail customers, has several components including creative messages on social media, on-board postcards and posters as well as digital displays system-wide. The program campaign may extend to other NJ TRANSIT modes in future months.

“As we continue to listen to our customers, one thing we keep hearing them point out is common courtesy among fellow passengers,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim said. “This campaign is a fun and subtle reminder that we’re all in this together and that manners matter when riding our system.”

The customer courtesy campaign will kick off Wednesday October 14th with the first of six creative messages.  Each week will highlight a new theme. Customers will see postcards on seats containing a whimsical cartoon which reminds passengers by way of “Greetings from the Rude Zone.”

  • PHONE BOOTH – You’ve heard this person telling the most intimate or boring details of their life “confidentially” at the top of their lungs.
  • POTTY MOUTH – Language is a marvelous thing.  It would be nice if people tried using words with more than 4 letters.
  • EXCESS BAGGAGE – We’ve all got baggage; usually in our minds.  But sometimes we have literal baggage.  You’ve seen people using the aisles and seats of the train or bus like it’s the conveyor belt at the airport.
  • TRAVELING DJ – You’ve seen this guy…at least you’ve heard him.  He may have headphones on, but his tunes are leaking out of his head all over the bus or train.
  • FOOT LOOSE – This person thinks they’re sitting in a lounge chair.  The rule of thumb is: head up, feet down.
  • COASTLINE CLIPPER – Personal grooming is important.  But it’s best done at home.  You’ve seen this guy trimming his nails, nasal hair, cleaning ear wax…yuck!

The campaign’s social media component will utilize such platforms as Facebook and Twitter to emphasize each week’s message.  Customers will be able to join the conversation using the hashtag #RudeZone.

NJ TRANSIT has conducted similar courtesy campaigns in 2001-2002 and 2006-2007.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation’s largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 938,500 weekday trips on 257 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphi

Posted on

The Money Pit : Senate President Stephen Sweeney call for Replacement of Port Authority Bus Terminal

NJT ticket machine

N.J. lawmakers call for replacement of Port Authority Bus Terminal

Two North Jersey Democratic leaders joined state Senate President Stephen Sweeney at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan on Tuesday to call for the building’s immediate replacement. Christopher Maag, The Record Read more

Posted on

Reader says sell more non-resident commuters parking passes to subsidize property taxes

Ridgewood Trainstation_theridgewoodblog

The Village used to have 120 non-resident commuter permits, but doubled non-resident permit rates because there was not enough space for these commuters. Currently there are very few non-resident commuters parking in the train station area. The Village plans to reduce the non-resident commuter rate to $875/year to increase that demand stream again.

Posted on

NJ TRANSIT Threatens Rail Shutdown As Positive Train Control Deadline Nears

Ridgewood-Trainstation1_theridgewoodblog

October 9, 2015 5:10 PM

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — NJ TRANSIT is warningcommuters that train service could grind to a halt at the start of next year.

An unthinkable act: stopping NJ TRANSIT would be paralyzing for thousands of commuters.

Threatening that service might come to a screeching halt after Dec. 31, the railroad is sending a serious message to Congress to pass an extension of the deadline for positive train control — or else, WCBS 880’s Sean Adams reported.

NJ TRANSIT is still trying to install and test an emergency backup system that will automatically stop trains that speed or ignore signals.

NJ Transit said it was unclear whether they would be able to operate their trains come the new year, beyond that they would not elaborate, CBS2’s Alice Gainer reported.

For commuters a shutdown could be a nightmare, but is it real?

The federal government said without PTC the trains can’t legally roll and only Congress can change that.

Sources told CBS2 that trains will probably keep rolling and that NJ Transit will be fined heavily, which could result in fare hikes or service cuts.

NJ Transit issued a statement on Friday.

“Without a PTC extension, it is unclear whether NJ Transit will be able to operate passenger service as of January 1, 2016.”

Safety experts believe PTC could have prevented Amtrak’s deadly derailment in Philadelphia in May. It is designed to prevent derailments and collisions by automatically stopping a train that speeds or disobeys a signal.

CBS2 pressed NJ Transit to go on camera and explain what unclear means, but they would not.

As it stands railroads operating trains on systems without PTC after the current deadline could face fines and other penalties.

https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/10/09/nj-transit-positive-train-control/

Posted on

Drivers in N.J. and N.Y. pay one-third of all tolls collected in U.S.

Lincoln Tunnel

By Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The top three tolling agencies in the country are all in the New York-New Jersey region, and together account for nearly a third of all tolls collected nationwide, an industry group says.

The top three are: the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which collected $1.42 billion in tolls on the turnpike and the Garden State Parkway in 2013; the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which took in $1.33 billion at its four bridges and two tunnels linking the two states; and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which collected $1.23 billion at its New York City bridges and tunnels.

The top ten list was compiled by the International Bridges, Tunnels and Turnpike Association, a group based in Washington, D.C. The $4 billion in tolls the three agencies took in was nearly a third of the $13 billion collected from motorists nationwide, the IBTTA found.

https://snip.ly/PXxN#https://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2015/10/drivers_in_nj_and_ny_pay_one-third_of_all_tolls_collected_in_us.html#incart_river_home

Posted on

Port Authority officials expected to back proposal to move bus terminal one block west

NJT ticket machine

SEPTEMBER 24, 2015, 7:06 AM    LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015, 7:14 AM
BY SHAWN BOBURG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

Leading Port Authority officials today are expected to recommend building a new Manhattan bus terminal one block west of the current station, following months of deliberation over several options with price tags as high as $10 billion, according to three people familiar with the discussions.

The endorsement of a broad plan that includes a specific location for the new terminal and a way to keep commuter buses running during construction would be a significant step in the long-running effort to replace the current 1950s-era mass transit facility with a modern alternative. But more time is needed to determine the new building’s design, the precise cost and how to finance it, said the three sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity so as not to preempt a presentation planned for today’s meeting of commissioners.

In March, in response to increasing calls to address the condition of the world’s busiest bus terminal, commissioners were given five options for replacing it. They ranged widely in estimated cost and in their impact on the bus system, depending on where the new terminal would sit and whether the current one would stay open during construction.

A four-commissioner group that considered the five options is expected to recommend that the bi-state agency build a new terminal between Ninth and Tenth avenues, keeping the current terminal on Eighth Avenue open during construction.

Once the new structure is up and running, the old terminal would be demolished and the development rights for the property, located on 42nd Street between Eighth and Ninth avenues, would be sold to help pay for the project. The location of the new terminal would force commuters connecting to the New York City subway system to walk one block, the three people said, whereas direct connections are possible through the current building

 

https://www.northjersey.com/news/port-authority-officials-expected-to-back-proposal-to-move-bus-terminal-one-block-west-1.1417389

Posted on

Port Authority’s role in paying for Hudson Rail tunnel in doubt

Lincoln Tunnel

SEPTEMBER 22, 2015, 10:55 PM    LAST UPDATED: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2015, 11:02 PM
BY SHAWN BOBURG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

A new $20 billion rail tunnel under the Hudson River would be built, and partly paid for, by the Port Authority under a plan described last week by Governor Christie and his New York counterpart, Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Left unaddressed, though, was a fundamental question: Does the bi-state agency that collects tolls at the Hudson River vehicular crossings have the legal authority to lead a project to build a rail tunnel that will be used exclusively by other agencies — in this case, Amtrak and NJ Transit?

Some lawyers and lawmakers say no — not unless both states’ legislatures specifically approve the Port Authority’s involvement.

The issue is more than just an arcane legal question.

It rekindles other recent controversies over the legality of using Port Authority money — including the $14 cash tolls collected at its bridges and tunnels and airport fees — to fund non-Port Authority projects. The Port Authority is already facing an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and federal regulators for shifting $1.8 billion in toll money to New Jersey-owned roads at the behest of the Christie administration.

The governors’ proposal for the tunnel also puts the Port Authority, an agency buffeted by a series of scandals that have dented Christie’s presidential hopes, at the center of one of the biggest public works projects in the country.

“It’s premature at this point to discuss what role the Port Authority may be asked to play with respect to the tunnel project,” Port Authority Chairman John Degnan said Friday. “At an appropriate time, we will ensure we have adequate legal basis for any involvement we do have.”

By law, the Port Authority is allowed to undertake projects associated with its existing facilities or new projects authorized by state lawmakers in both New York and New Jersey. But over the years, the Port Authority has found creative ways to bypass the requirement of legislative approval.

 

https://www.northjersey.com/news/analysis-port-authority-s-role-in-paying-for-tunnel-in-doubt-1.1415674

Posted on

NJ TRANSIT DETAILS NORTH JERSEY SERVICE FOR PAPAL VISIT

lasttraintoclarksville_theridgewoodblog

Papal Event-Goers Encouraged to Travel Off-Peak

September 14, 2015

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT has plans in place to help manage travel for North Jersey customers during Pope Francis’ visit to the area on Thursday, September 24th and Friday, September 25th.

Event-goers are advised to plan their trip ahead of time, plan to travel off-peak when possible and purchase round-trip tickets in advance. Large crowds are expected along with enhanced security measures and expected delays during this time period. When returning to New Jersey in the evening on September 25th, customers should be prepared for longer wait times especially immediately following the Papal Mass at Madison Square Garden.

“With crowds moving into, out of, and around New York City on Thursday and Friday of the Papal visit week, NJ TRANSIT’s regular customers should know that this will be very far from their normal commute,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim. “We are asking our customers to be patient – and to be prepared – as we expect our rail and bus service to be at or near capacity during the peak periods so wait times may be lengthy. Our goal is to have visitors utilize off-peak trains and move as many people as possible in a safe and efficient manner.”

NJ TRANSIT will operate additional rail service during the off-peak into Penn Station New York and enhance its bus service into Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) throughout the day.  Normal football Game Day rail service will run on Thursday and Sunday for the Giants and Jets games, respectively.

Signage and posters will be available at all major rail stations and bus terminals to inform NJ TRANSIT customers of travel options. Also, NJ TRANSIT Ambassadors, who are knowledgeable about travel information during this special Papal event, will be on hand to assist customers.

Special queuing in Penn Station New York will also be in place to handle anticipated crowds.  The new busing operations in place at the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) should help vehicles, and customers, travel to and from the terminal more quickly.  In addition, the majority of buses do not travel on New York City streets and traverse from the Lincoln tunnel directly onto PABT ramps, avoiding any traffic diversion which may be implemented due to the Pope’s motorcade, unless it impacts the Lincoln Tunnel.

NJ TRANSIT is also working closely with area transportation partners to provide alternate transit options throughout the visit.  For example, customers can transfer to PATH service at Newark Penn Station or at Hoboken where they can also travel via NY Waterway. NY Waterway will operate their regular service for Thursday and Friday but will have boats on standby if needed.  They also are modifying their bus schedule to coincide with the Papal parade.

“Our staff continues to work hand in hand with NJ TRANSIT to ensure that those attending papal activities in Manhattan have a convenient and safe way to get there,” said Michael Marino, the Port Authority’s Director of Rail Transit and General Manager of PATH.

NY Waterway also has additional commuter ferry capacity from a number of locations to accommodate New Jersey residents coming to New York City during the Papal visit.

Ferry service is available to West 39th Street in Manhattan from Port Imperial in Weehawken, 14th Street in Hoboken and Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken.  These routes operate all day, with departures every 10 to 30 minutes.

Morning and evening rush hour service is available from Edgewater in Bergen County to West 39th Street, a 13-minute crossing every 30 minutes.  Morning and evening rush hour service is available from Belford/Middletown in Monmouth County to Lower Manhattan in 40 minutes and to West 39th Street in 65 minutes with departures every 30 minutes.

There also is service from Hoboken Rail/Ferry Terminal and Jersey City’s Paulus Hook, Liberty Harbor and Port Liberte to the World Financial Center and to Pier 11 at Wall Street.

“NY Waterway is always ready with the boats and the experienced crews to work with NJ TRANSIT to move New Jersey residents across the Hudson River quickly and reliably.  We are confident that we can handle the increased ridership during this wonderful event, the visit of Pope Francis to our region,” said NY Waterway President and Founder Arthur E. Imperatore.

Amtrak will provide direct rail service to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia with some trains making stops in New Jersey including Newark, Metropark, Princeton Junction, Hamilton and Trenton.  For more information on Amtrak service, please go to https://www.amtrak.com/papalvisit.

NJ TRANSIT has created a special Papal webpage will more detailed information for visitors. Please visit www.njtransit.com/papal for any updated NJ TRANSIT Papal travel news.

Posted on

Christie, Cuomo seek Federal Grant Commitment of 50% for Rail Tunnel

Ridgewood_Train_Statin_theridgewoodblog

 

Far better deal for NJ Taxpayers 

Today, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo sent a letter to President Barack Obama outlining a viable funding framework to break the logjam over funding for a new trans-Hudson commuter rail tunnel – a critical infrastructure project of regional and national economic importance. Politicker Staff, PolitickerNJ  Read more

Posted on

5 ways commuting ruins your life

Route_17_Glen062_theridgewoodblog

file photo by Boyd Loving
By Quentin Fottrell

Published: Sept 9, 2015 5:45 a.m. ET

Hours spent driving can wreck finances, health, and marriage

There’s one more reason to love Paris in the Fall. On Sept. 27, Paris will go car-free for one day. In an effort to address the city’s concerns about worsening pollution, the inaugural “Paris Sans Voiture” will free up everywhere from the Left Bank to the Champ Élysées for pedestrians and cyclists.

Around 2.2 million U.S. workers have a daily commute of at least an hour to and from work, according to the “American Community Survey” by the U.S. Census, and 600,000 full-time workers are so-called super-commuters, spending 90 minutes and traveling 50 miles to get to work every day. In fact, more people drove 50 miles or more this past Labor Day Weekend than they had since 2008, and more Americans arewasting time stuck in traffic.

“Many people aren’t aware of how much they actually spend on commuting,” says Rob Perks, transportation campaign director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, a non-profit environmental advocacy group based in Washington, D.C. The NRDC found that commuters spend $2,180 per year on maintaining a car and paying for gas to get to and from work in urban areas and $3,347 in the suburbs, while rural commuters spend $4,272 a year. Those who don’t commute to work only spend $1,857 a year.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/5-ways-commuting-ruins-your-life-2013-07-30

Posted on

United Airlines CEO resigns amid federal probe

newark-airport-picture

By Keith Laing – 09/08/15 05:17 PM EDT

United Airlines CEO Jeff Smisek has resigned from his post due to a federal probe into allegations the company offered air service to win favor from a New Jersey state official, the company announced on Tuesday.

The Bergen County, N.J., newspaper reports that federal prosecutors have been investigating allegations that United offered flights from Newark to Columbia, S.C., to benefit the chairman of the Port of New York and New Jersey, which operates one of United’s biggest hubs, Newark Liberty International Airport.

United said Tuesday that Smisek and two other high-ranking officials have resigned effective immediately because of the investigation, which the company stressed it is cooperating with.

The company said a member of its board of directors, Oscar Munoz, is taking over effective immediately.

United said Tuesday Munoz would provide a steady hand at the helm of the company, despite the ongoing federal investigation.

“Oscar’s track record demonstrates that he has the right blend of strategic vision and strong leadership to continue United’s upward trajectory,” Board of Directors Chairman Henry Meyer said in a statement announcing the resignations of Smisek and United’s executive vice presidents of communications and government affairs.

“United is well positioned to continue executing on its strategic plan to further improve performance and the value and service it provides to its customers,” Meyer continued. “I’m honored to have been elected non-executive chairman by my fellow directors. The board thanks Jeff for his service to both United Airlines and Continental Airlines.”

Smisek has led United since its 2010 merger with Continental. Smisek previously ran Continental, which also operated a hub at Newark.

https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/252980-united-airlines-ceo-resigns-due-to-federal-probe