Category: commuters

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NJ TRANSIT AND NEXTDOOR PARTNER IN COMMUNITY POLICING INITIATIVE

All Clear at Ridgewood Train Station

file photo by Boyd Loving

July 27,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  The New Jersey Transit Police Department  has partnered with Nextdoor, a global, private social network for neighborhoods to utilize the social media app to help increase active “eyes and ears’’ surrounding NJ TRANSIT’s infrastructure.

“Safety is the number one priority for NJ TRANSIT,’’ said Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “The New Jersey Transit Police Department is continually looking at innovative strategies to maintain a safe and secure transit system and is the first transit police department to leverage the Nextdoor neighborhood social network. It will improve direct communication for both sides by allowing the sharing of vital information. Residents will have a chance to express their concerns regarding safety to the very officers who patrol and command their ‘home turf.’ It is a win-win situation.’’

This first-of-its-kind partnership between the New Jersey Transit Police Department and Nextdoor will enhance community policing by helping decrease rail line crime and accidents and promote interaction between those who live within a close proximity to NJ TRANSIT rail and light rail lines and stations, and bus terminals.

“NJ TRANSIT understands how important it is to maintain positive relationships with the local communities we serve,’’ said New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo. “By utilizing the Nextdoor network, the members of the New Jersey Transit Police Department will be able to directly communicate with our unofficial “eyes and ears,’’ the members of the communities we serve. At NJ TRANSIT, we see the partnership with Nextdoor as a tool to strengthen our connections to these local communities, and it gives our neighbors a way to get to know the men and women of the New Jersey Transit Police Department.’’

For video of today’s news conference, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHEcsdukwDI

The New Jersey Transit Police Department will not be able to access residents’ network information or content on Nextdoor.

With access to Nextdoor’s public agency platform, the New Jersey Transit Police Department will be able to geo-target Nextdoor residents who live within a one-mile radius of rail and light rail lines and stations, and bus terminals to:

  • Inform nearby residents of criminal activity such as theft and vandalism;
  • Educate residents on how to report suspicious activity;
  • Provide educational information on how to teach children about the dangers of railroad tracks; and
  • Increase the number of residents who interact with New Jersey Transit Police officers who patrol nearby stations and terminals.

Nextdoor is free for residents and the New Jersey Transit Police Department.

Founded in 2010, Nextdoor is a private, hyperlocal social network for neighborhoods used by verified NJ residents. Local residents use Nextdoor for a variety of things such as finding a babysitter to addressing crime and quality-of-life concerns.

This past spring, the New Jersey Transit Police Department conducted a pilot test of the platform for neighborhoods along the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and Morris & Essex stations. Feedback indicated that neighbors were overwhelming in favor of the partnership.

Those who live within one-mile of NJ TRANSIT’s rail and light rail lines, train stations and bus terminals may sign up for Nextdoor at https://nextdoor.com/agency/new-jersey-transit-police-department/?i=ktzxwqknqbpdnxqhmhwr.

To report a crime in progress or request immediate police or emergency assistance, call 9-1-1 or the New Jersey Transit Police Communications Center at 800-242-0236 or text NJTPD (65873).

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Wednesday Evening Hoboken Bound NJT Train Collides with SUV in Elmwood Park

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photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

July 26,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Elmwood Park NJ, NJ Transit train #1277, traveling westbound from Hoboken, collided with a white colored SUV at the Midland Avenue crossing in Elmwood Park on Wednesday evening, 07/25. No injuries were reported in the mishap. The crash halted all rail traffic on the Bergen Line for over one (1) hour. A flatbed tow truck removed the SUV, which was partially wedged under the train, from the crossing. Elmwood Park Police, Saddle Brook Police, and NJ Transit Police responded to the incident.

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Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean : Murphy’s Diversion of NJ Transit Capital Funds is the Height of Hypocrisy

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July 18,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean released the following statement, in light of today’s news that the Murphy Administration has authorized New Jersey Transit to divert $511 million in capital funds to pay for operational costs.

“Governor Murphy swore to commuters that he would fix New Jersey Transit, without relying on financially-unsustainable practices. Today he broke that promise. His decision to use capital funds to cover up his complete inability to manage money is misguided.”

“Governor Murphy is using the very same practices that he campaigned against, by diverting money from the Clean Energy Fund, the Turnpike Authority and now, New Jersey Transit’s capital funds to plug holes in his budget.
New Jersey Transit’s capital budget should be used to make essential investments and expand services that benefit our commuters, such as one-seat rides. As someone who represents thousands of commuters, I am deeply disappointed to see Governor Murphy make the same mistakes that got us into this mess in the first place. I will continue to be a vocal advocate for ensuring people have a safe, easy and affordable way to get to work.”

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Ridgewood Train Station Parking Lot Reconfiguration

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July 14,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Proposed Parking Lot Reconfiguration – Train Station Expansion
Proposed parking lot reconfiguration details are:
One bench, center of island, to be provided by others.
11 decorative streetlights, matching pattern used in the Village
An increase of 38 parking spaces
15 trees are to be removed. All were examined by the Village Arborist for health, most were in poor health.
14 trees are to be planted, 11 of which will be red oaks
44 of the reconfigured spaces will be for compact cars, with a stall size of 9-wide by 16-feet deep.
One way counter-clockwise circulation in the parking lot.
22-foot wide circulation lane.
Center island is to be 14-feet wide.(It is currently approx. 33 feet wide, at the widest section)
Sidewalk in the center island to be 5-feet in width.
Standard 9-foot by 18-foot parking stalls surrounding the center island
Center island sidewalk to be tinted a dark color (as per SHPO).
Existing lot has 107 parking spaces. Reconfigured lot will have 145 parking spaces.

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New Jersey Transit Bus Struck by Train in Garfield

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July 10,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Garfield NJ, A New Jersey Transit bus was struck by a NJ Transit train in New Jersey Monday afternoon. It happened around 5 p.m. at Midland and Plauderville avenues in Garfield, near the Plauderville station, which is on the Bergen County Line.

Sources report that the bus became trapped between the closing train gates, the driver ordered the 15-20 passengers off the bus . Unfortunately the driver did return the bus and was injured. Some reports indicate the bus was hit by a Light rail train.

New Jersey Transit said Bergen County trains resumed with trains subject to 30 miin delays in both directions and substitute bus service was provided between Wesmont & Broadway & NJT Bus is accepting rail tickets and passes at Secaucus and on the BCL.

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Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) service Extenting into Bergen County

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July 5,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

What is Northern Branch?

The Northern Branch is a freight rail line owned by CSX Transportation that runs through Hudson and Bergen Counties to the New York State Border. The Northern Branch Corridor, through which the rail line traverses, is a densely settled suburban environment that has not been served by passenger rail since the discontinuation of service on the Northern Branch and West Shore Lines in the 1950s and 60s.

The Northern Branch Corridor Project calls for transit improvements in northeastern Hudson and southeastern Bergen Counties through the restoration of passenger rail service on an existing freight rail line. The electric light rail service would operate on West Side Avenue in North Bergen, and then on existing railroad right-of-way owned by CSX Transportation (CSX) between 91st Street in North Bergen and the northern border of Englewood and would introduce new station stops in North Bergen, Ridgefield, Palisades Park, Leonia, and Englewood.

Project Planning
The growth of automobile usage and accompanying roadway congestion in recent decades led planners and officials to search for solutions to the growing traffic problems in the Bergen County area. In the mid-1990s the West Shore Region Study provided a comprehensive examination of multi-modal opportunities throughout Bergen County, New Jersey and Rockland County, New York. Recommended for further study was an extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) from 85th Street in North Bergen along the Northern Branch to Tenafly, New Jersey.

The Northern Branch Corridor DEIS was prepared by NJ TRANSIT in cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to evaluate the benefits, costs and social, economic and environmental impacts of constructing and operating passenger rail service on the Northern Branch. The DEIS evaluated two Build Alternatives: the Preferred Alternative, which extended existing Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) service from North Bergen to the Tenafly-Cresskill border, and a similar HBLR extension that terminated at Route 4 in Englewood.

The DEIS was published in November 2011, and can be reviewed here: Northern Branch DEIS.

Public hearings were held in January 2012, and the public comment period closed on February 21, 2012. More than 1,200 comments were received and reviewed by NJ TRANSIT. While many comments expressed support for the service, residents and community leaders in Tenafly were strongly opposed to the extension of service into their community. After considering the comments, FTA and NJ TRANSIT have developed a new alignment that would extend HBLR service from North Bergen to Englewood Hospital, which is north of Route 4 and south of Tenafly. Light rail service would not extend past Englewood.

This new alignment results in changes to the service plan and potential environmental and social impacts explored in the DEIS circulated for comment in 2012. As a result, this new alignment and associated changes have been analyzed in a Supplemental DEIS (SDEIS) and circulated for public comment and agency feedback in a process closely approximating the one undertaken for the DEIS.
The SDEIS was published on March 24, 2017, and can be reviewed here: Northern Branch SDEIS.

Similar to a DEIS, an SDEIS requires a public hearing and public comment period. The comments on the SDEIS and DEIS will be addressed together in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). A 60-day public comment period will follow the notice of availability (NOA) of the SDEIS, during which time NJ TRANSIT will hold a public hearing. Comments will be collected and reviewed in the same manner as conducted for the DEIS. Provided that the SDEIS comments do not present compelling arguments for substantial revision to the SDEIS Preferred Alternative, an FEIS will be prepared, incorporating the SDEIS findings and unchanged elements from the DEIS. A response to comments chapter will be included in the FEIS, addressing all comments received during the prior two comment periods.

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EARLY GETAWAY SERVICE SET IN ADVANCE OF INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY

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July 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT will offer “early getaway’’ rail and bus service on Tuesday, July 3, for the benefit of customers leaving work early in anticipation of the Independence Day holiday on Wednesday, July 4. In addition, there will be service changes throughout the NJ TRANSIT system on July 4.

To help speed the getaway, customers are reminded that they can enjoy the convenience of purchasing tickets through the MyTix feature on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Beverages of any kind, in any type of container, open or closed, will not be permitted on board train/bus/light rail cars. This policy will be strictly enforced. As a reminder, beverages of any kind are not permitted at any time on board buses regardless of the event.

On Tuesday, July 3:

Starting at approximately 1:00 p.m., extra outbound service will operate on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines to accommodate early customer departures. Visit www.njtransit.com for details.

Many bus lines will feature service adjustments throughout the day. Visit www.njtransit.com more information.
All light rail systems will operate on regular weekday schedules.

On Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4:

Trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines, with these additions:
Additional Bay Head-Long Branch trains on the North Jersey Coast line (which began service 6/24); see NJCL timetable for details HERE.
An additional train departing Port Jervis at 4:09 p.m., which makes all stops to Suffern, then operates express to Secaucus Junction and Hoboken.
NJ TRANSIT will adjust Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) for the Jersey City Freedom Fireworks Festival at Exchange Place.

Between 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

At the request of public safety officials, beginning at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. light rail vehicles will travel through Exchange Place but will bypass the Exchange Place stop. Customers will not be able to board or exit light rail vehicles at Exchange Place during this time. Customers may use Essex St. or Harborside as alternates.

Beginning at 2:00 p.m.:

Tonnelle Avenue and Hoboken Terminal southbound trains will terminate at Harborside.
West Side Avenue and 8th Street northbound trains will terminate at Essex Street.
There will be no direct light rail service from 8th Street to Hoboken Terminal or from Tonnelle Avenue to West Side Avenue.
Normal HBLR service will resume when the New Jersey Transit Police Department determines it is safe to reopen Exchange Place to light rail traffic.
Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule.
River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Bus service levels will vary by line. Visit www.njtransit.com for more information.

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In the event of a New Jersey state government shutdown, all NJ TRANSIT services will continue to operate on their regular schedules

Ridgewood-Trainstation1_theridgewoodblog

June 30,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In the event of a potential state government shutdown, all NJ TRANSIT services will continue to operate on their regular schedules.

NJ TRANSIT will offer “early getaway’’ rail and bus service on Tuesday, July 3, for the benefit of customers leaving work early in anticipation of the Independence Day holiday on Wednesday, July 4. In addition, there will be service changes throughout the NJ TRANSIT system on July 4.

To help speed the getaway, customers are reminded that they can enjoy the convenience of purchasing tickets through the MyTix feature on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Beverages of any kind, in any type of container, open or closed, will not be permitted on board train/bus/light rail cars. This policy will be strictly enforced. As a reminder, beverages of any kind are not permitted at any time on board buses regardless of the event.

On Tuesday, July 3:

Starting at approximately 1:00 p.m., extra outbound service will operate on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines to accommodate early customer departures. Visit www.njtransit.com for details.

Many bus lines will feature service adjustments throughout the day. Visit www.njtransit.com more information.
All light rail systems will operate on regular weekday schedules.

On Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4:

Trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines, with these additions:
Additional Bay Head-Long Branch trains on the North Jersey Coast line (which began service 6/24); see NJCL timetable for details HERE.
An additional train departing Port Jervis at 4:09 p.m., which makes all stops to Suffern, then operates express to Secaucus Junction and Hoboken.
NJ TRANSIT will adjust Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) for the Jersey City Freedom Fireworks Festival at Exchange Place.

Between 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

At the request of public safety officials, beginning at 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. light rail vehicles will travel through Exchange Place but will bypass the Exchange Place stop. Customers will not be able to board or exit light rail vehicles at Exchange Place during this time. Customers may use Essex St. or Harborside as alternates.

Beginning at 2:00 p.m.:

Tonnelle Avenue and Hoboken Terminal southbound trains will terminate at Harborside.
West Side Avenue and 8th Street northbound trains will terminate at Essex Street.
There will be no direct light rail service from 8th Street to Hoboken Terminal or from Tonnelle Avenue to West Side Avenue.
Normal HBLR service will resume when the New Jersey Transit Police Department determines it is safe to reopen Exchange Place to light rail traffic.
Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule.
River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Bus service levels will vary by line. Visit www.njtransit.com for more information.

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NJ TRANSIT APPROVES FINANCING AGREEMENT FOR NEW PORTAL BRIDGE

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June 16,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today approved a financing agreement with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) which provides up to $600 million toward the construction of a new Portal Bridge.  The commitment solidifies New Jersey’s local share of the project cost.

“We’re not going to kick the can down the road any longer,” said Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti.   “The time is long overdue for a new Portal Bridge, which is the foundation of many commuter frustrations.  The taxpayers of New Jersey deserve a transportation system which will drive the economy and reliably get them to jobs, schools, and recreation.”

“This funding is proof that Governor Murphy, NJ TRANSIT and the State of New Jersey are firmly committed to advancing this vital transportation infrastructure project,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Kevin Corbett.  “A better tomorrow for NJ TRANSIT starts today.  Our customers have suffered far too long from the outdated, unreliable Portal Bridge.  A new bridge can’t wait any longer.”

The resolution approved by the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors authorizes the Executive Director in consultation with the Board Chair to execute and deliver the funding agreement with the NJEDA.  The EDA will issue up to $600 million in bonds which will be paid back over a 30-year term from the state Transportation Trust Fund (TTF).  This same funding structure was utilized in 1999 for the construction of the River LINE light rail system.

BACKGROUND

The existing Portal Bridge, built in 1910, is a two-track, railroad swing-type drawbridge that spans the Hackensack River in New Jersey. The project will replace the existing two-track Portal Bridge with a new two-track fixed structure that will be approximately 2.33 miles long and will have a clearance that accommodates current and forecasted maritime traffic, which will eliminate the need for a moveable span that interrupts rail operations and results in delays due to mechanical failures. When built, the new Portal North Bridge will allow for a 10 percent increase in peak hour passenger capacity.

On July 14, 2016, NJ TRANSIT entered into the Project Development phase of the FTA’s Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program. The Preliminary Design Phase for construction of the new Portal North Bridge is complete and a Record of Decision was received from the FTA in July 2017. Early Work construction, including utility relocation and Right of Way acquisition is underway.  NJ TRANSIT is the project sponsor for the new Portal North Bridge project.

In September 2017, NJ TRANSIT applied for CIG funding that, if approved by the FTA and received by NJ TRANSIT, would cover a share of all project costs. The board actions by NJ TRANSIT and NJEDA will support the application for CIG funds to move forward with an improved rating.

The new Portal North Bridge is fully designed and fully permitted.

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New Jersey Transit Looks at Additional Fare Payment Options

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June 14,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In a continuing effort to improve the customer experience, NJ TRANSIT is taking steps to modernize the fare payment system and offer additional payment options. The proposed upgrades seek to reduce cash and paper-based tickets while providing customers with quick, easy and convenient ways to pay.

“Improving the customer experience has been at the top of my priority list,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “Giving customers the ability to utilize the latest technology to pay fares offers a major convenience to them and multiple benefits including easier payment options, speeding up boarding and making our collection systems more efficient and up to date.”

A contract renewal approved by the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors earlier this year with Conduent Transport Solutions Inc. of Somerset, New Jersey, includes provisions to accept mobile payments, open bank cards and a NJ TRANSIT fare card.

The contract allows NJ TRANSIT and Conduent to develop the future of fare payment systems within the NJ TRANSIT system including:

The acceptance of mobile payments and open contactless bank cards.

A new contactless NJ TRANSIT fare card with options to add cash value to the card at local retailers.

Customer account management through the NJ TRANSIT App or online.

Installation of more than 2,500 validators on the bus fleet and on light rail platforms to accept the contactless fare card, mobile payments and barcodes.

Upgrades to TVMs, ticket office machines and the MyTix sales feature of the Mobile App.

These emerging technologies will incorporate an account based system where customers can manage their account, view ride and ticket history, check balances and add value. Customers who do not have access to mobile payments or contactless bank cards, will achieve the same level of convenience using a contactless NJ TRANSIT fare card. As a result, all customers will experience greater convenience with a tap and ride feel.

The current electronic ticketing through the Mobile App will continue to be used, upgraded and expanded. The contactless fare card is a great option for our cash customers and would be a complement to the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App, MyTix ticketing.

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NJ Transit Moves forward on Positive Train Control (PTC) equipment on its rail fleet

Ridgewood-Trainstation1_theridgewoodblog

June 5,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, While NJ TRANSIT continues to install Positive Train Control (PTC) equipment on its rail fleet, adjustments to weekday schedules are needed to allow for hardware components to be installed on locomotives and cab cars. Beginning Monday, June 4, some weekday trains will be temporarily discontinued or have changes to their origin and/or destinations.

These changes will primarily impact customers along the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Morris & Essex Lines and Pascack Valley Line and may affect customers connecting with these services. Other trains throughout the system will have schedule and/or station stop changes. These schedule adjustments are temporary and will be restored in early 2019. There are no changes planned for weekend service.

NJ TRANSIT’s highest priority is safety and the proper installation of Positive Train Control (PTC). As we progress with the implementation of this critical safety enhancement feature, it is important to remember that NJ TRANSIT remains a safe rail system and will continue to operate safely until PTC is fully implemented.

Positive Train Control (PTC) is technology to enhance rail safety by monitoring and controlling train movements. Using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, Wi-Fi and high band radio transmission, PTC is capable of automatically controlling train speeds and movements, thereby reducing the risk of accidents due to human error.
The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, passed by Congress, requires the implementation of a PTC system on all non-exempt commuter railroads, including NJ TRANSIT. PTC is intended to prevent:

Train-to-train collisions;
Derailments caused by excessive speed;
Unauthorized train movements in work zones; and
Movement of trains through switches left in the wrong position.

As a new technology, PTC requires design, development, prototype testing, equipment retrofitting and system-wide track implementation.

 

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NJ TRANSIT KICKS OFF SUMMER WITH ‘EARLY GETAWAY’ SERVICE AND DISCOUNTED TRAVEL PACKAGES

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May 2,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is kicking off the Memorial Day weekend with “early getaway” rail and bus service on Friday, May 25 for the benefit of customers leaving work early. To help speed the getaway, customers are encouraged to enjoy the convenience of purchasing tickets through the MyTix feature of the NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

In addition to giving customers a jump on the unofficial start of summer, NJ TRANSIT is making it easy and affordable to get to fun in the sun around the state with a variety of discounted summer savings packages.

Friday, May 25:

From approximately 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., extra outbound trains will operate, stops will be added, select connections will be adjusted. To accommodate the earlier ridership demand, select trains between 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. will be cancelled or combined on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, Pascack Valley and Main/Bergen County/Port Jervis lines. Visit njtransit.com or see rail timetables for details.
Extra buses will operate from the Port Authority Bus Terminal on more than two dozen bus routes starting around noon. Visit njtransit.com for details.
All light rail systems will operate on regular weekday schedules.

Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27:

Rail:

The Bay Head-Long Branch shuttle is enhanced to hourly service from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Bus:

Weekend shuttle service resumes between Toms River and Seaside Park on Bus Route No. 137. The bus leaves Toms River at 11:25 a.m. with the return departure from Seaside Park at 6:25 p.m. This service runs every weekend and holiday through the end of June, when direct service resumes from New York on Bus Route No. 137 and Newark Bus Route No. 67. See schedule for details.

Light Rail:

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.
Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday and Sunday schedule respectively.
River LINE will operate on a Saturday and Sunday schedule respectively.

Memorial Day, Monday, May 28:

Rail:

Trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines.
The Bay Head-Long Branch shuttle is enhanced to hourly service from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Bus:

Bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to check their timetables or visit njtransit.com for schedule information. Many routes serving shopping malls will operate on weekend/holiday schedules. Consult timetable for details. NOTE: Buses may be subject to detours and service delays for Memorial Day parades through various towns. See njtransit.com for details.

Light Rail:

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.
Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule.
River LINE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

Summer Savings
With Memorial Day marking the “unofficial” start of the summer recreational season, this weekend is a great time for customers to take advantage of NJ TRANSIT’s discounted travel packages to destinations including the Jersey Shore, Six Flags and Monmouth Park:

Beach Packages: Board a train anywhere on NJ TRANSIT’s rail system (excluding Atlantic City Rail Line stations) and save up to $5.50 on admission to one of five beaches — Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach or Belmar—by purchasing round-trip train fare and a discounted beach admission for one price at NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Beach/Monmouth Park Packages” and select “Beach Package”) or at ticket windows. Beach Packages will be available on weekends and holidays from May 26 through June 17 and then daily starting Monday, June 18 and continuing through Labor Day, Monday, September 3.

Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari or Hurricane Harbor: Save up to $38 by purchasing round-trip bus transportation and park admission together.

NJ TRANSIT provides express bus service to Six Flags from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) in New York and Newark Penn Station.

Monmouth Park: Save $5.50 when you travel to Monmouth Park Racetrack. Simply purchase a package to Monmouth Park from NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Beach/Monmouth Park Packages” and select “Monmouth Park Racetrack”) or at ticket windows from any NJ TRANSIT station except Atlantic City Rail Line stations and receive round-trip transportation, Grandstand Admission and an official track program for $3.50 plus the regular cost of a round-trip rail ticket.

Visit njtransit.com/summer for more information on NJ TRANSIT summer travel deals.

On weekends, kids ride free on NJ TRANSIT – Extended for Memorial Day Weekend

Every weekend, families riding NJ TRANSIT can save with the Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult. For the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the program will be extended and in effect from 7 p.m. Friday, May 25 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 29.

Travel tips

Check Schedules in Advance: Plan your trip online or with the NJ TRANSIT mobile app to take advantage of extra trains and buses.
Allow Extra Travel Time: Traffic congestion during the long holiday weekend may affect bus travel times especially on routes using the Garden State Parkway heading down the shore. Customers should plan accordingly.
Ticketing: Purchase round-trip tickets at the start of your trip to speed your return. Use the MyTix feature on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, ticket vending machines or see a ticket agent, if available, to avoid possible surcharges. Bus customers departing Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) are reminded that tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus.
Luggage: Travel as light as possible. Passengers with luggage or packages should use the overhead racks or designated luggage spaces. On multilevel trains, customers with large bags should use the mezzanine levels at the ends of each car.

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Preserving the “Grassy Knoll ” at Ridgewood Train Station

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May 24,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, at Wednesday nights council meeting several residents strenuously objected to work on the green pathway or grassy knoll at the Village train station . Since early 2017 the Village council has explored the idea of shrinking the green way at the train station in order to add more parking spaces to the train station parking lot. This was an idea that was put forward the Village engineer  some would suggest as far back as 2 years ago. The Village engineer Christopher Rutishauser submitted the application for the changes to the DEP in July of 2017.

It appears a group led by Cynthia Halaby, the president of the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands in Ridgewood made various statements declaring the need for preserving the green space or “grassy knoll”  at the train station , yes the same Cynthia Halaby that supported laying a turf field at Schedler Park and clear cutting the trees there.

While Ms Halaby , did seem to have some clue about the green strip , other speakers appeared to have missed the last year and a half discussions about the train station parking lot and for that matter didn’t seem to even know what the grassy median or “grassy knoll “at the train station was.

Once again it’s amazing how when a pota-potty sat in the train station median grassy knoll for months in 2015 no one uttered a peep about its visibility at the Ridgewood Train Station Historic district.

 

https://theridgewoodblog.net/porta-potty-was-ok-but-parking-challenged-at-the-ridgewood-train-station-historic-district/

 

 

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NEW INTERACTIVE TOUCHSCREENS PROVIDE HIGH-TECH INFORMATION FOR NJ TRANSIT CUSTOMERS

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may 23,2018

the staf of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT has unveiled new interactive touchscreen kiosks as part of its continuing effort to improve communication with customers. The high-tech digital displays, currently being piloted at select rail and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail stations, allow customers to access service information, maps and alerts to stay informed of travel options.

The interactive information kiosks are now in place at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal and on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail at Harborside and Pavonia stations.

“By listening to our customers, we know that receiving information is one of their top priorities,’’ said Kevin Corbett, Executive Director of NJ TRANSIT. “These digital displays are an added tool that will enable customers to quickly learn the current service status for their particular trip as well as their travel options for rail and light rail. We look forward to hearing feedback from customers on this latest informational asset as we continue to modernize and expand customer communications at stations and terminals.’’

NJ TRANSIT worked with Intersection, a technology and media company, on the installation of the kiosks.

The kiosks feature large formats and have a user-friendly touchscreen which provide engaging real-time data specific to a customer’s trip and mode of travel. The kiosks provide customers with systemwide maps, real-time service alerts, departure times, scheduled service changes and emergency messaging. Each kiosk contains the NJ TRANSIT branding on top, for easy identification.

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NJ TRANSIT DEPLOYS NEW FARE COLLECTION TECHNOLOGY ON TRAINS

Ridgewood_Train_station_train-_is_coming_theridgewoodblog

Pilot Program Will Provide Handheld Mobile Devices to Train Crews for Ticket Validation and Improved Onboard Communications

May 20,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT is going high-tech with fare collection on trains. A pilot program is launching in which select train crews will use handheld mobile devices to scan and validate tickets.

“As part of our effort to restore NJ TRANSIT as a national leader, we are utilizing the latest technology to improve our processes and ultimately improve the customer experience,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “Not only will these handheld devices scan and validate tickets, they’ll also have the capability of giving crews real time information to enhance customer communication.”

As part of the pilot program launching this week, a small number of train crews across multiple rail lines will begin utilizing the handheld mobile devices. Crew members will use the devices to scan the barcodes on all paper and electronic tickets, including monthly passes. Once a ticket is scanned, a crew member will instantly be able to determine if the ticket is valid. One-way tickets would have their barcodes cancelled electronically to ensure they are not used again. Currently, crews visually inspect all electronic tickets and paper passes and use manual punches to cancel paper tickets.

By scanning all ticket types, NJ TRANSIT will have improved capability to collect and analyze data including fare collection and ridership trends. Electronic scanning also combats against the use of fraudulent tickets.

The handheld devices will support future applications including providing real time communication with conductors to enhance the flow of information to customers. Electronic scanning also provides future capability of enabling offline electronic ticketing, which would no longer require customers to have internet access to activate electronic tickets.

The pilot program will collect feedback on the handheld mobile devices and make refinements before initiating a gradual systemwide rollout.