Tag: NJ Transit

Posted on by — Leave a comment

NJ TRANSIT ADDING CAPACITY DUE TO EXPECTED HOLLAND TUNNEL TRAFFIC

Ridgewood Train Station

file photo by ArtChick

Select Bus Routes May See Significant Delays Following Lane Closures on Nearby New Jersey Route 139 Ramp After Fire

October 2, 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  Beginning Monday, October 2, NJ TRANSIT is adding capacity to select bus routes and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR)  due to anticipated traffic congestion near the Holland Tunnel as a result of lane closures and emergency repair work on the Rt. 139 ramp. Select bus routes may experience significant delays.

In anticipation of increased ridership on mass transit, NJ TRANSIT is providing additional capacity on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) between the West Side Ave. park-and-ride and Hoboken Terminal between 6:00-9:30 a.m. and 3:30-7:00 p.m.  This will provide additional capacity and more connectivity to PATH service at Exchange Place, Newport and Hoboken Terminal.

In addition, NJ TRANSIT is adding capacity to bus routes along the Route 9 corridor in/out of the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York in the morning and afternoon peak periods.  Customers may also use the North Jersey Coast Line rail service as an alternate but must purchase those rail tickets.  Customers are advised to travel before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 a.m. for optimal seating capacity.

Customers on the 120 and 64J bus routes are being advised to expect potentially significant delays in the morning and evening peak periods and should allow for extra travel time.
Posted on by — Leave a comment

NJ TRANSIT ADOPTS FISCAL YEAR 2018 OPERATING, CAPITAL BUDGETS WITH MAJOR FOCUS ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND RELIABILITY

Ridgewood Train Station

Operating budget keeps fares stable; Capital budget continues financial commitment to enhance overall customer experience

July 13,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood

Ridgewood NJ,  The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today adopted a Fiscal Year 2018 (FY 2018) operating budget and capital program that supports continued investments in infrastructure and equipment to maintain the system in a state of good repair and enhance the overall customer experience.

“NJ TRANSIT is moving forward with a balanced budget that reflects a laser-like look at individual business lines in order to maximize efficiencies and maintain a safe transportation system,” NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “As transit professionals, we owe our customers and stakeholders a solid plan that has the least impact on our riders.  After much hard work, I am confident we delivered on that.”

The Board adopted a $2.218 billion operating budget and a $1.367 billion capital program for Fiscal Year 2018.

Almost half of the revenue in the FY 2018 operating budget comes from passenger revenue ($1.014 billion), supported by a comparable amount from state and federal program reimbursements ($947.7 million) with the balance from a combination of commercial revenues ($115.2 million) and state operating assistance ($140.9 million).

The capital program calls for continued investment in the state’s transit infrastructure to maintain a continued state-of-good-repair and provide reliable transit service.

Operating Budget

The FY 2018 operating budget reflects an increase of state and federal reimbursements, which will enable NJ TRANSIT to meet the agency’s projected expenses this fiscal year.  Approximately 61 percent of the operating budget is dedicated to labor and fringe benefits costs.  Other significant expenses include materials and supplies and purchased transportation, which equal 25 percent of the operating budget.

Overall passenger revenue and commercial revenue represents approximately 51 percent of the total revenue.

Capital Program

The FY 2018 capital program continues to prioritize investment in infrastructure to maintain an overall state of good repair, enhance safety and reliability, and improve the overall customer experience on the system.

With the FY 2018 capital program, NJ TRANSIT continues its financial commitment to Positive Train Control.

The program continues to invest in railroad bridge rehabilitation, track replacement, signal upgrades, repairs to overhead power lines and electric substations as well as investments into the state-of-good-repair of the Northeast Corridor (NEC),
the agency’s most utilized rail line.

Approximately 53 percent of the program funds the basic capital program improvements needed to maintain and improve the transit system, including $201 million in rail infrastructure needs and $109 million in rail rolling stock improvements.

Other highlights of the program include $47 million in rail station improvements:  $3 million for Cranford Station; $9 million for Elizabeth Station; $18 million for Perth Amboy Station; $2 million for Roselle Park Station; and $6 million for other station and terminal improvements, inspections and repairs.

The program also supports continued investment in the light rail system with $168 million being invested in bus and light rail infrastructure improvements: $99 million for replacement vehicles; $11 million for the Capital Asset Replacement Programs for both the Newark Light Rail and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail systems; and $17 million for bus passenger facilities and bus support facilities/equipment.

In addition, this budget allows for $86 million to be invested in system-wide improvements including: $9 million in technology improvements and $6 million for safety improvements; $33 million in system expansion improvements, including $29 million for Northern Branch Expansion and $4 million for the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Route 440 Improvement.

Approximately 50 percent of the capital budget comes from the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), with 47 percent from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and 3 percent from other sources.

Posted on by — 2 Comments

NJ TRANSIT TO FOCUS ON PASSENGER SAFETY DURING NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH

Ridgewood -bus-station-theridgewoodblog
June 5,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is joining with the National Safety Council and numerous other organizations across the country in recognizing National Safety Month during the month of June.   Safety is the utmost priority for the corporation and NJ TRANSIT recognizes that collaboration between the agency and the public is necessary to effectively promote safe choices around the public transportation system.

“The safety of our customers and employees remains our top priority,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steven H. Santoro.  “That’s why we have been so focused on having Amtrak perform critical infrastructure repairs at Penn Station New York to ensure the reliability of the tracks, which serve as the foundation of safety for tens of thousands of customers each and every day.”

“We can use this month to be reminded of some simple ‘do’s and don’ts’ which will further promote a safe environment for our customers and our employees,” Santoro said.

“NJ TRANSIT is spreading the message of safety everywhere,’’ said Office of System Safety Chief Gardner Tabon. “National Safety Month is a time when we reinforce our face-to-face engagements, inform and educate employees, customers, motorists and others of safety protocols and risky behaviors by visiting them at selected work sites, by printing messages on pay stubs and by hanging posters in visible locations. These reminders promote the idea that we all share in the responsibility of staying safe.’’

Following are some important safety tips for everyone:

Rail and Light Rail Safety:

Never take a short cut along, around or across rail tracks.
Only cross railroad tracks in clearly-identified, designated areas where there are lights, signs and grade crossings.
Always stand behind the yellow safety line when waiting on the station platform.
Do not lean on train doors and stand clear as the doors open and close.
No running or playing on platforms or around tracks.
Listen to train personnel and watch your steps when boarding and exiting a train.

Bus Safety:
When waiting for and riding a bus:

Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks to reach the bus stop.
Never run after a bus; you may slip and fall, or may be struck by another vehicle.
Wait for the bus at designated stops and stand two to three feet from the curb.
Hold handrails while boarding the bus.
Stand behind the white line when the bus is in motion.

NJ TRANSIT will be increasing safety advertising and handouts onboard bus, rail and light rail vehicles. During the month, NJ TRANSIT will be hosting employee safety day events at various work sites to remind employees of the importance of safety protocols.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

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

ArtChick_jersey_shore_theridgewoodblog
May 22,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT will kick off the Memorial Day weekend with “early getaway” rail and bus service on Friday, May 26, for the benefit of customers leaving work early.  To help speed the getaway, customers are reminded that they can enjoy the convenience of purchasing tickets through the MyTix feature of the NJ TRANSIT mobile app.   Besides 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 packages.

Friday, May 26:

Extra outbound trains will operate on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, and Port Jervis lines starting at approximately 1 p.m.
One outbound Pascack Valley train (#9653, leaving Hoboken at 2:58 p.m.) will extend its existing service to terminate in Spring Valley.
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 27 and Sunday, May 28:

Rail:

The Bay Head-Long Branch shuttle is enhanced to hourly service (8 a.m.-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 29:

Rail:

Trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines.
The Bay Head-Long Branch shuttle is enhanced to hourly service (8 a.m.-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, Monmouth Park and Liberty Science Center:

Beach Packages:  Board a train anywhere on NJ TRANSIT’s rail system, excluding Atlantic City Rail Line stations and save up to $5.00 on admission to one of five beaches— Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach and Belmar—by purchasing round-trip train fare and a discounted beach pass 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 for weekends and holidays from May 27 through June 18 and then daily starting Monday, June 19 and continuing through Labor Day, Monday, September 4.

Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari or Hurricane Harbor:  Save up to $32 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 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, 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.

Liberty Science Center:  Save $5 per person for up to four general admission, combo ticket and/or all-access passes when you travel on NJ TRANSIT and show your ticket, pass or fare receipt at Liberty Science Center.  General admission passes include live science demonstrations, hands-on labs, and a variety of daily activities.  Combo and all-access passes provide options for films and premium exhibits.

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

On weekends, kids ride free on NJ TRANSIT

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 26 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 30.

Travel tips

Check Schedules in Advance:  Plan your trip online 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, so 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 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.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

NJ Transit Eliminates Cash Transaction for Bus Boarding at George Washington Bridge Bus Station

ridgewood bus station

 

May 15,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT will expedite the boarding process at the George Washington Bridge Bus Station, following the station’s reopening, to improve the overall customer experience by getting riders home faster.

When the station opens to customers, cash will no longer be accepted on buses departing the George Washington Bridge Bus Station.  Customers will be asked to “Buy Before Boarding” and have their tickets/passes or electronic MyTix ready before boarding the bus.

Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs), which accept cash, credit or debit payments, will be located across from the NJ TRANSIT ticket windows on the Level 3 Bus Pavilion.  Customers can also sign up for electronic ticketing through the MyTix feature of the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, which is available free of charge on web enabled iOS and Android devices.

“We have made great strides in improving on-time performance at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, thanks in part to the ‘Buy Before Boarding’ procedure,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steven H. Santoro.  “We know our customers value their time, so expanding this procedure to get customers home to their families as quickly as possible is always a priority.”

This procedure is already in place at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York and has seen positive results.

By reducing cash transactions on buses, NJ TRANSIT can reduce delays associated with slow boarding and improve on-time performance.

George Washington Bridge Bus Station Renovations

A private developer is redeveloping the George Washington Bridge Bus Station on behalf of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which owns and operates the facility.  This station will feature customer amenities to improve your commute. They include a new air-conditioned waiting area with seating for 125 customers, ticket sales, public restrooms and state-of-the-art electronic passenger information boards. Bus gates are ADA compliant, and customers will no longer need to make a reservation for ADA assistance. Direct access to MTA’s A Train and 175th Street Subway Station will be available at a later date. For more information, visit the Port Authority’s website at www.panynj.gov/GWBBSredevelopment.

As part of the redevelopment, NJ TRANSIT bus routes will be departing from the following gates:

DEPARTURE GATE ASSIGNMENTS

Effective May 2017

Bus Route       Gate

171                  12

175                  13  RIDGEWOOD 

178                  17

181                  14

182                  18

186                  15

188                  11

Posted on by — Leave a comment

NJ Transit Should Cut Fares This Summer, Senate Candidate Says

Kelly Langschultz,

By Alyana Alfaro • 05/03/17 5:12pm

Kelly Langschultz, a Republican candidate for the state Senate in Bergen County, is calling on NJ Transit to slash its fares during the coming season of repairs and service outages at New York Penn Station.

“NJ Transit needs to reduce the cost of their ticket prices and start accommodating riders for the decline in service,” she said in a statement Wednesday. “We have plenty of people here who have already spent hundreds of dollars on monthly passes, and now we’re learning that there will be even further interruptions in service.”

Amtrak is conducting urgent track repairs this summer, planned for July 7 to July 25 and Aug. 4 to Aug. 28, according to a draft plan. At least five of Penn Station’s 21 tracks would be affected by the August repairs and NJ Transit riders are expected to face long delays and service outages. Amtrak, which owns and operates Penn Station, says it has no choice but to fix the tracks after two recent derailments at the station.

https://observer.com/2017/05/kelly-langschultz-calls-for-fare-reduction-nj-transit/

Posted on by — 1 Comment

NJ TRANSIT ANNOUNCES SPRING RAIL SCHEDULE TIME CHANGES

ridgewoodtrainstation_theridgewoodblog1

April 27,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT’s spring rail schedule change continues the effort to best match equipment and timetables to customers’ travel needs.  Highlights of the plan, to go into effect on May 7th, include adding additional seating capacity to ease overcrowding on heavily traveled trains and adjusting the schedules on certain trains to provide improved connections at Secaucus and Newark Penn Station in response to customer feedback.  An additional weekday evening stop at Newark Airport also will be available for North Jersey Coast Line customers.

The following is a summary of some of the improvements:

Easing weekday overcrowding:

Main Line train #1206, the 8:22 a.m. arrival in Hoboken from Waldwick, will add an additional car, making it a total of seven cars.

Extended connection times at Secaucus:

Eight Main/Bergen County (ML/BC) and Pascack Valley Line (PVL) trains in the late afternoon and early evening will depart Hoboken several minutes later to extend connection times at Secaucus from seven minutes to ten minutes.  This is in response to customer feedback received at a recent “We Are Listening” forum in Secaucus suggesting improved connection times.

#1271 – (BC) Departs Hoboken 2 minutes later at 6:02 p.m.
#1175 – (BC) Departs Hoboken 3 minutes later at 7:18 p.m.
#1277 – (BC) Departs Hoboken 1 minute later at 8:41 p.m.
#1127 – (ML) Departs Hoboken 1 minute later at 7:46 p.m.
#1129 – (ML) Departs Hoboken 1 minute later at 8:46 p.m.
#1641 – (PVL) Departs Hoboken 3 minutes later at 7:29 p.m.
#1643 – (PVL) Departs Hoboken 3 minutes later at 8:23 p.m.
#1645 – (PVL) Departs Hoboken 2 minutes later at 9:44 p.m. to Spring Valley

Adjustments to accommodate customer travel patterns

NEC train #3817, the 6:34 a.m. departure from PSNY to Trenton will depart PSNY 5 minutes later at 6:39 a.m.
NEC train #3897, the 12:14 a.m. departure from PSNY to Trenton will arrive in Trenton 6 minutes later at 1:55 a.m.
NJCL train #3269, the 5:34 p.m. departure from PSNY to Long Branch will no longer stop at Secaucus to improve Raritan Valley Line connections at Newark Penn Station. Train #3267 will add a Secaucus stop at 5:35 p.m.
NJCL train #3271, the 5:52 p.m. departure from PSNY to Long Branch will depart PSNY 3 minutes later at 5:55 p.m.

NJCL train #3283, the 8:22 p.m. departure from PSNY to Long Branch, will make a stop at Newark Airport at 8:46 p.m.

IMPORTANT CUSTOMER NOTE:  Customers are advised to carefully check the new timetables, which are available at major stations and online at www.njtransit.com, for changes that may affect their itinerary.  Customers with questions may call NJ TRANSIT at 973-275-5555

Posted on by — Leave a comment

NJ TRANSIT TO RESTORE FULL SERVICE TO/FROM NEW YORK PENDING GO-AHEAD FROM AMTRAK

Ridgewood_Train_station_train-_is_coming_theridgewoodblog

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.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

NJ TRANSIT CONTINUES TO ADD NEW YORK RAIL SERVICE

NJT ticket machine

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.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

NJ TRANSIT ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF ‘MUSIC IN MOTION’ CONCERT SERIES

NJ TRANSIT ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF ‘MUSIC IN MOTION’ CONCERT SERIES

Live musical performances to greet customers at major stations

March 20, 2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Back by popular demand, NJ TRANSIT announces the Music in Motion concert series is back in swing.

Music in Motion is a community-based initiative that allows local musicians to perform in NJ TRANSIT station facilities.  These performing artists are offering their talents while customers get a glimpse of the region’s up-and-coming talent as they traverse major stations and terminals.

Performances are Monday thru Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Hoboken Terminal Waiting Room, Secaucus Junction Rotunda and Penn Station New York 7th Avenue Concourse.  NJ TRANSIT customers can enjoy performers at various other stations throughout the season.

Entertaining customers this spring-summer are: Karen Hardy, Chelsea Carlson, Sal Aversano, Joseph Frame, Jr., Amanda Rose Riley, Mike Oregano, Amy Beshara, Steve Gregoire, George Young, Kenny Cunningham, Frtiz Gunter, PrizeViolet, The Foxfires, as well as NJ TRANSIT’s own and commuter favorite, Garrad Perry.

For more information on upcoming performances, please visit the official Music in Motion website: www.facebook.com/NJTRANSITMIM

Those who would like to audition for the upcoming 2017-2018 Music in Motion season, please e-mail [email protected].

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Commuter Alert : NJ TRANSIT service changes for Tuesday, March 14th

Ridgewood_snow_storm_theridgewoodblog

March 13,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  Out of an abundance of caution and safety, NJ TRANSIT is making service changes for Tuesday, March 14th due to the forecasted severe winter weather expected to hit the region.  NJ TRANSIT encourages all customers to prepare their transportation needs in advance of the storm, if they must travel.

All Bus and Access Link service will begin shutting down at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday morning.  Customers should expect those services to remain suspended for the duration of Tuesday’s service day.  Service is anticipated to resume on Wednesday as weather and road conditions allow.

All but one rail line will operate on a weekend schedule on Tuesday for as long as weather conditions allow trains to operate safely.  Customers should be aware that weekend rail service does not extend west of Raritan on the Raritan Valley Line, west of Dover on the M&E Line or west of Bay Street on the Montclair-Boonton Line.  Please Note: The Atlantic City Rail Line will operate on a regular weekday schedule.  Pascack Valley Line trains will add Teterboro and Woodcliff Lakes stops and Train 2125 will operate as a local making all station stops.

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule with the addition of service, operating every 20 minutes, between Tonnelle Ave. and Hoboken Terminal.  Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule.  RiverLINE service will operate on a Sunday schedule.

Systemwide Cross-Honoring in Effect:  To give customers additional travel options – if they must travel – during expected winter weather conditions, NJ TRANSIT will offer full systemwide cross-honoring, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode—rail, light rail, PATH or ferry.  As a reminder, on Tuesday, March 14th all bus service will be suspended.  For example, customers who normally take the bus from Rutherford to the Port Authority Bus Terminal may use their bus pass or ticket on the train from Rutherford to New York Penn Station.  Similarly, customers who normally take the bus between Atlantic City and Lindenwold may use the Atlantic City Rail Line instead at no additional charge.  NY Waterway and Billybey ferries will accept NJ TRANSIT tickets and passes.

All customers are strongly advised to check njtransit.com before traveling for up-to-the-minute service information before starting their trip. NJ TRANSIT will have a special winter storm section on the homepage of its website.

NJ TRANSIT will continue to monitor the weather conditions and impacts to services as the storm progresses.  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 for your specific trip to your smartphone. Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555.

Rail and light rail crews and equipment are on standby to quickly respond to downed trees, power outages or other issues that may arise.  In addition, NJ TRANSIT will be positioning locomotives at strategic locations across the rail system to rapidly respond in the event of a disabled train.  NJ TRANSIT’s employee Emergency Response Team will be at Newark Penn Station, Secaucus Transfer and Penn Station New York to assist customers who must travel on Tuesday.
Posted on by — 1 Comment

NJ TRANSIT ADDS EXTRA BUS SERVICE TO NEW YORK FOR ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE

St
March 12,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT will operate extra bus service on selected routes to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) on Friday, March 17, to accommodate customers traveling to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City.  Trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule.  Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, Newark Light Rail and River Line will also operate regular weekday schedules.

Please note: liquid containers of any kind, open or closed, will not be permitted on any train to and from New York/Hoboken on March 17.  Beverages of any kind are prohibited at all times on board buses.

NJ TRANSIT will have Ambassadors will be on hand at Secaucus Junction, Aberdeen/Matawan, Middletown, N.J., and Penn Station New York to assist customers.

Extra trips to and from New York will be offered on the following bus routes:

To New York – PABT:

No. 163 (Ridgewood – New York) additional local trips from Hackensack (Summit Ave. and Essex St.) to PABT from 8:46 a.m. until 10:42 a.m. operating via the Boulevard in Hasbrouck Heights, Wood-Ridge, Carlstadt, and East Rutherford. Additional Turnpike Express (T) trips from Paramus (Paramus Rd. and Ridgewood Ave.) to NY/PABT at 8:57 a.m. and 9:17 a.m.From New York – PABT:

No. 163 (New York – Ridgewood) additional local service from PABT to Hackensack (Summit Ave. and Essex St.) operating via East Rutherford, Carlstadt, Wood Ridge, and Hasbrouck Heights at 4:25 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.  Additional Turnpike Express (T) service from PABT to Ridgewood Terminal operating via Hackensack, Maywood, Rochelle Park, Paramus and Ridgewood at 3:20 p.m. and 4:58 p.m.

No. 321 (Vince Lombardi Park & Ride – New York) frequent express service from the PABT to Vince Lombardi Park & Ride every 30 minutes beginning at 12:45 p.m. through the late afternoon, then every 10-15 minutes during the afternoon peak hours.

Travel Tips

Ticketing:  To speed your return, purchase round-trip tickets at the start of your trip from bus operators inbound to New York or at ticket vending machines where available.  Bus customers departing Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) are reminded that tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus.
Allow Extra Travel Time:  Traffic congestion during the morning period and early to mid-afternoon hours before and after the parade may affect bus travel times to New York City.  Customers should plan accordingly.
Plan Ahead:  Extra bus service will operate a few minutes ahead of regularly scheduled trips on the routes listed above.  Customers should arrive at their bus boarding location 10 minutes earlier than the departure time.
Parking:  Customers traveling from Park/Rides at Allwood Road, North Bergen, Willowbrook Mall, Mothers and Wayne/Route 23 Transit Center are advised that parking fees still apply.
IMPORTANT NOTE:  No liquids of any kind, in any type of container, open or closed, will be permitted on any train to and from New York/Hoboken.  This policy will be strictly enforced.  Beverages of any kind are prohibited at all times on board buses.

For schedules and fares, visit njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.

Posted on by — 2 Comments

NJ TRANSIT KEEPS SYSTEM MOVING DURING WINTER STORM

ridgewood train station

Cross Honoring Remains in Effect between NJ TRANSIT’s services

February 9, 2017

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT anticipates the continuation of regular weekday service on its rail, bus and light rail systems for the remainder of the service day on Thursday and into Friday’s morning commute.  Access Link in north and central New Jersey remains suspended for Thursday.  Cross honoring remains in effect for rail, bus and light rail until further notice.

Customers are strongly advised to monitor the status of the system by checking njtransit.com frequently.  Customers are also encouraged to sign up for My Transit Alerts, which provide customized notifications via email or text message based on a customer’s preferred mode of travel.  My Transit alerts can be accessed by creating a free account on njtransit.com.  In addition, customers are advised to monitor NJ TRANSIT’s social media feeds on Twitter and Facebook, as well as tune in to broadcast traffic reports for the latest information.

Through a combination of preparation and hard work,

NJ TRANSIT operated the majority of its regular weekday service through the height of the winter storm.  Some delays were experienced on rail and bus lines due to the weather and localized road conditions.  Some bus lines were truncated due to road conditions.  Ridership across the system was diminished as many customers chose to stay at home or work remotely.

NJ TRANSIT continues to have personnel and assets in position in order to address any issues that may arise during the aftermath of the winter weather.

NJ TRANSIT’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) remains open and continues to monitor any impacts the storm has on the system.  The EOC will remain active overnight and into Friday.

NJ TRANSIT utilized roaming crews to conduct snow removal operations at rail and light rail stations as well as at bus terminals and facilities.  Rail operations activated its jet powered snow blowers to clear switches at major rail yards.

Travel Advice:

Before starting your trip, visit the Travel Alerts page at njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information.  This information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
Customers are encouraged to sign up for the My Transit alert system on njtransit.com, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone.
Allow extra time getting to and from your destination.  Use extreme caution when walking on exposed sidewalks or station platforms and when boarding trains and buses.
Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or
NJ TRANSIT staff.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

NJ Transit Special Schedules From Christmas Eve thru New Years Day

lasttraintoclarksville_theridgewoodblog

NJ TRANSIT OFFERS EXTRA SERVICE AND SAVINGS FOR HOLIDAY WEEK

December 22,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is offering extra service for the upcoming holidays to give customers more travel options for last-minute shopping at the mall, leaving work early or attending New Year’s Eve festivities.

In addition, NJ TRANSIT is giving customers almost two weeks of continuous savings through a special extension of the Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows up to two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying customer.  Usually limited to weekends, the Family SuperSaver Fare will be in effect for the entire holiday period, starting at 7 p.m. Friday, December 23 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, on all trains, buses and light rail lines.

“This is the time of year when so many special events take place and many visitors are using NJ TRANSIT to get where they need to go,’’ said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “NJ TRANSIT is pleased to offer the Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows our customers to stretch their holiday budgets just a bit. So leave the car behind and use NJ TRANSIT to go the mall, get into New York City or gather at a loved one’s home without the hassle of driving.’’

For complete schedule and fare information, customers may visit njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.

A new, key feature to aid customers this holiday season is “The Commuter Tool Kit – The Tools You Need for a Better Travel Experience,’’ a colorful campaign designed for both the everyday commuter and visitor travelling on NJ TRANSIT’s rail, bus, light rail and Access Link systems. Several features such as the mobile app, trip planner, ticket purchase options, travel information and travel savings are highlighted in the campaign. The brochure is printed in both English and Spanish.

The Commuter Tool Kit is available in brochure form and on the NJ TRANSIT website, in digital displays and delivered through the agency’s social media channels.

Customers can also take advantage of other ways to save money. NJ TRANSIT works with promotional partners throughout the year to offer discounts to many entertainment venues. Customers can go to njtransit.com/deals for special offers on show tickets, admission costs and travel this holiday season.

On Friday, December 23, trains will operate on a weekday schedule on most lines with additional “early getaway” service from New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal starting at 1 p.m. on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex and Port Jervis lines.  Newark Light Rail, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and RiverLINE will operate on a weekday schedule.  Buses will operate on a weekday schedule on all routes, with early getaway service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and on selected Jersey City waterfront routes starting around noon until 4 p.m. to accommodate the heaviest travel.  Visit njtransit.com for details.

On Saturday, December 24, trains will operate on a weekend schedule. Most bus routes will operate on a Saturday schedule. Newark Light Rail and RiverLINE will operate on a Saturday schedule. HBLR will operate on a weekend schedule. Customers should consult their timetable for the holiday schedule or visit njtransit.com for details.

On Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, trains will operate on a weekend schedule on all rail lines. Newark Light Rail and RiverLINE will operate on a Sunday schedule.  Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.  Bus will operate on a Sunday schedule and schedules vary by route — Customers are advised to consult their timetable for the holiday schedule or visit njtransit.com for details.

On Monday, December 26 (observed), trains will operate on a weekend schedule on all lines, with additional morning and evening peak trains on most lines. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details. Newark Light Rail and RiverLINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.  Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule. Select bus routes will operate offer fewer trips during the traditional morning and evening peak periods. Customers are advised to consult their timetable for holiday schedules or visit njtransit.com for more details.

On Tuesday, December 27, Wednesday, December 28, Thursday, December 29 and Friday, December 30, the trains will operate on a modified weekday schedule with certain morning peak period trains cancelled and additional mid-to-late morning service on each line. Rail customers are encouraged to visit njtransit.com for details and travel before 9 a.m. on these days, if possible, when ridership is lighter.  Buses and light rail lines will operate on a weekday schedule. Selected PABT bus routes will have more frequent service operating inbound to PABT on some lines during the late morning hours and outbound from PABT during the early and late evening hours. Consult timetable or visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for details.

On New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31, trains will operate on a weekend schedule. In the evening, there will be extra train service to New York.  Special printable schedules that cover the period from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning are available at njtransit.com.

Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule with extra early evening service inbound and extra outbound from PABT after midnight on selected routes. Customers are advised to consult timetable or visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for more details.

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Newark Light Rail and RiverLINE will operate on a Saturday schedule.  RiverLINE and Hudson Bergen Light Rail will both operate some additional trips on a ‘load and go’ capacity after the fireworks displays during the early hours of January 1.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  No open containers of alcohol will be permitted on board trains, light rail vehicles, aboard buses or in any NJ TRANSIT facility on New Year’s Eve and after midnight on New Year’s Day.  This policy will be strictly enforced.

After midnight (early January 1), additional late-night trains will operate on most rail lines with one-seat ride service available on certain Raritan Valley Line and North Jersey Coast Line trains. Some trains that normally depart New York/Hoboken/Newark between midnight and 1 a.m. are cancelled and will be replaced with later trains. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details, including special printable schedules that cover the period from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning. Expanded bus service will be provided from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) until approximately 2 a.m. Some routes will be departing from alternate areas within the PABT. Visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for specific schedule details and departure gate assignments.

On New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1, after 5 a.m., trains will operate on a weekend schedule.  In addition, Meadowlands service will operate for the Jets vs. Bills game. Customers should visit njtransit.com for more details. RiverLINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Buses will operate on a Sunday schedule. Customers are advised to visit njtransit.com for details.

On Monday, January 2 (observed), trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines with additional morning and evening peak trains on most lines. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details. Most bus routes will operate on a Saturday schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. RiverLINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule. Consult njtransit.com for additional details.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

NJ TRANSIT PREPARED FOR WINTER WEATHER SEASON

ridgewood train station

Equipment, Supplies and Personnel are Ready for Mother Nature

December 10,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, “We can’t predict what kind of winter season we will have, but I can say with confidence that NJ TRANSIT will be as ready as we can be” said Executive Director Steven H. Santoro.  “The safety of our customers and employees is always the top priority as we work to keep our transportation system moving during the winter weather season.”NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT is prepared to do battle with Old Man Winter this season.  Snow fighting supplies and equipment across the state are stocked and ready to be deployed as conditions warrant.  NJ TRANSIT is busy inspecting and winterizing its infrastructure, equipment and stations to be in the best possible position to handle winter’s potential fury.

Executive Director Santoro outlined the following steps NJ TRANSIT has taken in advance of possible inclement weather:
NJ TRANSIT Preparations for Winter Weather

Rail Operations
• Hundreds of rail cars and locomotives have been “winterized,” a process that includes checking onboard heating systems, ventilation, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components, as well as changing locomotive filters and fuel from a summer blend to a winter blend.
• NJ TRANSIT’s preventative maintenance program also includes the inspection and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and switch heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 moveable bridges and wayside power at storage yards and terminals.
• Two jet-engine-powered snow blowers are available to remove ice and snow from tracks and critical switching areas. In addition, all locomotives are equipped with snowplows to clear snow from the rails.
• NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations has 20,000 pounds of salt on hand with the ability to obtain an additional 100,000 pounds, if needed.
• In addition, our year-round tree trimming program proactively minimizes downed trees or limbs along the right-of-way and on our overhead electrical system, personnel are on standby to quickly respond to reports of trees or limbs that could damage overhead wires or prevent safe passage of trains.  Our year-round tree trimming program is part of our preventative maintenance program.
Bus Operations

• Bus maintenance personnel have checked the heating systems, engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers, doors and airbrake systems on NJ TRANSIT’s 2,200 buses.
• Bus snow-fighting equipment has been readied and ice/snow-inhibiting supplies have been restocked for winter to keep 52 bus loops, terminals and lots cleared throughout the state.
• NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations has 900 tons of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its 16 garages stocked with bag salt.
• Vendor contracts have been finalized to perform plowing of larger park/ride facilities.

Light Rail Operations

• Snowplows are ready to clear station platforms and park/ride lots.
• All switch heaters have been tested.
Stations and Terminals

• All rail stations equipped with heaters have been inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order.
• All public address systems at rail stations and bus terminals have been inspected.

Travel Advice:

• Before starting your trip, visit the Travel Alerts page at njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information.  This information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
• Customers are encouraged to sign up for the My Transit alert system on njtransit.com, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone.
• Allow extra time getting to and from your destination.  Use extreme caution when walking on exposed sidewalks or station platforms and when boarding trains and buses.
• Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or
NJ TRANSIT staff.
• Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.