Tag: NJT

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NJ TRANSIT IMPLEMENTS SEVERE WEATHER RAIL SCHEDULE FOR WINTER STORM

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March 20,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT is implementing its Severe Weather Schedule Level 1 on its rail system for Wednesday, March 21, as significant heavy, wet snow accumulation is expected throughout the state. Cross-honoring will be in effect for Wednesday, March 21 on NJ TRANSIT bus, private bus carriers, rail, light rail and PATH at Newark, Hoboken and 33rd St. in New York. Customers should check njtransit.com for updates.

A “Severe Weather Rail Schedule’’ is a limited weekday rail schedule utilized during weather events or other emergency situations. The “Severe Weather Schedules’’ were created last year for customers to clearly identify their travel options. These schedules can be found online and are also available in our printed timetables. Rail delays and cancellations are possible as the storm progresses.

All Access Link service will be suspended statewide for Wednesday, March 21.

Bus and light rail services are anticipated to operate regular weekday schedules as long as weather conditions permit. Light Rail delays and cancellations are possible as the storm progresses.

IMPORTANT: Due to the projected rapid snow accumulation in conjunction with possible local and county travel bans, there is the potential for all bus service — including bus service to/from PABT– to be suspended before the start of the afternoon rush hour. Customers should closely monitor njtransit.com, My Transit alerts, social media and broadcast news reports for the latest status of the system.

For customers of Bus Route Nos. 196/197, on Wednesday, March 21, NJ TRANSIT rail will cross-honor bus passes and tickets on the Port Jervis Line trains to/from Harriman, Tuxedo and Sloatsburg. Bus service to/from Warwick, N.Y., will originate/terminate at West Milford Park and Ride due to expected weather conditions. Bus 196 will operate on a snow detour and will not operate on Skyline Drive. Short Line Bus will not be operating for Wednesday, March 21.

NJ TRANSIT will have personnel and assets in position to address any issues that may arise during or after the storm, which is expected to bring snow totals as high as 18 inches to certain counties in northern New Jersey.

NJ TRANSIT’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will open during the early morning hours tomorrow and remain open throughout the day as key personnel monitor any impacts on the system throughout the storm’s duration.

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.

Important Notes:

Cross-honoring will be in effect for Wednesday, March 21 on NJ TRANSIT bus and private bus carriers, rail, light rail and with PATH at Newark, Hoboken and 33rd St. in New York. At this time, it is not anticipated that there will be cross-honoring on NY Waterway ferries.
Regular weekday service for bus and light rail will operate as long as conditions allow.
Stay connected during your commute through Facebook and Twitter. Search for rail, bus or light rail-specific Twitter accounts for the best information. While we make every effort to respond to comments posted on our social media channels, we recommend that you contact our Customer Service team directly with critical or time-sensitive issues.

Twitter: @NJTRANSIT
Facebook: facebook.com/NJTRANSIT

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.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.

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NJ TRANSIT OFFERS EXTRA BUS SERVICE FROM RIDGEWOOD TO NEW YORK FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

ridgewood bus station

file photo

Beverages will not be permitted on any train, light rail vehicle or bus

March 16,2018

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 Saturday, March 17, to accommodate customers traveling to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. Trains will operate on a regular weekend schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.

IMPORTANT NOTE: No beverages of any kind, in any type of container, open or closed, will be permitted on board trains, buses or light rail vehicles on Saturday, March 17, and Sunday, March 18. This policy will be strictly enforced.

NJ TRANSIT will have Ambassadors on hand at Secaucus Junction, Aberdeen/Matawan, Middletown, N.J., and Penn Station New York to assist customers traveling to/from the parade in New York City.

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 8:20 a.m. until 11:20 a.m. operating via the Boulevard in Hasbrouck Heights, Wood-Ridge, Carlstadt, and East Rutherford.

From New York – PABT:

No. 163 (New York – Ridgewood) additional local service from PABT to Hackensack (Arcola in Paramus) operating local route through East Rutherford, Carlstadt, Wood-Ridge, Hasbrouck Heights and Hackensack every hour beginning at 3:15 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.

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 before and after the parade may affect bus travel times to New York City. Customers should plan accordingly.
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 beverages, 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.

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BREAKING UPDATE : RETURN TO FULL SERVICE FOR NJ TRANSIT

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TRANSIT ALERT UPDATE: NJT trains are subject to up to 60-minute delays following a pedestrian strike earlier this morning in #Secaucus. Amtrak says a train carrying 135 passengers from New York City to Savannah, Georgia hit a trespasser shortly after 6 a.m. The tracks between Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station have partially reopened but police are still on the scene investigating. Midtown trains are being diverted to Hoboken. Cross-honoring is in effect for NJ Transit buses and #PATH at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken and 33rd street in Manhattan.

March 9,2018

rthe staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT rail, bus, light rail and Access Link services will all operate on a regular weekday schedule for Friday, March 9, 2018. Rail, bus, and light rail crews, along with the New Jersey Transit Police Department, worked continuously to prepare for, and recover from, the devastating effects of this powerful storm that caused significant impacts across our entire transportation network.

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.

Due to the freeze/thaw cycle, customers are advised to use extreme caution around bus stops, station and facilities as slippery conditions may exist. Customers should also build extra travel time into their schedules as residual delays and some cancellations may occur from the residual effects of the storm.

NJ TRANSIT crews removed well over 100 trees and branches which blocked rail tracks across the state in order to restore service. To get to the affected areas, crews had to walk in significant amounts of snow, up to 20 inches in some cases, to remove these trees and branches.

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NJ TRANSIT IMPLEMENTS SEVERE WEATHER RAIL SCHEDULE FOR WINTER STORM

ridgewood Train station

March 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT is implementing its Severe Weather Schedule Level 1 on its rail system for Wednesday, March 7, as heavy, wet snow is forecasted in the area. Cross-honoring is in effect for rail, bus and private carriers and light rail service for Wednesday, March 7. Customers should check njtransit.com for updates.

A “Severe Weather Rail Schedule’’ is a limited weekday rail schedule utilized during weather events or other emergency situations. The “Severe Weather Schedules’’ were created last year for customers to clearly identify their travel options. These schedules can be found online and are also available in our printed timetables.

Bus and light rail services are anticipated to operate regular weekday schedules as weather conditions permit.

IMPORTANT: Due to the projected rapid snow accumulation in conjunction with local and county travel bans in place, there is the potential for all North and Central Jersey bus service — including bus service to/from PABT — to be suspended before the afternoon peak travel period. Customers should closely monitor njtransit.com, My Transit alerts, social media and broadcast news reports for the latest status of the system.

For customers of Bus Route Nos. 196/197, on Wednesday, March 7, NJ TRANSIT rail will cross-honor bus passes and tickets on the Port Jervis Line trains to/from Harriman, Tuxedo and Sloatsburg. Bus service to/from Warwick, N.Y., will originate/terminate at West Milford Park & Ride due to weather conditions. Bus 196 will operate on a snow detour and will not operate on Skyline Drive. Additionally, Shortline Bus will not be operating in Orange County, N.Y.

Access Link Regions 2 (Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem) and 3 (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland , S. Ocean) will operate on a regular schedule as long as weather conditions allow. Access Link Regions 4 (Mercer, Middlesex, North Ocean), 5 (Essex, Morris, Somerset, Union), 6(Bergen, Passaic, Hudson) are canceled.

NJ TRANSIT will have personnel and assets in position to address any issues that may arise during or after the storm, which is expected to bring snow totals as high as 12 inches to certain counties in northern New Jersey.

NJ TRANSIT’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will open during the early morning hours tomorrow and remain open throughout the day as key personnel monitor any impacts on the system throughout the storm’s duration.

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.

Important Notes:

Cross-honoring will be in effect for Wednesday, March 7 on NJ TRANSIT bus and private carriers, rail and light rail services. At this time, it is not anticipated that there will be cross-honoring on PATH or NY Waterway ferries.
Regular weekday service for bus, light rail and Access Link will operate as long as conditions allow.
Stay connected during your commute through Facebook and Twitter. Search for rail, bus or light rail-specific Twitter accounts for the best information. While we make every effort to respond to comments posted on our social media channels, we recommend that you contact our Customer Service team directly with critical or time-sensitive issues.

Twitter: @NJTRANSIT
Facebook: facebook.com/NJTRANSIT

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.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.

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Reader states yet another infamous blunder on the part of a previous Village Council (perhaps the BIGGEST of all)

Ken_Smith_property_theridgewoodblog

And yet another infamous blunder on the part of a previous Village Council (perhaps the BIGGEST of all):
In conjunction with the conversion to high level platforms at Ridgewood’s train station, NJ Transit initially offered to build a LARGE parking garage (not just a single level deck) AT NO COST TO THE VILLAGE. The site selected by NJ Transit was the Ken Smith property.
The sitting Village Council back then balked at the idea. The owners of Ken Smith Lincoln Mercury had no interest in selling their property and the Village Council did not want to use eminent domain and be known as the Council that forced Ken Smith out of business.
As you know, Ken Smith was subsequently forced out of business when Ford Motor pulled their franchise and the property is now being developed as mixed use retail and high density housing.
COUNCILS NEVER LISTEN TO REASON. IT’S A FACT JACK.

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NJ Transit will be Cross-honoring During Impending Storm

Ridgewood _Train_station_theridgewoodblog

March 2,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT anticipates regular weekday service on its rail, bus and light rail systems for the service day on Friday, March 2 and regular weekend service on Saturday, March 3 as parts of the state are subject to an intense Nor’easter with coastal flooding, high winds, heavy rain, and even snow in northwestern New Jersey predicted. Cross-honoring is in effect for rail, bus and private carriers and light rail for Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3.

Bus Route Nos. 196/197 only bus tickets and passes will be accepted during this time on the Port Jervis Line trains to/from Harriman, Tuxedo and Sloatsburg. Additionally, Shortline Bus will also cross-honor in Orange County, N.Y. The Warwick plan will be instituted if conditions warrant.

NJ TRANSIT will have personnel and assets in position to address any issues that may arise during or after the storm, which is expected to bring strong wind near the coast and flooding to low-lying areas.

NJ TRANSIT’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will open during the early morning hours on Friday and key personnel will monitor any impacts on the system throughout the duration of the storm.

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.

Important Notes:

Cross-honoring will be in effect for Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 on NJ TRANSIT bus and private carriers, rail and light rail services. At this time, it is not anticipated that there will be cross-honoring on PATH or NY Waterway ferries.

Regular weekday service for rail, bus, light rail and Access Link will operate as long as conditions allow.

Bus Route Nos. 196 and 197 only bus tickets and passes will be accepted during this time on the Port Jervis Line at the Harriman, Tuxedo, and Sloatsburg Stations. Shortline bus will also be cross-honoring. The Warwick plan will be instituted if conditions warrant.

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.

Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.

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Reader says The village needs additional parking for commuters. Period.

Ridgewood Train Station

The village needs additional parking for commuters. Period. Please stop with the notion that restaurants and shops need additional parking – this is a myth propagated by the apartment developers. Build a 2 story garage and charge a lower rate for in town commuters and $5,000 per year for out of town commuters. To ensure that no apartment dwellers park there, enforce a no parking ordinance between 2:00 am and 5:00 am. Developers will bail immediately.

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Fallen Tree in Ridgewood Causes Delays for New Jersey Transit Commuters

Fallen Tree in Ridgewood Causes Delays for New Jersey Transit Commuters

photos courtesy of  Boyd Loving’s Facebook Page

February 22,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Ridgewood Police, Ridgewood Fire, NJ Transit Police, and NJ Transit Rail Operations personnel responded on Wednesday morning, 02/21, to investigate a fallen tree in the rear of 264 South Broad Street, Ridgewood that resulted in 45-60 minute delays to NJ Transit rail service on the Bergen and Main lines.

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Revitalization of the “Old Burying Ground” near the Ho-Ho-Kus Train Station

Revitalization of the "Old Burying Ground"

photo by Stanley Kober

February 21,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ho Ho Kus NJ, an Eagle Scout is working on a Revitalization of the “Old Burying Ground” in Ho-Ho-Kus . The site is an area up by the train station near First Street and if you look down onto the large municipal parking lot on the right is the cemetery.

The Scout Alexander Melarti has done a nice job there and these last couple of items are putting a nice touch to his work to honor the families of the deceased.

From the go fund me page  https://www.gofundme.com/eagle-scout-proj-for-cemetery :

Eagle Scout Revitalization Project of “The Old Burying Ground”
Prepared by Alexander Melarti (Eagle Scout – Troop 7)
And
Stanley A. Kober (Historic Ho-Ho-Kus Researcher)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Eagle Scout candidate’s full legal name: ALEXANDER MELARTI

Eagle Scout Service Project Name: REVITALIZING OF “THE OLD BURYING GROUND”

“The project will take place on First street in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. There is a 200 year old cemetery where some of the Hopper and Zabriskie families are buried; the families were the first inhabitants of Ho-Ho-Kus, and a member of the Zabriskie’s built what is now called the Ho-Ho-Kus inn and tavern. The last time any proper care was given to the cemetery was in 2006. The shrubs that were planted behind the headstones have become overgrown, and fall over the graves. Weeds, leaves, and dead thicket cover most of the floor of the plot, and the tarp under the gravel path leading up from the parking lot is in disarray. There is also a slope on one side of the cemetery where erosion has created a side entrance to the lot.

“This project has 4 steps. The first is to fundraise for the materials and supplies needed. The Second Step is to clean out all the debris, and trim the shrubs hanging over the grave. The third step is to add stones to the eroded side entrance in an attempt to terrace the dirt. The gravel path will be redone, and wood chips will be laid down in the fenced in section of the lot to further prevent erosion. The last step is to repair and repaint the fence posts surrounding the lot. In addition there will be a bench, an interpretive panel outside the fenced in area, and some evergreen plantings inside the lot.

“The interpretive panel will contain a brief history of the cemetery’s occupants and the role they played in the town’s history It will be placed on the perimeter of the fence where it meets the gravel path. [added recently is the installation of a QR code on the plaque that will be linked to the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus Master Plan].

“The Bench will match the style of the other outdoor benches of the town; the bench is made of steel and extruded aluminum with a heat fused poly-vinyl coating. It will be placed parallel to the pathway, and two feet from the fence.” [Excerpted from Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook by Alexander Melarti dated 10/23/17]

The funds to be raised will cover the purchase of the Park Bench, the Interpretive Panel, shrubbery, and other assorted materials to make the historic family cemetery a place of honor for the families interred there. Some of the items are in the process of being ordered and it would be very beneficial for the funds to be received as soon as possible.

We are extremely grateful for whatever anyone may donate for this worthwhile Eagle Scout Project honoring these families.
LOCATION: The area up by the Ho-Ho-Kus train station is First Street and if you look down onto the large municipal parking lot, on your right is the cemetery. The young Scout has done a nice job there and these last couple of items are putting a nice touch to his work to honor the families of the deceased. Click on this link and it will take you to the site. https://goo.gl/maps/PDZha5kbGhr

 

click here to donate https://www.gofundme.com/eagle-scout-proj-for-cemetery

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NJ Transit Environmental Review to Move forward with Hudson-Bergen Light Rail expansion

NJT light rail

 

February 14, 2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In a unanimous vote, the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors approved the proposed alignment of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail’s planned expansion into Bergen County as described in the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact statement dated March 2017. The selection of the “Locally Preferred Alternative” is required as part of the federal environmental review process.

The Board action also authorizes the submission of the Locally Preferred Alternative to the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority Board of Trustees for designation and inclusion in their Long-Range Regional Transportation Plan.

During Project Development the project sponsor must select a Locally Preferred Alternative; get the Locally Preferred Alternative adopted into the fiscally constrained metropolitan transportation plan; and complete the environmental review process under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

By selecting the Locally Preferred Alternative at this time, NJ TRANSIT will be able to initiate design and engineering activities upon completion of the Final Environmental Impact Statement and receipt of the Record of Decision from the FTA, in advance of requesting entry into Project Development.

Locally Preferred Alternative

The Locally Preferred Alternative consists of a 10-mile two-track extension of the HBLR from its current terminus at Tonnelle Avenue northward to the Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, generally utilizing CSX Transportation’s Northern Branch running track. The project will construct a total of seven stations in North Bergen, Ridgefield, Palisades Park, Leonia, and Englewood (three stations) and parking for approximately 2,740 vehicles. Service is proposed to operate from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. with six-minute headways during the peak period and 15-minute headways during the off-peak period. It is estimated that the project will serve 12,370 passengers per average weekday in the year 2030.

See attached map for a visual of the route of the Locally Preferred Alternative.

 

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NJ TRANSIT SELECTS KEVIN CORBETT AS NEXT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

NJ TRANSIT SELECTS KEVIN CORBETT AS NEXT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

February 15,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, In a unanimous vote, the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors approved Kevin Corbett as the next Executive Director of NJ TRANSIT during the regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting today. The appointment is effective starting on Monday, February 19, 2018.

“Kevin is taking on one of the toughest jobs in New Jersey – turning NJ Transit around and restoring it as a world-class transportation agency that our commuters can rely on. Every New Jerseyan who takes the train or bus every day, and the thousands of employees who show up for work, deserves visionary leadership committed to getting this system right. Kevin’s confirmation signals that we have begun the difficult process of rebuilding NJ TRANSIT and, in time, regaining commuters’ trust in the system,” said Governor Phil Murphy.

“I would like to thank Governor Murphy and the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve the state of New Jersey,” said incoming Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “I look forward to working with the dedicated men and women of NJ TRANSIT in restoring the transportation system to the national leader it once was, providing safe and reliable service and boosting economic development in New Jersey.”

Prior to incoming Executive Director Corbett’s appointment, he served as Vice President, Cross Services at AECOM, one of the world’s premier transportation and infrastructure companies. In this role, Mr. Corbett drew on the extensive resources from across AECOM’s various business lines to provide optimal solutions for AECOM’s clients.

AECOM projects that Mr. Corbett was Principal-In-Charge of or actively served in a management role included Moynihan Station Phase one, Amtrak’s Gateway Program, Second Avenue Subway – Phase one, Penn Vision, Penn Station Critical Improvements, One WTC Interim Loading Dock, Post-Sandy PATH Restoration and other related regional resiliency and restoration projects. Previously, Mr. Corbett was responsible for the global marine and freight business for DMJM+HARRIS, a legacy AECOM company, as well as other AECOM subsidiaries.

In the civic realm, Mr. Corbett currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Regional Plan Association (RPA) and is Co-Chair of its Transportation Committee. He also serves on the board of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York & New Jersey (President), Tri-State Transportation Campaign and The New York League of Conservation Voters (Chairman).

Mr. Corbett is a graduate of Georgetown University and serves as a Blue & Gold Officer for the U.S. Naval Academy.

 

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NJ TRANSIT BOARD MEMBER FLORA CASTILLO HONORED WITH ROSA PARKS DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP AWARD

FLORA CASTILLO

January 29,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ TRANSIT Board Member Flora Castillo has been presented the 2018 Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award. The honor was awarded last night during a ceremony at Club 101 in New York City.

The award is presented each year to a nominee who takes initiative to facilitate professional opportunities for women and minorities, and promotes diversity, inclusion and multi-cultural awareness within their organization.

“To be honored with an award bearing Rosa Parks name is a personal and professional highlight,” said Ms. Castillo. “I’ve continually tried to follow her trailblazing footsteps in everything I do. That’s why I feel it is critical to pay it forward by advocating for diversity and inclusion and ensuring that our transportation and mobility services enable all of our customers, especially those for whom transit services are their lifeline to employment, medical care, education and all the locations that support their well-being. This is a tremendous honor.”

Ms. Castillo has served as a member of the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors since 1999, and holds the distinction as being the first Latina to serve on the Board. She currently chairs the Board’s Customer Service Committee and is a member of the Safety and Administration Committees.

An ardent transit advocate, particularly for minority customers and customers with disabilities, Ms. Castillo has played a vital role in ensuring quality services for all

NJ TRANSIT customers, including increased seating capacity, cleaner trains and buses, new equipment and equity in the distribution of all NJ TRANSIT equipment, services and programs. Beyond being an advocate for customers, Ms. Castillo has been a strident and steadfast advocate for business opportunities for small, minority, woman-owned and disadvantaged business enterprises (S/M/W/DBEs). This included the creation of Diversity Officer role and enhancement on the focus of opportunities for minorities and women within and outside of NJ TRANSIT.

Due in large part to Ms. Castillo’s advocacy and guidance, NJ TRANSIT has enjoyed continuous and historically unprecedented improvement both in its relationship to communities of color, and dollars awarded to S/M/W/DBEs. Ms. Castillo’s advocacy for civil rights, equity, environmental justice, diversity and inclusion, have kept NJ TRANSIT focused on this critical dimension of the corporation’s current responsibilities, as well as its future.

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Power Line Downed in Wednesday Morning Crash in Midland Park

midland park NJ

photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

January 4,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Midland Park NJ, Midland Park Police and Fire Department personnel responded to a motor vehicle crash involving a downed utility pole in front of 445 Godwin Avenue, Midland Park on Wednesday morning, 01/03. A live power line fell onto a NJ Transit commuter bus during the incident. No injuries were apparent.

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Amtrak track work at Penn Station New York will impact select NJ TRANSIT peak period train service along the Northeast Corridor

penn station njt

January 2,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  Upcoming Amtrak track work at Penn Station New York (PSNY) will impact select NJ TRANSIT peak period train service along the Northeast Corridor (NEC) and North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL) with scheduled service adjustments to begin on January 8, 2018 through May 28, 2018.

The work will mainly affect a total of five trains per day which includes two in the a.m. peak and three in the p.m. peak periods. Of these five trains, one NJCL train in both the a.m. and p.m. will be diverted to Hoboken; one NEC train in both the a.m. and p.m. will terminate/originate at Newark Penn Station and another NJCL train in the p.m. will be cancelled. Other trains and other train lines may have adjustments made to the timetable or station stops, and customers are advised to check the service timetables carefully.

“While this impact is far less than what we experienced this past summer, we encourage our Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line customers to do their homework and adjust their commuting plans if needed,” said Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “I want to thank our customers in advance as we continue to support Amtrak’s efforts to renew critical infrastructure at Penn Station New York and avoid a repeat of the derailments we saw this past spring.”

The affected trains are as follows:

A.M.

NJCL train 3216, the 6:11 a.m. eastbound Long Branch departure, will now depart at 6:23 a.m. and will be diverted to Hoboken renumbered as 2604
NEC train 3122, the 7:06 a.m. eastbound departure from New Brunswick will terminate at Newark Penn Station renumbered as 5822.

P.M.

NJCL train 3267, the 5:25 p.m. departure from PSNY, will originate from Hoboken at 5:22 p.m. renumbered as 2609
NEC train 3171, the 5:43 p.m. departure from PSNY, will originate at Newark Penn Station at 6:03 p.m. renumbered as 5869
NJCL train 3441, the 6:51 p.m. departure from PSNY, will be cancelled

Customers are advised that trains prior to or following the affected trains may experience crowded conditions.

Alternate travel options

Customers with flexibility in their travel may consider the following alternate options:

NJCL customers may consider utilizing private bus carriers such as Academy Bus from locations including the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel. Visit www.academybus.com for complete details.
NJCL customers may also consider ferry service from Monmouth County including NY Waterway’s ferry from Belford www.nywaterway.com or Seastreak ferry from Highlands or Atlantic Highlands www.seastreak.com.
NEC customers may consider private bus carriers including Suburban Transit/Coach USA bus from points in Mercer and Middlesex Counties www.coachusa.com.
Customers may also utilize NJ TRANSIT bus service on the Route 9 corridor.

Travel Tips

New York bound customers who choose to continue taking a train which now terminates at Newark Penn Station should purchase their tickets/passes to Newark Penn Station and then purchase tickets/passes for PATH.

New York bound customers who choose to continue taking a train which now terminates/originates at Hoboken Terminal should purchase their tickets/passes to Hoboken and then purchase tickets/passes for PATH or NY Waterway ferry.

Check njtransit.com or news media before starting your trip for service advisories or alerts that may affect your trip.
Stay connected during your commute through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Search for rail, bus or light rail-specific Twitter accounts for the best information. While we make every effort to respond to comments posted on our social media channels, we recommend that you contact our Customer Service team directly with critical or time-sensitive issues.
Twitter: @NJTRANSIT
Facebook: facebook.com/NJTRANSIT
YouTube Channel: TheNewJerseyTransit
If you will be altering your travel pattern during this time, you may want to update your travel alert preferences in your My Transit account. If you do not have a My Transit account, sign up to receive alerts at njtransit.com/mytransit.

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Trump Administration Official Throws Cold Water on Gateway Tunnel Funding Agreement

Ridgewood_Train_station_train-_is_coming_theridgewoodblog

December 30,2017

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, earlier this month Gov. Chris Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced commitments to fund 100 percent of their respective share of the new Gateway tunnel. The agreement follows a 2015 framework agreement in which the federal government agreed to fund 50 percent of the project.

The agreement for a combined $5.5 billion states that the State of New York will contribute $1.75 billion with NJ Transit committing $1.9 billion and the Port Authority contributing $1.9 billion.

But the Trump administration through cold water on the idea on Friday . In a letter to New York and New Jersey officials, a top Federal Transit Administration Deputy Administrator Jane Williams signaled that the Trump administration would not recognize the agreement struck under former President Barack Obama that called for the federal government to pay half the cost of the project.

The letter stated that ,“There is no such agreement,” and “We consider it unhelpful to reference a nonexistent ‘agreement’ rather than directly address the responsibility for funding a local project where nine out of 10 passengers are local transit riders,”