Tag: NJT

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NJ Transit will offer Extra Bus and Rail Service for Black Friday Shoppers and Commuters

Ridgewood -bus-station-theridgewoodblog

Kids ride free on NJ TRANSIT all holiday weekend

November 22, 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Whether it’s over the river or through the woods, NJ TRANSIT is offering additional trains and buses this Thanksgiving holiday weekend to make it even easier for customers to unite with family and friends, travel to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, or get started on holiday shopping at various malls throughout the state.  Plus, feel free to bring your holiday helpers as kids ride free* the entire long weekend!

NJ TRANSIT will once again offer “early getaway” rail and bus service on Wednesday, November 23, for the benefit of customers leaving work early, and to provide additional capacity for customers traveling to Newark Liberty International Airport.  The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is typically the busiest day of the year at Newark Airport’s rail station, with ridership levels about twice that of a typical weekday.  Customers are urged to purchase their tickets early – round trip preferably – to avoid lines or download NJ TRANSIT’s mobile app available free at the App Store and Google Play.

On Friday, November 25, traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year, enhanced bus service will be offered to shopping centers throughout New Jersey and additional trains will operate to and from New York.

NJ TRANSIT customer service representatives and volunteers will be deployed at major facilities throughout the holiday weekend to assist customers with their travels.

On Friday, November 25, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, trains will operate on a modified weekday schedule on all rail lines with additional New York-bound trains between 10 a.m. and noon on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast and Morris & Essex lines.  Customers are encouraged to travel early, if possible, when ridership is light.  Select morning peak period trains on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line will not operate on Friday, due to expected light ridership—customers should visit njtransit.com and use the “Station-to-Station Trip Planner” to find trains on Friday.  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 weekday schedule.  Holiday bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to visit njtransit.com.

Extra bus service to New Jersey malls

Starting Friday, November 25 and continuing through December 26, NJ TRANSIT will offer additional bus service to major New Jersey shopping destinations to accommodate extended store hours and busy shopping times throughout the day.  Throughout the holiday shopping season, extra trips or expanded service will be offered on several bus routes serving malls and shopping centers throughout the state, including Garden State Plaza, IKEA Paramus, Jersey Gardens, Livingston Mall, Harmon Meadow/Mill Creek in Secaucus, Willowbrook Mall, Wayne Towne Center Mall and West Belt Mall.

*Kids ride free on NJT

For the Thanksgiving holiday, NJ TRANSIT’s Family Super Saver Fare, which allows up to two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult, will be in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 23 until 6 a.m. Monday, November 28.

Travel tips

Check Schedules in Advance:  Additional service will be provided on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  Plan your trip online to take advantage of extra trains and buses.
Travel Early on Friday, November 25:  On Friday, NJ TRANSIT rail lines will operate on a modified weekday schedule with additional trains during the late morning hours.  Avoid the crowds by traveling during the traditional peak-period (6-9 a.m.) when ridership is light.
Allow Extra Travel Time:  Traffic congestion during the holidays may affect bus travel times to and from New York City, so customers should plan accordingly.
Ticketing:  Purchase round-trip tickets at the start of your trip to speed your return.  Use 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.
Bus Gate Changes:  Some gate changes have been made at Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York.  Customers are reminded to check the public timetable for new departure gate information.

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New Jersey Transit Adds Extra Buses and Trains for Thanksgiving Travelers

Ridgewood Train Station

file photo by ArtChick Photography

SERVICE ADVISORY:EXTRA RAIL AND BUS SERVICE SET FOR THANKSGIVING TRAVELERS

Kids ride free on NJ TRANSIT all holiday weekend

November 22, 2016

the staffof the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Whether it’s over the river or through the woods, NJ TRANSIT is offering additional trains and buses this Thanksgiving holiday weekend to make it even easier for customers to unite with family and friends, travel to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, or get started on holiday shopping at various malls throughout the state.  Plus, feel free to bring your holiday helpers as kids ride free* the entire long weekend!

NJ TRANSIT will once again offer “early getaway” rail and bus service on Wednesday, November 23, for the benefit of customers leaving work early, and to provide additional capacity for customers traveling to Newark Liberty International Airport.  The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is typically the busiest day of the year at Newark Airport’s rail station, with ridership levels about twice that of a typical weekday.  Customers are urged to purchase their tickets early – round trip preferably – to avoid lines or download NJ TRANSIT’s mobile app available free at the App Store and Google Play.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, NJ TRANSIT will add extra trains and buses to the schedule in the morning and midday hours to accommodate customers traveling to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Then on Friday, November 25, traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year, enhanced bus service will be offered to shopping centers throughout New Jersey and additional trains will operate to and from New York.

NJ TRANSIT customer service representatives and volunteers will be deployed at major facilities throughout the holiday weekend to assist customers with their travels.

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

Early getaway service from New York, Newark and Hoboken

On Wednesday, November 23, trains will operate on a weekday schedule on all 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, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines.  Newark Light Rail, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and River Line Light Rail service will operate on a weekday schedule.  Bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to check their timetables or visit njtransit.com for schedule information.  Selected routes will operate on special holiday schedules to match service with ridership demand, including early getaway service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and on the No. 64 and 68 bus routes from the Hudson River waterfront between noon and 4:30 p.m. to accommodate the heaviest travel, with less frequent service during the traditional rush hour and later in the evening due to lower ridership.  Special holiday timetables are available on njtransit.com.

On Thanksgiving Day, November 24, trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule.  To accommodate customers traveling to and from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, NJ TRANSIT will add extra trains on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex and Port Jervis lines.  Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule; Newark Light Rail and River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.  Holiday bus schedules vary by route—bus customers are advised to visit njtransit.com.  Selected bus routes will operate extra service to and from the Port Authority Bus Terminal for customers attending the parade.

Note:  Thanksgiving shoppers:  Service on the No. 111 bus route from New York to the Jersey Gardens Mall in Elizabeth will begin operating at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, November 24.  The No. 40 will operate on a special holiday schedule serving Jersey Gardens all night long.  Service on the No. 163, 171, 175 & 770 bus routes to Garden State Plaza in Paramus will operate on a Saturday schedule to serve the mall all day.

On Friday, November 25, one of the busiest shopping days of the year, trains will operate on a modified weekday schedule on all rail lines with additional New York-bound trains between 10 a.m. and noon on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast and Morris & Essex lines.  Customers are encouraged to travel early, if possible, when ridership is light.  Select morning peak period trains on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line will not operate on Friday, due to expected light ridership—customers should visit njtransit.com and use the “Station-to-Station Trip Planner” to find trains on Friday.  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 weekday schedule.  Holiday bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to visit njtransit.com.

Extra bus service to New Jersey malls

Starting Friday, November 25 and continuing through December 26, NJ TRANSIT will offer additional bus service to major New Jersey shopping destinations to accommodate extended store hours and busy shopping times throughout the day.  Throughout the holiday shopping season, extra trips or expanded service will be offered on several bus routes serving malls and shopping centers throughout the state, including Garden State Plaza, IKEA Paramus, Jersey Gardens, Livingston Mall, Harmon Meadow/Mill Creek in Secaucus, Willowbrook Mall, Wayne Towne Center Mall and West Belt Mall.

*Kids ride free on NJT

For the Thanksgiving holiday, NJ TRANSIT’s Family Super Saver Fare, which allows up to two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult, will be in effect from 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 23 until 6 a.m. Monday, November 28.

Travel tips

Check Schedules in Advance:  Additional service will be provided on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  Plan your trip online to take advantage of extra trains and buses.
Travel Early on Friday, November 25:  On Friday, NJ TRANSIT rail lines will operate on a modified weekday schedule with additional trains during the late morning hours.  Avoid the crowds by traveling during the traditional peak-period (6-9 a.m.) when ridership is light.
Allow Extra Travel Time:  Traffic congestion during the holidays may affect bus travel times to and from New York City, so customers should plan accordingly.
Ticketing:  Purchase round-trip tickets at the start of your trip to speed your return.  Use 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.
Bus Gate Changes:  Some gate changes have been made at Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York.  Customers are reminded to check the public timetable for new departure gate information.

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Sleep apnea suspected in fatal Hoboken train crash

Hoboken Train Station Crash

Lisa Marie Segarra , Staff Writer, @lisamarie_lynn8:33 p.m. EST November 16, 2016

Officials say sleep apnea may have played a role in the Hoboken Terminal crash that occurred on Sept. 29, killing a woman.

The Associated Press reported that two U.S. officials were briefed on the investigation and that sleep apnea is being investigated as a potential cause.

https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2016/11/16/engineer-fatal-hoboken-train-crash-had-undiagnosed-sleep-apnea/93986074/?utm_campaign=Observer_NJ_Politics&utm_content=New%20Campaign&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=New%20Jersey%20Politics

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NJ Transit knew train had faulty brakes before deadly crash

Hoboken Train Station Crash

By Chris Perez

November 14, 2016 | 11:59pm | Updated

The New Jersey Transit train that plowed into the Hoboken Terminal in September — killing one woman and injuring scores of people — was found to have faulty brakes just months before the crash, a report said Monday.

Back in January, inspectors discovered that a “hand brake gear pin” on one of the train cars was “completely out,” according to PIX11.

https://nypost.com/2016/11/14/nj-transit-knew-train-had-faulty-brakes-before-deadly-crash/

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NJ TRANSIT ELECTRONIC TICKETING SETS NEW SALES RECORDS

Ridgewood_Train_station_train-_is_coming_theridgewoodblog

MyTix sales soar past one million tickets and passes for October

November 14,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, “The ease and convenience of purchasing tickets and passes right from a smartphone continues to become more popular with our customers each month, making NJ TRANSIT a national leader in this new technology” said Executive Director Steven H. Santoro.  “As we reach these milestones, we continue to look for new ways to add additional functionality to the MyTix program and lead from the front on this digital platform.” NJ TRANSIT’s customers are downloading their way to electronic ticketing in record setting numbers.  During the month of October, the digital system known as MyTix shattered its record for most tickets and passes sold in one month, and in doing so, crossed the one million mark for the first time.  In addition, November 1st set a single day sales record.

During the month of October 2016, more than one million tickets and passes were purchased through the MyTix feature, surpassing the previous monthly record of more than 990-thousand set in August 2016.  As a comparison, January 2016 saw monthly sales of 690-thousand tickets and passes.  Year to date MyTix sales have grown 46 percent.

On November 1, 2016, MyTix set a single day sales record with more than 71-thousand tickets and passes sold, breaking the previous single day record of more than 65-thousand set on August 1, 2016.

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Transit Agencies Invite Public to Learn About Recommended Route for the Hudson Tunnel Project

Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project

November 1st 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and NJ TRANSIT  invite the public to learn more about their recommendation for the Hudson Tunnel Project at two upcoming information sessions. During the meetings in November, the public will be able to learn more about the recommendation (Preferred Alternative) and the Environmental Impact Statement for the project.

The Preferred Alternative identifies a specific alignment that includes two new tracks extending from the Northeast Corridor in Secaucus, N.J., continuing in a tunnel beneath the Palisades, and beneath the Hudson River to connect to the existing approach tracks that lead into Penn Station New York, as well as rehabilitation of the existing North River Tunnel once the new tunnel is complete.

  • The first meeting will be held at the Secaucus Junction Rail Station, Upper Level Long Hallway in Secaucus, N.J. on Thursday, November 10, 2016. 
  • The second meeting will be held at the Hotel Pennsylvania, Skytop Ballroom (18th Floor), in New York City on Thursday, November 17, 2016.

Both meetings will be held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM and will be in an open house format. Although there will be no formal presentations, project staff will be available to answer questions. See attached flyer.

The new tunnel would be constructed first, so that upon completion of construction, trains could be diverted from the existing tunnel to allow its rehabilitation. When the rehabilitation is complete, both the existing and new tunnels would be in service, providing redundant capability and increased operational flexibility for Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT.

The Project is intended to preserve the current functionality of the Northeast Corridor’s Hudson River rail crossing between New Jersey and New York and strengthen the resiliency of the Northeast Corridor. FRA and NJ TRANSIT have made a recommendation (identified a Preferred Alternative) that consists of a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River and rehabilitation of the existing Northeast Corridor Hudson River crossing, the North River Tunnel.

More information about the Hudson Tunnel Project, the upcoming meetings, and the Preferred Alternative is available at the Project website,www.hudsontunnelproject.com. Project staff may be contacted via the Project website as well, at www.hudsontunnelproject.com/contact.html.

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SECOND AQUATRACK UNIT DEPLOYED BY NJ TRANSIT FOR LEAF CLEANING

Ridgewood Train Station

file photo by ArtChick

October 28, 2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is stepping up its annual battle against Mother Nature and fallen leaves on the rails.  Based on the success of its original leaf-clearing unit, NJ TRANSIT is deploying a second AquaTrack machine throughout the fall season.

The equipment is a high-pressure power-washing system which removes leaves and oily residue from the tracks in an effort to prevent train delays caused by “slippery rail” conditions.

The second AquaTrack unit will allow the cleaning process to maintain a larger coverage area in helping to prevent delays.

“While there is no way to completely eliminate the effect Mother Nature has on the railroad, the AquaTrack unit has had great success in prior years when it comes to managing leaf-related slippage on our rails,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steve Santoro.  “By utilizing these two highly specialized pieces of equipment, we can keep the rails free and clear of fallen leaves, which increases safety and keep trains running on time.”

Fallen leaves left on rail tracks can cause a condition known as “slippery rail” – a challenge facing all railroads in the Northeast and other parts of the world where deciduous trees are prevalent.  The decaying leaves create an oily residue that coats the rails and causes poor traction.  The decreased train speeds, in turn, create delays.

The AquaTrack system has been in use by NJ TRANSIT since October 2003.  It consists of two 250-horsepower diesel-engine units mounted on a flat car with an operator control cab.  Two pressure-pump units dispense water up to 20,000 pounds-per-square-inch directly to the top of the rail. The process uses 17 gallons of water per minute.

Traditionally, the original AquaTrack operated primarily on the M&E and Montclair-Boonton lines, which are particularly challenged including the hilly areas around Glen Ridge and Summit stations, washing the rails twice a day Monday through Friday—once overnight and again during midday hours.  On weekends, the Pascack Valley and Main/Bergen County lines are usually covered.  The addition of a second unit will add cleaning on the Raritan Valley and North Jersey Coast Lines.

In addition to AquaTrack, NJ TRANSIT also strategically spreads sand on the rails in front of peak-period trains to increase traction.  NJ TRANSIT also trims trees to help stem the amount of leaves on the tracks.  The leaf clearing operation runs from mid-October through mid-December.

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Four Years after Super Storm Sandy Governor Christie Reviews Progress

Sandy theridgewoodblog.net
October 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, On Friday, Governor Christie discussed the progress our state has made four years after Sandy as his administration continues to work with homeowners, business owners, and communities to rebuild and safeguard against future storms. He also conducted a small business tour in Seaside Heights, a community heavily impacted by Sandy.It is no doubt that so much more needs to be done and some homeowners are still struggling four years later trying to cut through the
the red tape .
The Governor outlined investments in rebuilding our infrastructure, getting families back in their homes and protecting our shores after Sandy including:
  • Nearly $2.5 billion in utility infrastructure hardening & resilience investments
  • More than $2 billion in FEMA public assistance directed towards recovery projects
  • Five large-scale NJ Transit projects designed to better safeguard critical components of our transportation grid
  • $7 million to fund Retail Fuel Station program to allow gas stations expedited access to back-up power during an energy emergency
  • Coordinated effort with Army Corps of Engineers to build 11 new coastal and flood protection projects statewide
  • More than $1.6 billion in federal housing assistance to help Sandy-impacted families
  • Majority of 7,600 homeowners participating in Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation program are back in their homes
  • Expanded Blue Aces program, allowing residents in flood-prone areas to sell homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy
  • $207 million dedicated to support economic revitalization in Sandy-affected communities through the Stronger NJ business programs.

The Christie administration is committed to finishing the job on Sandy recovery, revitalization and resilience efforts.

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NJ TRANSIT Takes Steps to Implement Positive Train Control (PTC)

Ridgewood-Trainstation1_theridgewoodblog

October 28,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT continues to advance its implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) in order to meet the 2018 deadline with the lease authorization of radio spectrum.  The approval of the lease authorization today by NJ TRANSIT’s Board of Directors allows NJ TRANSIT to execute a lease agreement with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for the last component of radio spectrum needed for NJ TRANSIT’s PTC system.

“This is another milestone in our commitment to upgrading our current safety systems to Positive Train Control by the federal deadline at the end of 2018,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Steve Santoro.  “We are aggressively tackling the challenges posed as PTC is being designed, developed and deployed simultaneously.  Acquiring the needed radio spectrum was one of the larger hurdles which we have now crossed.”

NJ TRANSIT will lease the 218MHz radio frequency spectrum from the MTA for a period of 50-years, at a total cost not to exceed $725,000.  The authorization will allow for the acquisition of the needed spectrum for the northern and eastern portions of NJ TRANSIT’s system.

The radio spectrum provides the wireless link which allows information to pass between the rail vehicles and wayside equipment, ensuring that the onboard PTC system is getting the most accurate and up to date safety data.  NJ TRANSIT must have its own radio bandwidth or spectrum so transmissions do not overlap or interfere with any others in the region.

In April 2016, NJ TRANSIT’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of radio frequency spectrum from PTC-220, LLC for the southern, central and western portions of the NJ TRANSIT system.

In addition to acquiring the needed radio frequency spectrum, NJ TRANSIT is also in the process of securing the hardware and software components of the PTC system including thousands of transponders and 124 radio “towers” along 326 route miles in addition to the radios and antenna equipment for 440 locomotives, EMUs and cab cars.

Positive Train Control is a federally mandated train control technology designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, over-speed derailments, incursions into work zone limits and train movements across switches in the wrong position.  As part of that requirement, the PTC systems must maintain interoperability between commuter rail, freight and Amtrak trains and their associated wayside components.

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Funding approved for new Hudson rail tunnels. Will tolls go up?

Lincoln Tunnel

By Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on October 20, 2016 at 5:58 PM, updated October 20, 2016 at 5:59 PM

Tolls on the Port Authority’s bridges and tunnels will not be increased to help fund construction of new Hudson River rail tunnels, officials said Thursday after approving a financing plan for the Gateway Project.

Authority officials will discuss revising the agency’s 10-year capital plan next month to include Gateway, building a new Port Authority Bus Terminal and replacing the aging Newark Airport Monorail, said John Degnan, the board chairman.

Both Foye and Degnan said revising the capital plan won’t include a toll hike. The last toll hike took place last December as part of an increase that was phased-in over five years.

“The two governors said the Port Authority will take the lead for a financing plan,” Degnan said. “We’re not accepting that the Port Authority will pick-up the entire (local share of costs).”

The federal government and both states have agreed to a 50-50 financing plan for Gateway, but New York and New Jersey officials said they would turn to the Port Authority for some of that funding and to create a development corporation to apply for financing.

https://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2016/10/funding_approved_for_new_hudson_rail_tunnels_but_will_tolls_go_up.html#incart_river_home

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Unattended Backpack at the Boro Hall Train Station in Glen Rock Brings In the Bomb Squad

Unattended Backpack at the Boro Hall Train Station in Glen Rock Brings In the Bomb Squad

photos courtesy of Boyd Lovings Facebook Page

October 18,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, An unattended backpack found at the Boro Hall train station in Glen Rock just prior to 8 AM on Monday, 10/17 resulted in a response from Glen Rock PD, NJ Transit PD, and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad unit. The backpack was determined to have been unintentionally left behind by a disabled patron and cleared after a bomb squad technician conducted an x-ray inspection. Train traffic was not disrupted by the incident.

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UPDATE: Full Rail Service Resumes into Hoboken Terminal Today, Monday, October 17, 2016

Ridgewood Train Station
photo by ArtChick
October 16,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, The Ticket Office will resume operation in the Terminal on Saturday. Monday’s schedule will be available online after 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 15.

On Monday, October 17 at 4 a.m., NJ TRANSIT will open six more tracks at Hoboken Terminal restoring full train service into and out of Hoboken Terminal.

Customers should note that there also will be some reconfiguration of paths of travel to account for the change in access points.

For the morning peak period, Tracks 1 through 4 and Tracks 7 and 8 will re-open. Customers may access Tracks 1 through 4 through the external walkway near PATH and Tracks 7 and 8 via the Main Terminal.

Tracks 5 and 6 will remain closed as NJ TRANSIT advances ongoing repair and recovery work.

Customers may experience some delays as NJ TRANSIT personnel work with construction crews to clear the area. Congested conditions in certain locations may also be expected at the terminal with the loss of space around tracks 5 and 6.

View printable schedules HERE..

Please Note:

As repair work continues at the terminal, customers are advised to stay clear of all work areas.

The Hoboken Terminal waiting room, Customer Service office, and restrooms will be open.

Ticket Vending Machines located in the waiting room will be fully operational.

Customers can download the NJ TRANSIT App and sign up for MyTix to purchase their tickets.

Bus, Light Rail, and Additional Services

NJ TRANSIT bus, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, PATH and NY Waterway also continue to operate in and out of Hoboken on their regular routes and schedules.

NJ TRANSIT would like to thank its customers for their continued patience and support

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NTSB: Preliminary Report on Investigation of Hoboken Train Accident Released

Hoboken Train Station Crash

 10/13/2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ,  The National Transportation Safety Board released Thursday its preliminary report on the investigation of the Sept. 29, 2016, accident involving New Jersey Transit train 1614 at the Hoboken Terminal, Hoboken, New Jersey.

One person died and 110 more were injured when the 400-foot long train, which consisted of a controlling passenger car (cab car), three passenger cars and one locomotive at the rear, failed to stop, overrode a bumping post, and struck a wall of the terminal.

The preliminary report details factual information gained to date in the investigation.  It does not contain analysis and does not state probable cause.  The information contained within the preliminary report is subject to change as data is validated.

The NTSB investigator-in-charge formed the following technical groups to gather information and evidence for the investigation:

Operations
Human Performance
Survival Factors
Signal Systems
Track and Engineering
Mechanical/Equipment
Event/Video Data Recorders

Both the engineer and conductor were interviewed by NTSB investigators.  The emergency response to the accident is being reviewed by investigators as are records for operations, signal systems, mechanical equipment and track and engineering.  Investigators inspected the track structure, signal system and mechanical equipment involved in the accident.

Investigators tested the signal and train control system; the accident route was duplicated with signal alignment and functioned as designed.  The signal system was restored to service with the exception of the damaged signal at the end of track 5, the track upon which the accident happened.

NTSB investigators found the cab car’s electrical communication network – necessary for brake, signal, and propulsion control – was destroyed in the accident.  Conversely, accident damage to the cab car’s air brake system was minor and was repaired for testing.  The train brakes functioned as designed during a friction brake test using the rear locomotive to apply the brakes.

Parties to the investigation include the Federal Railroad Administration, New Jersey Transit, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division and Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen.
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NJT seats lack inertial locks like on automobile seat belts

NJT seats

October 13,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood Nj, NJT seats have no inertial locks like on automobile seat belts to prevent the seat backs from moving during a crash.

https://railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=82818&start=0#p937371

JimBoylan wrote:
Matt Johnson wrote:
Reversible seatbacks are even prohibited in new cars now, so that’s one reason you’ve got fixed seats in new commuter cars like the NJT multilevels.
I haven’t been able to find any Federal or New Jersey legal prohibition. A while ago, New Jersey Transit bragged that their recent at that time order of single level cars would have inertial locks like on automobile seat belts to prevent the seat backs from moving during a crash. In my opinion as a railroader, the “prohibition” probably comes from the same person who bans railfan photography from public places.

I did not find anything either. The feds primary interest with respect to seats appears to be that they (1) don’t break loose from their fastenings, (2) the backs don’t unduly obstruct the emergency egress windows, and (3) they remain in a fixed position in a crash to better cushion the momemtum of a passenger. Inertial locks should be able to satisfy No. 3. The multilevel car seats have padding on the top rear and are high backed to better satisfy No. 3. My suspicion is that NJT desired cost savings from less maintenance, no need for crews to reverse seats and elimination of the issue with passengers flipping seats making collecting fares/keeping track of paid passengers more difficult and limiting capacity on peak trains since 4 longer-legged passengers cannot comfortably sit in pairs of seats facing each other.
HERE COME THE LAWSUITS

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PARTIAL RAIL SERVICE SCHEDULED TO RESUME MONDAY FROM RIDGEWOOD TO HOBOKEN TERMINAL

Ridgewood Train Stataion

Main/Bergen County, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis Lines to return to Hoboken on weekday schedule with adjustments

October 6, 2016

Ridgewood NJ,  NJ TRANSIT will reopen a portion of Hoboken Terminal to commuter rail service for the start of service on Monday, October 10, 2016.

Cross-honoring will continue on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, NJ TRANSIT bus and private carriers ONLY.

A section of the terminal suffered extensive damage following a train accident September 29.  Due to the ongoing National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation, debris removal and safety concerns, the entire Hoboken Terminal was placed out of service.

Beginning with the first train Monday morning, NJ TRANSIT will reopen Tracks 10-17 for rail service. Tracks 1-9 will remain out of service until further notice as repair work in that section of the terminal continues.

When the partial reopening occurs, Main/Bergen County, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis Line trains will return to a weekday schedule, with some adjustments, to and from Hoboken.  Select express trains will be eliminated and certain other trains will be combined. Customers are urged to go to njtransit.com for more specific information after 10 p.m. tonight.

On the Montclair-Boonton Line, trains originating west of Montclair State University (MSU), including from Denville will operate into Hoboken, with additional stops east of MSU.

Most Gladstone Branch trains to Hoboken will be restored.

North Jersey Coast Line and Raritan Valley Line trains scheduled to terminate in Hoboken will continue to terminate at Newark Penn Station.

Because rail service will be modified in and out of the terminal, other NJ TRANSIT bus, rail and light rail services may experience crowding conditions and delays.

As repair work continues at the terminal, customers are advised to stay clear of all work areas.

The Hoboken Terminal waiting room, Customer Service office and restrooms will be open.  In addition, there will be limited Ticket Vending Machines located in the waiting room.  Customers are urged to download the NJ TRANSIT App and sign up for MyTix to purchase their tickets.

NJ TRANSIT bus, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, PATH and NY Waterway also continue to operate in and out of Hoboken on their regular routes and schedules.

NJ TRANSIT would like to thank its customers for their continued patience and support.