Tag: Ridgewood Train Station

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Flo’s Market at Ridgewood Train Station Sells Winning Jersey Cash 5 Ticket

pick 5 ridgewood

Jersey Cash 5 Ticket Wins $184,570 Jackpot in Bergen County

By staff
Monday, Mar 07, 2016

One Bergen County ticket matched all five numbers for the Jersey Cash 5 game drawn on Friday, March 4 winning the $184,570 jackpot. The ticket was purchased at Flo’s Market at Ridgewood Train Station, 6 Garber Square, Ridgewood in Bergen County.

Executive Director Carole Hedinger said the top prizewinning ticket was the only one sold for Friday’s drawing that matched all five numbers drawn. The winning numbers were: 25, 27, 30, 40 and 42.

https://bergendispatch.com/articles/37755771/Jersey-Cash-5-Ticket-Wins-184-570-Jackpot-in-Bergen-County.aspx

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Union leader says they are closer to reaching agreement with NJ Transit

Ridgewood_Train_Statin_theridgewoodblog

BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

In negotiations Friday, NJ Transit and its rail unions came closer to reaching an agreement in their contract dispute than they have in the last five years, said union leader Steve Burkert. But the two sides still did not settle on a package of pay and health benefits for the agency’s 4,200 rail workers.

The two sides met for negotiations at the National Mediation Board in Washington, D.C. It was the latest round of sometimes-contentious talks that have stretched on for five years. Talks will continue in Newark on Monday, Burkert said.

“We’re getting closer,” said Burkert, general chairman of the United Transportation Union Local 60 and a spokesman for the coalition of 11 unions involved in the talks. “We both gave a little bit on everything. It was a civil and productive meeting.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/union-leader-says-they-are-closer-to-reaching-agreement-with-nj-transit-1.1522891

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Ridgewood Commuters: NJT Prepares for Strike and System Wide Rail Shutdown

Ridgewood-bus_terminal_theridgewoodblog

March 4th 2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewoood NJ, NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations faces the prospect of a systemwide shutdown should the membership of its rail union opt to participate in a work stoppage. This would result in the complete suspension of NJ TRANSIT rail service, affecting more than 160,000 customers who ride the system on a typical weekday. In the event of such a stoppage,
NJ TRANSIT has developed a contingency plan that would accommodate up to about 38 percent, or about 40,000 seats, of the existing New York-bound customer base.

Regional Park-Ride Service
Park-ride service will operate on a first come, first served basis from five key regional park-ride lots, weekdays only, during four-hour AM inbound (6 a.m. to 10 a.m.) and four-hour PM outbound (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.) peak periods.

  • MetLife Stadium to Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York
  • PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel to New York City (Academy Bus)
  • Hamilton Rail Station to Newark Penn Station for PATH service
  • Metropark Rail Station to Harrison PATH Station
  • Ramsey/Route 17 Rail Station to Lincoln Harbor Ferry, Weehawken

No midday, evening, weekend or reverse commute service will operate on these park-ride routes.

Park-ride locations were selected based on their size/parking capacity, access to regional highways, and geographical distribution. Access to area PATH stations and ferry service also was analyzed to minimize congestion at Hudson River crossings.

Enhanced NJ TRANSIT New York Bus Service
NJ TRANSIT will enhance peak period service on 29 existing New York bus routes in close proximity to rail stations. The routes are:

  • Northeast Corridor: 108, 112, 115 and 129 bus routes
  • North Jersey Coast Line: 116 and 133/135 bus routes
  • Raritan Valley Line: 113 and 114X bus routes
  • Morris & Essex Lines: 107X and 114X bus routes
  • Montclair-Boonton Lines: 191X and 324 bus routes
  • Main/Bergen County Lines: 145, 160L, 160T, 160P, 163P, 164SX, 190P/D, 190R, 190X and 192X bus routes
  • Pascack Valley Line: 151, 162, 163L, 165P, 165R and 165T bus routes

In addition, to accommodate Atlantic City Rail Line customers, NJ TRANSIT will enhance service on the 554 bus route, which operates between Atlantic City and Lindenwold. At Lindenwold, customers can connect with PATCO service to Philadelphia. PATCO will cross honor Atlantic City Rail Line tickets and passes to/from Philadelphia (8th & Market St. Station).

To lessen traffic congestion and delays at the Lincoln Tunnel and to take advantage of the proximity to connecting PATH and ferry service, NJ TRANSIT will make the following service adjustments in the event of a rail stoppage:

    • The 156R, 158 and 159R bus routes serving the River Road corridor will terminate at the Port Imperial Ferry Terminal in Weehawken on weekdays, enabling cross honoring with connecting NY Waterway ferry service. Weekend service will operate on its regular route to/from New York.
    • The 126 bus route in Hoboken will operate on a reverse routing on weekday mornings, beginning at Willow Avenue and 19th Street and operating south to Hoboken Terminal for cross honoring with PATH and ferry service. In the evening, the 126 bus route will operate from Hoboken Terminal back to Willow Avenue and 19th Street. Weekend service will operate on its regular route to/from New York.

 

Ticketing

  • All existing valid rail tickets and passes with an origin or destination of New York will be accepted for travel on all park-ride service, and will be cross-honored on NJ TRANSIT buses and light rail lines, private bus carriers, PATH, NY Waterway and Seastreak.
  • Customers who do not already have a ticket or pass may purchase round-trip tickets to/from New York during morning hours on site from the park-ride locations. Round-trip tickets for regional park-ride service also will be available via MyTix, a mobile ticketing feature on NJ TRANSIT’s mobile app.
  • Fares from regional park-rides are based on the existing fares from those locations. Adult, senior/disabled, and child fares will be available as follows:

 

ORIGIN DESTINATION ADULT
ROUND TRIP FARE		 SENIOR/DISABLED
ROUND TRIP FARE		 CHILD
ROUND TRIP FARE
MetLife Stadium Port Authority
Bus Terminal		 $11.00 $4.90 $4.90
Ramsey/
Route 17		 Lincoln Harbor
Ferry Terminal		 $24.50 $11.40 $11.40
Metropark Harrison
PATH Station		 $21.50 $9.80 $9.80
Hamilton Newark Penn Station
for PATH connection		 $32.50 $14.70 $14.70
PNC Bank Arts Center New York $36.00 $18.00 $18.00

 

Cross-Honoring
NJ TRANSIT rail tickets and passes will be cross-honored on all NJ TRANSIT bus and light rail lines as well as on private bus carriers and PATH trains. Passes also will be cross-honored on all NY Waterway service, including Weehawken, Hoboken and North Hoboken, as well as on Seastreak service into Manhattan and PATCO service at Lindenwold Station to/from Philadelphia (8th & Market St. Station).

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Resident Dana Glazer , the real agenda here is to make Ridgewood into another “Transit Village”

village council meeting

Dana H. Glazer speech from the Wednesday Night Council Meeting

I am here to express my strong belief that the real agenda here is to make Ridgewood into another “Transit Village” like

Hackensack, in which a giant garage is built to primarily serve commuters from out of town; in which the master plan is radically amended to allow for high density housing which will create a large influx of new families into the CBD – thus straining our resources and permanently altering the face of our town.

I believe this is still the case, because on February 23rd the Executive of the County said in his State of the County address “I’m sure you’ve all read our partnership with Ridgewood. They’re looking to partner with the BCIA to fund their parking garage and partner with them.” He went on to describe this proposed garage as “a commuter garage to be used by commuters all day long..”

Now, on February 21st, two days before the State of the County, Mayor Aronsohn wrote to residents an email saying “in the spirit of getting this project done –once and for all – and in the spirit of doing it together as a community, I am willing to re-introduce the January bond ordinance at our March 2 Council meeting. “

If there’s no intention of making Ridgewood into a Transit Village, why was the County Executive announcing this Ridgewood partnership in his big speech two days later? Shouldn’t someone have told him not to include it? It makes no sense.

The only way it makes sense is if making Ridgewood into a Transit Village is still the only plan. Why else wouldn’t our Village Council immediately repeal the County Bond before funding the garage through the town? 1500 residents petitioned loudly against this, in an initiative Ridgewood has not seen in years – if ever, right? Our Council Majority would never let this happen because it would jeopardize the real plan– Ridgewood as a Transit Village.

That is why the “Plan E” garage proposal that Lorraine Reynolds and Gail McCarthy have so passionately worked behind the scenes to put together, having spoken with hundreds of residents, shopkeepers and Mt. Carmel – what is being called the “People’s Garage” – I believe is going to be sabotaged – or ignored completely.

I believe this “People’s Garage” will never see the light of day because the shenanigans will continue, whether they relate to the site plan, the financials, the traffic studies or anything else deemed necessary to do this right; and then on March 23rd, if Councilwoman Knudsen and Councilman Sedon stand up and say “No” the Council Majority or even just table the issue, the Council Majority will turn this against them, loudly proclaiming, “See, they are anti-garage. Now, let’s vote for people who are pro-garage and let’s vote to go to the County because there’s no other way to do this in Ridgewood.”

But here’s the thing:  this upcoming election will not be about a garage. It will be about who votes in favor of the upcoming High Density Housing vote later this month. It will ultimately be about who trashed our town and made it into a Transit Village like Hackensack. That’s what’s at stake here.

So, Councilman Sedon and Councilwoman Knudsen, I am encouraging you to listen to the 1500 people who petitioned loudly that WE DON’T WANT A COUNTY GARAGE. I trust you will do anything and everything to keep this from happening.

Thank you.

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NJ Transit, unions to meet in D.C. in attempt to avert strike

bike_at_rtrainstation_theridgewoodblog

BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

After five years of occasionally hostile negotiations, NJ Transit and its rail unions will meet on March 4 at the National Mediation Board in Washington, D.C., both sides confirmed Friday. The gathering is one last attempt to avert a strike that could cripple transportation across the region’s.

“The National Mediation Board called a meeting, and NJT will attend,” said Nancy Snyder, a spokeswoman for NJ Transit.

The sides remain far apart. From the unions’ perspective, NJ Transit’s offer of a modest wage increase would be wiped out by significantly higher health insurance costs for workers.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-transit-unions-to-meet-in-d-c-in-attempt-to-avert-strike-1.1518869

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NJ TRANSIT Commuters Gearing Up For Potential Strike

lasttraintoclarksville_theridgewoodblog

February 22, 2016 8:52 PM

RAMSEY, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) — NJ TRANSIT commuters are preparing for the worst if a strike happens next month.

Commuters tell 1010 WINS’ Glenn Schuck that nerves about a possible walkout are starting to set in.

“Just like anything else, you just have to get to the table and hash it out, working around the clock and avoid those last-minute negotiations that keep everybody biting their fingernails to the morning of,” one person told 1010 WINS.

Another commuter was concerned about the bus capacity.

“The bus doesn’t run as efficiently,” he said. “It could get crowded and it definitely could affect people.”

At NJ TRANSIT’s board meeting earlier this month, the head of the union that represents conductors said more than a dozen unions affected by the contract negotiations have authorized a strike if necessary.

https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/02/22/commuters-nj-transit-strike/

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NJ Transit boss blasts federal strike settlement proposal

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By Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on February 20, 2016 at 8:40 AM, updated February 20, 2016 at 11:17 AM

NJ Transit’s interim boss sharply criticized a federal labor panels recommendations to settle a contract with union rail workers, calling the proposal for “platinum level” health benefits “unreasonable and excessive.”

In a reply to nine members of Congress, who wrote him on Feb. 17, urging a settlement to avoid a possible strike, Dennis Martin, interim executive director reiterated that the agency and riders can’t afford the cost of a settlement endorsed by a second Presidential Emergency Board.

A federal cooling off period ends on March 13 and union rail workers can strike or management can lock them out. The unions have been working without a new contract since 2011. Talks were held as recently as Wednesday and a tentative negotiation session is scheduled for next week.

In it’s letter, members of the delegation said “NJ Transit should seriously consider the Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) 249 proposal, authored by a neutral panel of independent arbitrators, as a path forward.” They also suggested the agency could use federal funds to pay for a settlement.

Martin, in his reply letter, dated Friday, told the lawmakers NJ Transit can’t tap into money from the recently authorized federal transportation funding legislation to pay for a settlement, as the lawmakers suggested.

That money is available for capital construction projects, not for regular operating expenses “such as the exorbitant wages and benefits recommended by the PEB,” Martin wrote. “Addressing the underlying unreasonableness of the excessive level and cost of the platinum level health benefits recommended by the PEB is what is required.”

https://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2016/02/nj_transit_boss_blasts_federal_strike_settlement_p.html

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N.J. won’t get federal funds to improve safety on rail lines carrying oil tankers

Tanker Train

BY SCOTT FALLON
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

Despite the millions of gallons of volatile crude being transported through the state by train, New Jersey will receive none of the $10 million awarded by the federal government Thursday to improve safety conditions on rail lines carrying the oil.

million awarded by the federal government Thursday to improve safety conditions on rail lines carrying the oil.

The Christie administration was among 34 applicants seeking a portion of the funds set aside by the Federal Railroad Administration to upgrade rail crossings along lines that have experienced an exponential increase in crude shipments. The oil, from the recent oil boom in North Dakota’s Bakken rock formation, has been involved in several fiery derailments, including one in Canada that killed 43 people three years ago.

Steve Schapiro, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said agency officials were disappointed in not receiving any funds but understands the process was competitive.

Related:  Oil train bridges targeted in study; group says span over Passaic River decaying

Bergenfield Mayor Norman Schmelz was less diplomatic, saying the funding was inadequate to begin with. An estimated 15 to 30 trains, each carrying as much as 3 million gallons of crude, pass through his town each week. Like many communities in New Jersey, Bergenfield has homes, businesses, schools and government buildings within feet of the rail line.

“Ten million dollars probably wouldn’t be enough for Bergen County let alone the whole United States,” said Schmelz, whose emergency managers are preparing a response plan in case of a derailment. “I can’t believe there would be places in the country that are in more of a dire situation than here.”

Grants were awarded Thursday to transportation departments in Washington state, California, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Arkansas and Louisiana.

Federal Railroad Administration officials said they received requests totaling $50.8 million, more than five times the money available. “In short, there is more need than funding available and a lot of strong applications,” said Marc Willis, an agency spokesman. Neither state nor federal officials provided details Thursday about New Jersey’s application.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/n-j-won-t-get-federal-funds-to-improve-safety-on-rail-lines-carrying-oil-tankers-1.1514369

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The fact is Ridgewood was designated by NJT as a major transit hub several years ago

ridgewood bus station

“The fact is Ridgewood was designated by NJT as a major transit hub several years ago and to a large extent that is why so many residents who work on Wall St have chosen to live here. Ridgewood has the reputation as the town that “has it all” great schools, charming neighborhoods, a lively downtown……and an easy commute to the city. When one gets past all the current rhetoric the three amigos are simply executing a plan and a vision for Ridgewood that was put in place long before they arrived on the scene.” Ed S

From
https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/community/village/faq.shtm

Transit Village Initiative Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a designated Transit Village?
A. A designated Transit Village is a municipality that has been recommended for designation by the interagency Transit Village Task Force. These municipalities have demonstrated a commitment to revitalizing and redeveloping the area around their transit facilities into compact, mixed-use neighborhoods with a strong residential component.

A municipality can be designated a Transit Village only after much of the planning and background work has already been done on the municipal level. It may only be designated a Transit Village after the Transit Village Criteria have been met.

Q. How many designated Transit Villages are there?
A. There are currently 30 designated Transit Villages. They are Pleasantville (1999), Morristown (1999), Rutherford (1999), South Amboy (1999), South Orange (1999), Riverside (2001), Rahway (2002), Metuchen (2003), Belmar (2003), Bloomfield (2003), Bound Brook (2003), Collingswood (2003), Cranford (2003), Matawan (2003), New Brunswick (2005), Journal Square/Jersey City (2005), Netcong (2005), Elizabeth/Midtown (2007), Burlington City (2007), City of Orange Township (2009), Montclair (2010), Somerville (2010), Linden (2010), West Windsor (2012), East Orange (2012), Dunellen (2012), Summit (2013), Plainfield (2014), Borough of Park Ridge (2015) and Irvington Township (2015).

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Hackensack named an official transit village by N.J. transportation department

Ridgewood -bus-station-theridgewoodblog

ridgewood bus station

BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

After two years of work, Hackensack has finally been named an official transit village by the New Jersey transportation department, the city announced Wednesday. The designation will make it easier for the city’s government to apply for grants and to receive technical assistance from the state on redevelopment projects, said deputy mayor Kathleen Canestrino.

“We’re just thrilled to have this,” Canestrino said. “It verifies that the state is committed to our city’s vision for redevelopment.”

That vision is focused on the downtown bus terminal on River Street. The city has rewritten its zoning laws to allow taller, mixed-use commercial and residential buildings to be constructed within a half-mile of the terminal, Canestrino said, including much of Main Street. Developers have proposed or started construction on eight different projects within that zone, which city leaders hope will transform Hackensack’s long-suffering downtown into a hub for professionals commuting into New York City.

“We really had a failing Main Street that was totally underutilized,” said Canestrino. “The city took it upon itself to say okay, let’ really focus our redevelopment activities on that area.”

Two years sounds like a long time to invest in gaining transit village certification, but officials at the transportation department warned Hackensack’s leaders at the outset that the process would not be quick, Canestrino said. It included multiple visits to Hackensack by state bureaucrats, who looked to see that the area’s rezoning was done in accordance with state rules that encourage new residents to use mass transit, and that construction projects already were underway.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/hackensack-named-an-official-transit-village-by-n-j-transportation-department-1.1513275

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Looming NJ Transit rail strike could cause commuter chaos

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By David Matthau February 14, 2016 10:01 PM

New Jersey Transit and 11 rail unions head back to the bargaining table this week, trying to avert a strike that could start the second weekend in March.

A NJ Transit conductor waits for passengers to board the NJ Transit train from New York Penn Station to Trenton, NJ on May 13, 2015 in New York City.

If rail workers do walk out, New Jersey commuters could face a nightmare scenario, according to Tracy Noble, the manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

“If you think your commute right now is bad, once those people that typically take transit are additional drivers on our roadways, the commute time is going to have catastrophic results. You could be looking at a commute that takes upwards of two to three hours when it only typically took you a 45 minute short train ride, bus ride,” she said. “The impact of people not being able to use transit to get to their place of business is going to be detrimental to our infrastructure.”

NJ State Senate President Steve Sweeney admits he’s extremely concerned about the situation.

“We want more people to take mass transportation, not less,” he said. “We’re very concerned about that and I know there’s been 2 federal panels commissioned at this point, but no solution yet.”

He also said out a transit strike will only sour even more Jersey commuters on NJ Transit, and many are unhappy with the agency already.

“The 9 percent rate hike didn’t help, the 9 percent rate hike actually hurt, and the more expensive you make mass transportation the less attractive it is for people to take it,” he said.

Noble said this is a serious situation and commuters should begin preparing for service disruptions in case a strike occurs

Read More: Looming NJ Transit rail strike could cause commuter chaos | https://nj1015.com/looming-nj-transit-rail-strike-could-cause-commuter-chaos/?trackback=tsmclip

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The Plan Village Taxpayers will be responsible to pay 100% of the debt service and Bergen County Finally Gets There Commuter Parking Garage

BCIA

photo by Boyd Loving

Fedruary 6,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the purpose of the garage from the very beginning seems to have been to build a commuter garage for NJT and Bergen County in Ridgewood ,moving to make the Village a transit hub

The Village of Ridgewood (the “Village”) is undertaking the construction of an $11.7M parking deck on Hudson Street (the “Project”). There are two ways the Village can finance this Project over a 25 year period. First, the Village can issue its own General Obligation Bonds (the “Village Bonds”). Second, the Village can finance the project through the Bergen County Improvement Authority (the “BCIA”), which would issue County of Bergen Guaranteed Lease Revenue Bonds (the “BCIA Bonds”). In either event, the Village will be responsible to pay 100% of the debt service on whichever bonds are issued. (https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/hudson/20160129BCIAFin.pdf )

the choice :

Transaction Costs: The model includes up-front fixed costs of issuance of $162,500 for the BCIA Bonds vs. $92,500 for the Village Bonds. These costs include typical municipal bond transaction fees such as bond counsel, financial advisor, auditor, credit rating agency, printing, etc. In addition, the analysis assumes the underwriter’s discount would be essentially the same under either scenario. The BCIA Bonds also include the upfront authority financing fee of 12.5 basis points (“bps”) of total par amount of BCIA Bonds, the annual authority administration fee of 5 bps based on the annual outstanding par amount of the BCIA Bonds and an annual trustee fee of $1,000. (https://mods.ridgewoodnj.net/pdf/manager/hudson/20160129BCIAFin.pdf )

as per usually the most expensive for Village Taxpayers is the best choice  .

Going to the BCIA , once the money is approved, it tends to appear almost instantaneously, accruing interest long before the project can even get started. That is a significant reason to reconsider this plan or ploy and an excellent reason, if it does happen, not to ask for a cent more than is needed. But losing control over the way commuter spaces are priced is a huge problem and there are undoubtedly more.
There will be approximately 320 car garage. 4 levels. The mayor said in the last meeting that 2 levels may be dedicated to commuters. That’s about 160 cars for commuters. We currently already have one level, which is mostly used by Ridgewood commuters. Lets say the second level is used by Bergen County commuters at no extra money compared to Ridgewood commuters. So, 2 levels are either used by out of Ridgewood commuters or commuters who are already using this lot today without the garage.

With remaining 2 levels, we will get 160 new spot, presumably for non commuters. Cost – 12.3 million in new bond, 500K bond has been already spent + 450k already spent on environmental studies in 2014 & 2015 on this lot. = 13.25M.

That’s 82,800 for every new parking spot created for CBD. This assumes that the project will not go over the budget. With the way this council and village manager are spending the money, this is highly unlikely to stay in the budget.

 

 

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NJ Transit, unions preparing for possible March strike that would shut down train service

lasttraintoclarksville_theridgewoodblog

FEBRUARY 5, 2016, 7:00 PM    LAST UPDATED: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016, 12:34 AM
BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD

Both NJ Transit and its unions are preparing for a train shutdown on March 13 that would cripple the region’s transportation network, the sides confirmed on Friday. Threat of a strike by the unions or a lockout by NJ Transit is the latest escalation in a five-year dispute that leaves the two sides far apart on workers’ pay and health insurance benefits.

“Prepare yourself economically,” the New Jersey Transit Rail Coalition told its 4,200 members in a newsletter issued Friday. “At 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, every union on New Jersey Transit will strike if no agreement is reached.”

“NJ Transit is actively involved in developing a robust alternative service plan in the event the unions call a strike,” said Dennis Martin, NJ Transit’s interim executive director. “We are working with our regional partners, including NJDOT, to provide as much service as possible to our customers.”

A shutdown would make it incredibly difficult for people in New Jersey and New York City to travel and get to work, said David Peter Alan, chairman of the Lackawanna Coalition, a transit advocacy group.

“I think it’s very likely” that a strike will happen, Alan said. “It would be a disaster.”

https://www.northjersey.com/news/nj-transit-unions-preparing-for-possible-march-strike-that-would-shut-down-train-service-1.1507091

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NJ TRANSIT RESUMING SERVICE

NJTransitLogo
January 24,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ,  As weather conditions and cleanup efforts permit, NJ TRANSIT will begin restoring transit services at 11 a.m.  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.

NJ TRANSIT will begin restoring service as follows with a gradual buildup of service during the day.

·         Bus

o   Customers can expect service delays and detours due to local road conditions.  As such, customers should afford themselves ample time to reach their final destinations.
 

Click Here for North Jersey bus service information by route. (Click Here will link to pdf with route numbers and service)

Light Rail

Newark Light Rail – will resume service at 11:00 AM and operate on a modified Sunday schedule with trains running on a normal Sunday frequency.  Trains will run between Grove Street and Newark Penn Station and between Broad Street and Newark Penn Station.
River LINE – will resume service at 11:00 AM and operate a regular Sunday schedule from Trenton ending at 36th Street in Camden.  No service to Walter Rand Transportation Center and points south
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail – will resume service at 11:00 AM and operate a normal weekend schedule.

Commuter Rail

Morris & Essex Line – will begin operating a regular weekend schedule starting with the 12:05 p.m. out of Dover and the 12:12 p.m. out of Hoboken.  NOTE: Midtown Direct trains will run into Manhattan following the regular weekend schedule.
Main/Bergen Line – will begin operating a regular weekend schedule starting with the 12:19 p.m. out of Hoboken bound for Waldwick and the 12:25 p.m. out of Hoboken bound for Suffern.  Trains will depart Suffern at 1:06 p.m. and Waldwick at 1:27 p.m. heading for Hoboken.
Montclair Boonton Line – will begin operating a regular weekend schedule starting with the 12:10 p.m. out of Hoboken to Bay Street and the 1;00 p.m. departure from Bay Street to Hoboken.
Pascack Valley Line – will begin operating a regular weekend schedule starting with the 1:58 p.m. departure from Spring Valley to Hoboken.
Northeast Corridor – Poised to resume service from Trenton pending Amtrak approval to operate from Morrisville
North Jersey Coast Line – Poised to resume service upon Amtrak’s clearing of the switches at Union interlocking
Raritan Valley Line – Poised to resume service upon the clearing of switches at Aldene (Conrail) and Hunter (Amtrak) interlockings
Atlantic City Rail Line – Poised to resume service upon Amtrak’s repair of Shore interlocking
Southern Tier Service – Poised to resume Southern Tier service pending completion of Metro North’s inspections

·         Access Link:

o   Service remains suspended today. Reservations for trips on Access Link can be made later today (stay tuned for specific time).

System-wide Cross-Honoring Remains in Effect:

To give customers additional travel options, NJ TRANSIT will continue to offer full system wide cross-honoring through Sunday, January 24, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode–rail, light rail or bus.  Additionally, NJ TRANSIT bus, rail, light rail and bus passes will be cross-honored on private carrier buses.

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NJ TRANSIT Announces Full, Systemwide Cross-Honoring due to Snow Storm – Effective Through Monday, January 25, 2016

ridgewood train station
January 22,2016

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, With the latest winter storm moving toward the region, NJ TRANSIT operations, customer service and police personnel are taking steps to minimize delays, and ensure service reliability and safety due to the approaching winter storm.  All customers are strongly advised to check njtransit.com before traveling for up-to-the-minute service information before starting their trip.

Customers who would like to contact NJ TRANSIT can click on “Contact Us” on the homepage.

Customers are strongly urged to exercise extreme caution traveling in and around all transit facilities and when boarding or alighting buses and trains due to the expected icy conditions.

Systemwide Cross-Honoring in Effect on January 23 and January 24:

To give customers additional travel options during the expected winter weather conditions, NJ TRANSIT will offer full system-wide cross-honoring beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, January 23, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode—rail, light rail or bus—including private bus carriers.

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.  Customers using their tickets or passes to travel to a destination other than the destination printed on their original ticket will be subject to the appropriate additional fare if applicable.

NJ TRANSIT will also continue to closely monitor the crowds at New York Penn Station, Hoboken Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal and make adjustments to service as necessary.

The corporation is preparing to minimize disruptions and delays to the extent possible.  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.

Customers are advised of the following:

Systemwide:  NJ TRANSIT plans to operate a regular weekend schedule on Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24.    Depending on the impact of the storm, it may be necessary for NJ TRANSIT to modify service as conditions change.

Bus Service:  While every effort will be made to continue operating bus service throughout the state, customers may experience delays or detours on their routes in the event of extreme winter weather conditions.  Customers are advised to plan accordingly and anticipate disruptions to bus service.

Access Link Service: This service will be suspended for Saturday, January 23, and will have a delayed start time of noon on Sunday, January 24.

Travel Advice:

For the latest travel information, visit njtransit.com or access our Twitter feed at @NJTRANSIT prior to starting your trip.  In the event of delays or service adjustments, NJ TRANSIT will provide the most current service information via the My Transit alert system, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone, PDA or pager.  (If you are not yet a My Transit subscriber, we encourage you to sign up at www.njtransit.com/mytransit)  Service information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.

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

Build additional travel time into your trip to a station, terminal or bus stop.

Stairs, flooring and platforms can be slippery, so please use caution when walking along wet surfaces or any outdoor surface exposed to the weather. Use extra care when boarding or exiting buses and trains.

Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or NJ TRANSIT staff.

If you park, ensure your car is stocked with a snow brush and ice scraper so you can clear your car upon returning to the lot.

NJ TRANSIT is prepared to handle the impending winter weather:

Snow plows and salt spreaders are ready for service and snow-removal contracts are in place with outside vendors.

NJ TRANSIT is well-stocked with 20,000 bags of snow-melting supplies, and hundreds of shovels and snow blowers.

NJ TRANSIT has performed maintenance and testing on its two rail-mounted jet snow blowers in the event they are needed to help clear train tracks of snow and ice, particularly in rail yards.

More than 750 rail switches, switch heaters and overhead wires have already been inspected as part of NJ TRANSIT’s preventative maintenance program.

Onboard heating systems, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components have been inspected on NJ TRANSIT railcars, light rail cars and locomotives.

Bus maintenance personnel have inspected and performed necessary maintenance on a fleet of nearly 2,200 buses – from the heating and airbrake systems, to the engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers and doors.