The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT and American Express invite community organizations to adopt their local station and make it a neighborhood showcase by planting flowers, doing light landscaping and maintenance, or just cleaning up. Community organizations across New Jersey are adopting stations and keeping them beautiful because they recognize how vital and central they are to their community!
Equipment, Supplies and Personnel are Ready for Mother Nature
December 10,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, “We can’t predict what kind of winter season we will have, but I can say with confidence that NJ TRANSIT will be as ready as we can be” said Executive Director Steven H. Santoro. “The safety of our customers and employees is always the top priority as we work to keep our transportation system moving during the winter weather season.”NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT is prepared to do battle with Old Man Winter this season. Snow fighting supplies and equipment across the state are stocked and ready to be deployed as conditions warrant. NJ TRANSIT is busy inspecting and winterizing its infrastructure, equipment and stations to be in the best possible position to handle winter’s potential fury.
Executive Director Santoro outlined the following steps NJ TRANSIT has taken in advance of possible inclement weather:
NJ TRANSIT Preparations for Winter Weather
Rail Operations
• Hundreds of rail cars and locomotives have been “winterized,” a process that includes checking onboard heating systems, ventilation, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components, as well as changing locomotive filters and fuel from a summer blend to a winter blend.
• NJ TRANSIT’s preventative maintenance program also includes the inspection and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and switch heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 moveable bridges and wayside power at storage yards and terminals.
• Two jet-engine-powered snow blowers are available to remove ice and snow from tracks and critical switching areas. In addition, all locomotives are equipped with snowplows to clear snow from the rails.
• NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations has 20,000 pounds of salt on hand with the ability to obtain an additional 100,000 pounds, if needed.
• In addition, our year-round tree trimming program proactively minimizes downed trees or limbs along the right-of-way and on our overhead electrical system, personnel are on standby to quickly respond to reports of trees or limbs that could damage overhead wires or prevent safe passage of trains. Our year-round tree trimming program is part of our preventative maintenance program.
Bus Operations
• Bus maintenance personnel have checked the heating systems, engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers, doors and airbrake systems on NJ TRANSIT’s 2,200 buses.
• Bus snow-fighting equipment has been readied and ice/snow-inhibiting supplies have been restocked for winter to keep 52 bus loops, terminals and lots cleared throughout the state.
• NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations has 900 tons of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its 16 garages stocked with bag salt.
• Vendor contracts have been finalized to perform plowing of larger park/ride facilities.
Light Rail Operations
• Snowplows are ready to clear station platforms and park/ride lots.
• All switch heaters have been tested.
Stations and Terminals
• All rail stations equipped with heaters have been inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order.
• All public address systems at rail stations and bus terminals have been inspected.
Travel Advice:
• Before starting your trip, visit the Travel Alerts page at njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information. This information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
• Customers are encouraged to sign up for the My Transit alert system on njtransit.com, which delivers travel advisories for your specific trip to your cell phone.
• Allow extra time getting to and from your destination. Use extreme caution when walking on exposed sidewalks or station platforms and when boarding trains and buses.
• Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or
NJ TRANSIT staff.
• Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
file photo by ArtChick
Main/Bergen County/Pascack Valley/Port Jervis Lines Remain on Weekend Schedule
October 3,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, NJT has announced service plans for tomorrow, Monday October 3rd, and until further notice, following the commuter train accident at Hoboken Terminal. All rail service into and out of Hoboken Terminal remains suspended. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service has been restored into and out of Hoboken and will continue to operate on a full weekday schedule.
Cross honoring with PATH, ferries, NJ TRANSIT bus and private carriers will continue until further notice.
Rail
Customers may experience overcrowding and possible delays caused by congestion.
Metro North Service for Pascack Valley Line and Port Jervis Customers
Bus
Light Rail
March 30,2016
Ridgewood NJ , a Pro-ISIS Group Hacked the NJ Transit Police website and published personal Information on New Jersey Transit officers.The group known as the Caliphate Cyber Army first released the personal details of 55 officers in early March.
The group known as the Caliphate Cyber Army (CCA) first released the personal details of 55 officers in early March after hacking into the NJ Transit police website,Newsweek reported. The newsmagazine saw the list of personal details, which included home addresses, phone numbers, names and ranks.
Information was released on a pro-ISIS Twitter account published and a list of New Jersey Transit officers’ names and personal information, encouraging supporters to carry out “lone wolf” attacks on them, according to sources and published reports.
The Twitter account that linked out to the list has since been suspended, but another tweet referencing the list was sent Monday, was reported on NBC 4 New York but It’s not clear who sent the tweet.
The original file was uploaded to an Arabic-language file sharing site on March 2 and was downloaded 300 times by March 5, the Daily Mail reports.
In a statement, NJ Transit spokeswoman Lisa Torbic said the agency’s information system was not compromised, “however some information was breached from an outside vendor.”, she went on the New Jersey Transit Police Department is working with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI on this matter,”
By Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
on February 03, 2016 at 7:41 AM, updated February 04, 2016 at 12:25 PM
NJ Transit insiders say there is a 75 to 85 percent likelihood that a coalition of 17 rail unions, which have been working without a contract for five years, will call a “soft strike” over the weekend of March 12.
The strike could likely last through the Monday morning commute on March 14, when workers say they expect to be ordered back to work by the Obama administration. The last strike in March 1983 lasted for 34 days.
“They’ll soften the blow … Let the media know, let commuters know, let everyone get home on Friday night,” one NJ Transit insider said.
NJ Transit and the rail unions met Wednesday as a March strike deadline approaches. NJ Transit spokeswoman Nancy Snyder said those negotiation were substantive. She declined to answer a question about when the next negation session would be held.
Take Notice: Removal of Change Machine at the Train Station
NOTICE : Effective September 21, 2015, this change machine will no longer be in operation. If coins are needed, please make other arrangements or use Park Mobile.
Following a presentation by an Amtrak representative Monday morning, state Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D-29) asked about how a proposed Gateway Program designed to relieve outdated infrastructure would alter or enhance Newark Penn Station. (Max Pizarro, Politickernj.com) https://politickernj.com/2015/
July 24,2015
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Summer heat and Amtrak power problems are once again causing delays for Amtrak and NJ Transit riders.NLT was reporting 30 min delays on trains in/out of Penn Station .
NJT ticket customers at NWK: can use the center platform fare gates for cross honoring with NJ PATH Trains.
NJT: Trains into/out of Penn Station New York are subject to delays up to 30 minutes due to Amtrak overhead power problems. NJT rail passes/tickets will be cross-honored with NJT and private carrier buses, PATH at 33rd, Hoboken, Newark and NY Waterway in South Ferry at Hoboken Terminal.
Amtrak claims it’s experiencing overhead wire problems in New York City.. Commuters were justifiable frustrated and took to the twitterverse “This is the third (or is it fourth?) time this week”: ,” if there are any lawyers out there, I’d be in for a class action law suit against NJT and Amtrak. We we are done with this.” , ” I’m tired of “Amtrak overhead wire problems”. Keep me interested…crew manipulation, ice patrol, something.”
Ridgewood NJ, For the second day in the row New Jersey Transit Trains have experienced 30 minutes to 1 hour delays on the north east corridor trains heading in and out of Penn Station New York . NJT put the blame for the delays on Amtrak over head wiring reporting , “Trains in/out of New York are subject to up 30 minute delays due to earlier Amtrak overhead wire problems “.
The board also adopted a fare and service plan which includes an average 9% increase in fares
NJ TRANSIT ADOPTS FISCAL YEAR 2016 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGETS
NEWARK, NJ — The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today adopted a Fiscal Year 2016 (FY 2016) operating budget and capital program that supports continued investments in infrastructure and equipment to maintain the system in a state of good repair and enhance the overall customer experience.
The board also adopted a fare and service plan which includes an average 9% increase in fares, with no customer paying more than 9.4% after rounding, and modest changes for rail and bus service.
“NJ TRANSIT is moving forward with a balanced budget that reflects a laser-like look at individual business lines in order to maximize efficiencies and maintain a safe transportation system,” NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim, said. “As transit professionals, we owed our customers and stakeholders a good-faith effort to present them a solid plan that had the least impact on our riders. After much hard work, I am confident we delivered on that.”
The Board adopted a $2.116 billion operating budget and a $2.099 billion capital program for the fiscal year that started July 1, 2015.
Nearly half of the revenue in the FY 2016 operating budget comes from fares ($1.005 billion), supported by a comparable amount from state and federal program reimbursements ($961.8 million) with the balance from a combination of commercial revenues ($115.2 million) and state operating assistance ($33.2 million).
The capital program funds continued state-of-good-repair investments in transit stations and infrastructure supports an ongoing fleet modernization program and advances service reliability, safety and technology initiatives.
Operating Budget
The FY 2016 operating budget reflects an increase of state funding along with a stable level of federal and other reimbursements, which will enable NJ TRANSIT to meet the agency’s projected expenses this fiscal year. Approximately 59 percent of the operating budget is dedicated to labor and fringe benefits costs. Other significant expenses include contracted transportation services, fuel and power and materials, which together comprise approximately 27 percent of the operating budget.
This year’s operating budget reflects a $76.7 million (8.3 percent) growth in passenger revenue, based on the fare adjustment and ridership trends. Overall passenger revenue and commercial revenue represents approximately 53 percent of the total FY 2016 operating program.
Capital Program
The FY 2016 capital program continues to prioritize investment in infrastructure to maintain an overall state of good repair, enhance safety and reliability, and improve the overall customer experience on the system.
The program continues to invest in upgrades to the Northeast Corridor (NEC),
the agency’s most utilized rail line. The NEC is allocated $61 million in FY 2016 as part of NJ TRANSIT’s ten-year, $1 billion Northeast Corridor investment program.
Highlights of the program include $82 million in rail station improvements: $27 million for Summit Station improvements, $14 million for Elizabeth Station enhancements, $6 million for Perth Amboy Station improvements and high-level platform construction, $4 million for Newark Penn Station upgrades, $4 million to reconstruct Lyndhurst Station to make it accessible to persons with disabilities and $2 million for New Brunswick Station improvements.
The program also supports continued investment in rolling stock renewal, with $87 million invested in rail rolling stock improvements and $40 million toward the purchase of new buses.
In addition, the program is undertaking approximately $913 million in major capital projects that will help advance NJ TRANSIT’s resiliency to extreme weather events.
Funding is also provided for technology and security upgrades, local programs, and rail, bus and light rail infrastructure improvements.
Approximately 42 percent of the capital budget comes from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Sandy Resiliency funds, with the balance coming from federal and other sources including 22% from the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF).
Fare and Service Adjustments
Throughout the past five years, NJ TRANSIT held the line on fare increases while maintaining high quality services and implementing new customer amenities including MyTix, Departurevision, and MyBus Now.
However, costs such as contract services – Access Link, the organization’s paratransit service, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and private carriers – and workers’ compensation, general liability insurance, healthcare and benefits, and pensions have steadily risen. As a result, NJ TRANSIT was left with a significant budget gap.
Although NJ TRANSIT identified more than $40 million in reductions in overtime, fuel savings, energy and vehicle parts efficiencies, the agency still faced an approximate $56 million budget gap for the 2016 fiscal year. To close the gap, fare and service adjustments were proposed and now approved. The fare adjustment will go into effect on October 1st.
By Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
In October, Amtrak officials warned the two trans-Hudson tunnels would have to beclosed for one year at a time to fix flood damage from Sandy.
“We have contingencies to service those customers who would be displaced, “said Jennifer M. Nelson, an NJ Transit spokeswoman.
If one of the 105-year-old tunnels is closed, the number of trains to and from New York would be squeezed from 24 to six per hour. Close to 90,000 riders a day commute to Penn Station in New York and, of those, 30 percent would likely work remotely from home or another location, she said.
Maddie Hanna, Inquirer Trenton Bureau
Last updated: Friday, April 3, 2015, 1:07 AM
Posted: Thursday, April 2, 2015, 7:03 PM
New Jersey’s transit agency is considering a fare hike to fill a revenue shortfall, its director told lawmakers Thursday.
NJ Transit officials said they expected to propose a fare increase by the end of April, in light of a $60 million gap in next year’s operating budget.
Testifying before the Senate Budget Committee, executive director Veronique Hakim did not specify how much the agency might raise fares.
But given the size of its last fare increase in 2010 – which averaged 22 percent – “any proposal we put on the table would have to be substantially less than that to be palatable,” Hakim said.
A proposed fare hike would be subject to “robust” public comment, she said.
A spokesman for the agency, William Smith, said later Thursday that the agency “would attempt to keep any increase in the single digits.”
EXTRA RAIL AND BUS SERVICE FOR THANKSGIVING TRAVELERS
Kids Ride Free on NJ TRANSIT All Holiday Weekend
November 24, 2014
NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT is offering additional trains and buses over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend to make it even easier for customers to connect 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.
This year, NJ TRANSIT will once again offer “early getaway” rail and bus service on Wednesday, November 26, 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 Newark Airport rail station’s busiest day of the year, with ridership levels about twice that of a typical weekday.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 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 28, 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.
On Wednesday, November 26, 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 peak periods and later in the evening due to lower ridership. Special holiday timetables are available on njtransit.com.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 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 traveling to the parade. Special service on the No. 111 bus route from New York to the Jersey Gardens Mall will begin operating at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving night.
On Friday, November 28, 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 28 and continuing through December 24, 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.
Note: Special service on the No. 111 bus route from New York to the Jersey Gardens Mall will begin operating at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving morning, November 27. Special service on the No. 163, 171 and 175 bus routes to Garden State Plaza from 4:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving afternoon, November 27 until 1:15 a.m.
Ridgewood NJ, Amelia Ortiz had some extra pep in her step as she boarded her train Wednesday morning. It might have been the coffee.
Flo’s Depot at the Ridgewood train station officially opened for business Tuesday morning, exactly one week after its originally scheduled unveiling. No one, including Ortiz, seemed to mind the seven-day delay – after all, they have been waiting for almost five years for a coffee stand to re-open at the spot.
When New Jersey Transit began a multi-million dollar renovation project and forced the last coffee stand to permanently close its doors in 2009, morning rail riders were compelled to seek their caffeine jolts and breakfasts-on-the-go from other sources. For those residents opting against a travel mug of java from home, the extra stop at a nearby shop or bakery posed a minor inconvenience.
