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NJ TRANSIT NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT APPROVES CUSTOMER UPGRADES AT PORT AUTHORITY BUS TERMINAL

Project will enhance communications and improve efficiency

March 11, 2009
NJT-09-026

NEWARK, NJ — The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today approved work to upgrade customer communications at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York—a project that will enable NJ TRANSIT to improve bus service at the largest-volume passenger terminal in the agency’s bus network.

 

The Board authorized a $2.9 million contract with Daidone Electric of Newark, NJ, for construction work that includes installation of new variable message sign (VMS) monitors and public address systems; new conduit, cable and power feeds for existing and future ticket vending machines; an upgrade to the existing radio system; and installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

 

“This investment will modernize NJ TRANSIT bus service at the nation’s largest bus terminal, which is one of the most vital passenger facilities in our regional transportation network,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts.

 

“The improvements at the Port Authority Bus Terminal will enable us to enhance both operational flexibility and customer convenience, building on our goal to make public transit the preferred choice,” said
NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles.

 

The upgrades will improve overall bus operations and provide a number of customer benefits, including: 

 

  • Real-time travel information through the installation of new variable message signs to show departures.
  • Faster ticketing by providing network connections to more ticket vending machines (TVM), allowing for faster processing of credit and debit transactions, as well as installation of eight new machines.
  • Improved PA announcements by modifying the existing PABT public address system to allow for automated announcements regarding bus departures that can be targeted to designated NJ TRANSIT passenger areas.
  • Improved operations through the installation of new networked closed-circuit cameras at bus platforms and waiting areas, and through a wireless communications system to allow Bus Operations staff to coordinate gate information.
  • Enhanced security through the use of CCTV and new card access systems.

In addition, an upgrade to the existing radio system will enable NJ TRANSIT bus operators to communicate more reliably with the Bus Operations Control Center. 

 

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Port Authority Bus Terminal is the largest-volume passenger terminal in the NJ TRANSIT bus system, serving approximately 142,800 weekday passenger trips on 5,100 NJ TRANSIT buses. 

 

Construction is expected to begin this spring, with completion anticipated in December 2009.

 

About NJ TRANSIT

 

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 895,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 164 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.