RAIL TIMETABLES GET FACELIFT

Design overhaul the first since 1979

* * SEE THE NEW TIMETABLES BY CLICKING HERE. * *

June 16, 2005
NJT-05-080

NEWARK, NJ ¿ NJ TRANSIT is unveiling its revamped rail timetables this week, the first major design overhaul of rail schedules in 25 years. The timetables reflect new fares that go into effect July 1 and new schedules that take effect July 3.

With the help of customer input and borrowing aspects of rail schedules from around the world, NJ TRANSIT was able to incorporate a variety of style changes into the fresh new design. New user-friendly features include easier to read rail schedules that clearly indicate peak period trains, improved rail line maps, and horizontal shading to help customers quickly determine departure times. Rail schedules are now formatted to fit a horizontal accordion fold instead of map fold, making it easier for customers to use and store.

"It became apparent that the old format had become obsolete and was too cumbersome to handle," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director George D. Warrington. "We¿ve simplified the design to make it easier for our customers to understand. We¿ve also added new features that provide information on services and policies in a clearer format."

The redesign initiative was launched last year when it became apparent that the old format could not handle the inclusion of more trains. Since 2002, 193 trains have been added to the system.

Morris & Essex Line customers will see the most dramatic change in their timetables. NJ TRANSIT has eliminated the previously used booklet format for the accordion style. Customers no longer have to search pages for their trains. Instead, all information will be presented on one page, allowing customers to view schedules without difficulty. Forgoing the booklet format will enable NJ TRANSIT to print the timetables in house, saving more than $150,000 in printing costs annually.

Customers will notice that NJ TRANSIT has simplified language to give them relevant information on policy when they use the system. In addition, information pertaining to ticket sales, fare schedules, and connecting services is presented more clearly.

Customers will find the new timetables on board trains and in stations starting this week. Electronic versions are available at www.njtransit.com.

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 779,200 daily 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 162 rail stations, 52 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.