RAIL SERVICE STOPPAGE INFORMATION

This contingency plan includes adding very limited capacity to existing New York commuter bus routes in close proximity to rail stations and contracting with private carriers to operate bus service from key regional Park & Ride locations during weekday peak periods.

In developing its contingency plan, NJ TRANSIT focused available resources on the largest segment of its rail customer base—the more than 70,000 New York-bound customers, including customers who transfer from NJ TRANSIT rail to PATH trains at Hoboken Terminal and Newark Penn Station.  Through a combination of added capacity to existing New York bus routes, operation of a regional Park & Ride service, NJ TRANSIT estimates that it can only carry approximately 20% of current rail customers as the bus system capacity can not replace the railroad.

Regional Park & Ride Service 

Should the BLET enact a rail stoppage on May 16, Park & Ride service will operate on a first come, first served basis beginning on Monday, May 19, from four key regional Park & Ride lots, weekdays only, during AM peak period inbound and PM peak period outbound.  Times of operation are listed in the chart below.  NJ TRANSIT will deploy customer service ambassadors at the Park & Rides to assist customers. 

• Secaucus Junction to Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York
• PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel to Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York  (Operated by Academy Bus)
• Hamilton Rail Station to Newark Penn Station PATH
• Woodbridge Center Mall to Harrison PATH Station

Operation Times of Park & Ride Service

No midday, late-night, weekend or reverse commute service will operate on these Park & Ride routes.

The Park & Ride locations were selected based on their size/parking capacity, access to regional highways, and geographical distribution.  

Limited added capacity on existing NJ TRANSIT bus routes to/from NYC

NJ TRANSIT will enhance peak period service on existing New York bus routes in close proximity to rail stations.  The routes are as follows:

• Northeast Corridor:  108, 112, 115 and 129 bus routes
• North Jersey Coast Line:  116 and 133/135 bus routes
• Raritan Valley Line:  112 and 113 bus routes
• Morris & Essex Lines:  107 bus routes
• Montclair-Boonton Lines:  193 and 324 bus routes
• Main/Bergen County Lines:  145, 163, 164 and 190 bus routes
• Pascack Valley Line:  163, 164 and 165 bus routes

Other NJ TRANSIT Services

• Bus: All other NJ TRANSIT bus routes will continue to operate on regular schedules.
• Light Rail:  Newark Light Rail, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and River Line service will operate regular weekday schedules.
• Access Link:  Service will operate normally, however customers should anticipate longer travel times as a result of anticipated increases in traffic, and additional passengers in vehicles.

Ticketing

All existing valid rail tickets and passes with an origin or destination of New York, Newark or Hoboken will be accepted for travel on all Park & Ride service, and will be accepted on NJ TRANSIT buses and light rail lines.

Customers should purchase the following tickets from their bus Park & Ride origin:

• Secaucus Junction to Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York
  • Customers should purchase a Secaucus – New York rail ticket, available on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app or from a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) at Secaucus
• PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel to Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York (Academy)
  • Customers should visit academybus.com for ticket purchase information
• Hamilton Rail Station to Newark Penn Station PATH
  • Customers should purchase a Hamilton – Newark rail ticket, available on the NJ TRANSIT mobile app or from a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) at Hamilton
• Woodbridge Center Mall to Harrison PATH Station
  • Customers should purchase a Woodbridge – Newark rail ticket on the NJ TRANSIT 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:

Cross-Honoring

NJ TRANSIT rail tickets and passes will be cross-honored on all NJ TRANSIT bus and light rail lines.  

Important note: NJ TRANSIT tickets and passes will not be accepted on Amtrak, PATH, PATCO, SEPTA, ferry or private carrier buses.  Customers using these services must purchase separate fares from those service providers.

For additional information on alternative services from specific rail stations please visit njtransit.com/abc and click on your rail line to bring up your particular station.

Web Site and Travel Information

Information on NJ TRANSIT’s website is available in a variety of languages using Google Translate. To use a language other than English, click on “Select Language” at the upper right corner of the homepage and click on the language of your choice.

Because this is a very dynamic situation, customers should check back for the latest information frequently and prior to any travel.