For those of us who need to travel into Manhattan this summer, getting there will be a challenge! NJ Transit has released its final details for the summer schedule, and the Morris-Essex Midtown Direct line will be heavily affected by the changes to accommodate the much-needed Amtrak track work. But, let’s try to keep a positive outlook! These changes are only in effect until September 1, and tickets will be heavily discounted to offset the inconvenience.
NJ Transit has set up a website devoted exclusively to keeping its customers abreast of all changes during this challenging period. Printable versions of the revised timetables can be found on the website as well as detailed travel information. Weekday service changes are planned for Monday, July 10 through Friday, September 1. Weekend service will not be impacted.
Only four trains on the Midtown Direct Morristown line that are scheduled to arrive in New York Penn Station before 7:00 am will run without diversion. However, these trains will not be available for a return trip. Riders will have to pick up a train in Hoboken for their return trip home.
All subsequent trains to NYC will terminate in Hoboken where riders must find an alternative route into Manhattan. Some of these alternatives are:
- PATH train into 33rd Street and World Trade Center
- New York Waterway Ferry including a special service from Hoboken to 39th Street
- NJ Transit’s bus #126 into the Port Authority Bus Terminal
Another option is to disembark at Newark Broad Street with the following options into Manhattan:
- Newark light rail service to Newark Penn Station providing access to other NJ Transit train lines into New York Penn Station. NJ Transit will have enhanced service on the Light Rail line.
- Private bus service from Newark Broad Street to New York Port Authority
NJ Transit and private bus carriers, DeCamp, Lakeland and Community Coach, are also available for a trip into New York Port Authority. NJ Transit will have enhanced service on key lines. They are planning to have additional buses on standby at the South Orange train station bus stop located on Sloan Street between Second and Third Streets should the need arise for additional express service.
Visit the NJ Transit Update website for all the specifics.
NJ Transit will be discounting tickets up to 63% off the regular New York fare, and customers will be able to use cross-honoring in Hoboken and with the other travel alternatives.
The Maplewood Township Committee has asked the municipal administrators to adjust the Jitney schedules to accommodate the revised NJ Transit schedules, specifically for the very early trains that run directly into New York Penn Station. They are also looking into providing a Jitney service into South Orange where NJ Transit will have additional busses on standby. In addition, they are exploring the possibility of a private bus service from Maplewood to NYC. NJ Transit will have ambassadors at the Maplewood train station before July 10 and during the first week of the Hoboken diversion to answer questions and help customers with their travel plans.
The Mayors and Township Committees in Maplewood and South Orange are asking NYC employers to consider letting their employees work remotely. The towns are planning to have longer library hours with quiet workspace, conference rooms and video conferencing space available.
NJ Transit will be providing updated information through the following sources:
- njtransit.com/theupdate
- Twitter @NJTRANSIT
- My Transit Alert System, njtransit.com/mytransit, which sends alerts to your cell phone
- Phone 973-275-5555 for service updates
Have a safe trip!
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