Heading To Far Hills Horse Race? Here Are Some Safe Transportation Options

FAR HILLS, NJ — Thousands of spectators are expected to attend the 97th annual Far Hills Steeplechase at Moorland Farms on Saturday, many of whom will be drinking. And authorities will be cracking down on underage drinking at this year's event.

The Far Hills Race Meeting Association (FHRMA) announced it will partner with rideshare service Lyft and Beam Suntory premium spirits maker Maker’s Mark to promote safe and responsible drinking during this year’s race.

• See Related: Police To Crack Down On Underage Drinking At Far Hills Horse Race

In the past four years, police report making at least more than 30 arrests annually. Last year, police arrested 35 people; in 2015, 35 people were arrested; in 2014, 36 arrests were made and in 2013, 55 people were arrested.

Lyft is partnering with Maker’s Mark to offer a select amount of free rides home from the event with promo code NJRACE20. Lyft Ambassadors will also be available on race day to help new users redeem $15 in ride credit to help them get home safely.

Lyft’s designated pick-up and drop-off area on the grounds will be located at Gate 3 on the corner of Liberty Corner Road and US Highway 202.

NJ Transit is also offering a special service between Hoboken and Far Hills on the Gladstone Branch of the Morris & Essex Lines. The Far Hills Station is located directly across the street from Moorland Farms.

Open containers of alcohol are not permitted in any NJ Transit station and open containers of any liquid are not permitted on board trains on the Morris & Essex Line. This policy will be strictly enforced.

To avoid lines, customers are strongly encouraged to purchase roundtrip tickets in advance. On Oct. 21, ticket offices will be open special hours at Summit, Berkeley Heights, Lyons, Bernardsville, Far Hills, Gladstone, and Dover.

NJ Transit schedule highlights for Saturday include:

• Traveling to Far Hills:
  • Extra trains will depart Hoboken at least once per hour from 7:31 a.m. until 11:20 a.m., with more frequent service from 8:39 a.m. until 10:35 a.m.
  • Extra trains will depart Summit at least once per hour from 8:14 a.m. until 1:14 p.m., with more frequent service from approximately 9:00 a.m. until approximately 11:15 a.m.

• From 3:59 p.m. until 7:03 p.m., Gladstone Branch train service will operate from Far Hills. Gladstone and Peapack customers will take shuttle buses to Far Hills and transfer to trains.
  • Trains may depart Far Hills as they are filled, but the last train of the day will not depart Far Hills before 7:03 p.m.
• Frequent shuttle bus service will operate between Gladstone and Far Hills throughout the day. Buses will operate at least every 30 minutes, but may operate more often if they are full.

Additional schedule information can be found at www.njtransit.com.

(Image via Morguefile)

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