Discounted Summer NJ Transit Packages Offered

As the weather heats up, NJ Transit is offering an “early getaway” rail and bus service on Friday, May 26, for the benefit of customers leaving work early to kick off the Memorial Day weekend.

Friday, May 26:

• Extra outbound trains will operate on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, Morris & Essex, and Port Jervis lines starting at approximately 1 p.m.
• One outbound Pascack Valley train (#9653, leaving Hoboken at 2:58 p.m.) will extend its existing service to terminate in Spring Valley.
• Extra buses will operate from the Port Authority Bus Terminal on more than two dozen bus routes starting aroundnoon. Visit njtransit.com for details.
• All light rail systems will operate on regular weekday schedules.

Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28:

Rail:

• The Bay Head-Long Branch shuttle is enhanced to hourly service (8 a.m.-10 p.m.)

Bus:

• Weekend shuttle service resumes between Toms River and Seaside Park on bus route no. 137. The bus leaves Toms River at 11:25 a.m. with the return departure from Seaside Park at 6:25 p.m. This service runs every weekend and holiday through the end of June, when direct service resumes from New York on bus route no. 137 and Newark bus route no. 67. See schedule for details.

Light Rail:

• Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.
• Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday and Sunday schedule, respectively.
• River Line will operate on a Saturday and Sunday schedule, respectively.

Memorial Day, Monday, May 29:

Rail:

• Trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines.
• The Bay Head-Long Branch shuttle is enhanced to hourly service (8 a.m.-10 p.m.)

Bus:

• Bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to check their timetables or visit njtransit.com for schedule information. Many routes serving shopping malls will operate on weekend/holiday schedules. Consult timetable for details. NOTE: Buses may be subject to detours and service delays for Memorial Day parades through various towns. See njtransit.com for details.

Light Rail:

• Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.
• Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule.
• River Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.

Summer Savings

NJ Transit is also offering discounted travel packages to destinations including the Jersey Shore, Six Flags, Monmouth Park and Liberty Science Center:

• Beach Packages: Board a train anywhere on NJ Transit's rail system, excluding Atlantic City Rail Line stations and save up to $5 on admission to one of five beaches — Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach and Belmar — by purchasing round-trip train fare and a discounted beach pass for one price at NJ Transit ticket vending machines (choose “Beach/Monmouth Park Packages” and select “Beach Package”) or at ticket windows. Beach Packages will be available for weekends and holidays from May 27 through June 18 and then daily starting Monday, June 19 and continuing through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4.

• Six Flags Great Adventure and Safari or Hurricane Harbor: Save up to $32 by purchasing round-trip bus transportation and park admission together.

NJ Transit provides express bus service to Six Flags from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York and Newark Penn Station.

• Monmouth Park: Save $5.50 when you travel to Monmouth Park Racetrack. Simply purchase a package to Monmouth Park from NJ Transit ticket vending machines (choose “Beach/Monmouth Park Packages” and select “Monmouth Park Racetrack”) or at ticket windows from any NJ Transit station, except Atlantic City Rail Line, and receive round-trip transportation, Grandstand Admission and an official track program for $3.50 plus the regular cost of a round-trip rail ticket.

• Liberty Science Center: Save $5 per person for up to four general admission, combo ticket and/or all-access passes when you travel on NJ Transit and show your ticket, pass or fare receipt at Liberty Science Center. General admission passes include live science demonstrations, hands-on labs, and a variety of daily activities. Combo and all-access passes provide options for films and premium exhibits.

On weekends, kids ride free:

Every weekend, NJ Transit is offering a Family SuperSaver Fare, which allows two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult. For the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the program will be extended and in effect from 7 p.m. Friday, May 26 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 30.

Travel tips

• Check Schedules in Advance: Plan your trip online to take advantage of extra trains and buses.
• Allow Extra Travel Time: Traffic congestion during the long holiday weekend may affect bus travel times especially on routes using the Garden State Parkway heading down the shore, so customers should plan accordingly.
• Ticketing: Purchase round-trip tickets at the start of your trip to speed your return. Use the MyTix feature on the NJ Transit mobile app, ticket vending machines or see a ticket agent, if available, to avoid possible surcharges. Bus customers departing Port Authority Bus Terminal are reminded that tickets must be purchased before boarding the bus.
• Luggage: Travel as light as possible. Passengers with luggage or packages should use the overhead racks or designated luggage spaces. On multilevel trains, customers with large bags should use the mezzanine levels at the ends of each car.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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