Hoboken Terminal Will Resume Some Rail Service Monday: NJ Transit

HOBOKEN, NJ — NJ Transit has announced plans to reopen a portion of Hoboken Terminal to commuter rail service on Monday, Oct. 10.

On Friday, the agency released their plans to return Main/Bergen County, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis line trains to a weekday schedule - with some adjustments - to and from Hoboken following a devastating crash that killed a woman and injured more than 100 on Sept. 29.

• See related article: NJ Transit Makes Rule Change After Tragic Hoboken Train Crash
• See related article: Pair Of Fundraisers Started In Hoboken Train Crash Victim’s Name

“Beginning with the first train Monday morning, NJ Transit will reopen Tracks 10 to 17 for rail service,” NJ Transit officials stated. “Tracks 1 to 9 will remain out of service until further notice as repair work in that section of the terminal continues.”

Cross-honoring will continue on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, NJ Transit bus and private carriers only, the agency emphasized.

The affected portion of the terminal “suffered extensive damage” during the accident, which mangled the train and station and sent deadly debris flying into the air.

Due to an ongoing National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation, debris removal and safety concerns, the entire Hoboken Terminal was placed out of service following the crash, NJ Transit officials stated.

According to NJ Transit:

• When the partial reopening occurs, Main/Bergen County, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis Line trains will return to a weekday schedule, with some adjustments, to and from Hoboken. Select express trains will be eliminated and certain other trains will be combined. Customers are urged to go to www.NJTransit.com for more specific information anytime after 10 p.m. on Friday.
• In the Montclair-Boonton Line, trains originating west of Montclair State University (MSU), including from Denville will operate into Hoboken, with additional stops east of MSU, officials said.
• Most Gladstone Branch trains to Hoboken will be restored, the agency stated.
• North Jersey Coast Line and Raritan Valley Line trains scheduled to terminate in Hoboken will continue to terminate at Newark Penn Station.

“Because rail service will be modified in and out of the terminal, other NJ Transit bus, rail and light rail services may experience crowding conditions and delays,” officials advised. “As repair work continues at the terminal, customers are advised to stay clear of all work areas.”

Officials said that the Hoboken Terminal waiting room, Customer Service office and restrooms will be open. In addition, there will be limited Ticket Vending Machines located in the waiting room.

NJ Transit bus, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, PATH and NY Waterway also continue to operate in and out of Hoboken on their regular routes and schedules, officials stated.

The agency’s announcement came shortly after NTSB investigators released new details about their investigation into the crash, including their claim that the train was traveling twice the speed limit when it collided with the station.

• See related article: Investigators Release New Details In Hoboken Crash Probe

PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC

On Friday, City of Hoboken officials reported that the municipality is working with NJ Transit to facilitate increased pedestrian traffic and new pedestrian routes through the Hoboken Terminal area in anticipation of the partial restoration of rail service to the terminal on Monday.

The southern sidewalk along Hudson Place will serve as a primary route to access the terminal via the Ferry Terminal entrance, Hoboken officials stated.

"To safely accommodate the anticipated pedestrian volumes, prevent overcrowding, and ensure the public can safely access the PATH and heavy rail, the sidewalk along Hudson Place has been reconfigured to widen the walking area," officials stated. "The anticipated increased pedestrian volumes will be accommodated by shifting the bike parking and temporarily relocating the taxi stand to the west side of Hudson Street until full access to the terminal is restored. Bicycle parking will be prohibited along the south side of the Hudson Place sidewalk."

According to city officials, the Hop shuttle pickup and dropoff location remains on River Street between Hudson Place and Newark Street. The resident shuttle pickup location is on the east side of Hudson Street south of Hudson Place and dropoff is permitted on Hudson Place.

These changes will remain in effect until full access is restored to Hoboken Terminal, officials stated Friday.

Photo: John Tachine

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