NJ Transit Slashes Train Service Starting Sunday: New Schedules, What To Know

NORTH JERSEY, NJ — NJ Transit will slash its train service in half starting Sunday as they move a track and wires from an aging bridge in Kearny onto a new bridge.

For four weeks, riders heading to New York will have to stop at Hoboken terminal and switch to a PATH train, ferry, or bus.

All routes will be affected except for the Atlantic City Rail Line, the agency said.

Commuters and officials have prepared in a number of ways. The town of Maplewood has revised the schedules for its jitney service to and from the local station to reflect times for trains coming from and heading to Hoboken.

A spokesperson for the city of Hoboken said local officials have been coordinating with transit agencies to prepare for the influx of people — an estimated 18,000 each morning and evening.

"NJ Transit will be running additional 126 bus service between Hoboken Terminal and the Port Authority Bus Terminal, including adding more buses along the uptown route to help reduce crowding for New York City–bound riders," noted city spokeswoman Marilyn Baer. She said there will be more ferries to Midtown Manhattan, as well.

"Visitors are encouraged to enjoy Hoboken before, during, or after their commute to take advantage or our local restaurants, bars, other retail establishments," she said. Dozens of restaurants are walkable from the terminal.

Commute Less?

NJ Transit suggested that people work from home if they can, or avoid travel between 7-9 a.m. and 4-7 p.m. on weekdays. The advice struck some as unrealistic.

"Will they be talking to my employer?" asked one woman on Twitter on Tuesday.

Who's Affected

The process of moving the track, wires, and electrical systems — known as a "cut over" will run through March 15.

NJ Transit rail riders should expect longer commutes and reduced service, officials said.

Customers who take the Morris and Essex, Gladstone Branch, and Montclair-Boonton trains from New Jersey to Penn Station in New York City will instead have to buy tickets to Hoboken.

Some of the routes will start earlier in the day to give riders more time, the agency said.

Will Happen Again

The transfer of the track from the century-old Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River is part of the Gateway Program to ultimately improve rail service from New Jersey to New York, said NJ Transit.

The track will be switched to the newer North Portal Bridge over four weeks.

Once the project is complete, trains leaving New York will use the track on the new bridge, and trains heading to New York will resume on the remaining track on the original (116-year-old) bridge.

In fall, the remaining track will be moved from the old to the new bridge as well, NJ Transit said.

Once both tracks are moved to the new bridge, the original bridge will be permanently removed and the new bridge will accommodate all train traffic.

NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri said, “While the disruption is temporary, the benefits—including a far more reliable and resilient commute along the Northeast Corridor—will last for generations.”

New Schedules And Changes

• See the adjusted schedules, alternatives, and details about the cutover project at njtransit.com/portalcutover.
• Find all train schedules by clicking here.
• Get NJ Transit alerts here.