New NJ Transit Technology to Give Customers Real-Time Alerts

NJ Transit announced a pair of initiatives last week intended to give customers real-time information on trains and buses.

NJ Transit entered into a contract Tuesday to install Smart Bus technology on all its bus. The technology will allow customers to receive bus location and arrival information on their web-enabled devices.

NJ Transit Executive Director James Weinstein said the Smart Bus technology could lead to signs that display when the next bus would arrive, and web tools like maps displaying where buses are on their routes.

The installation of smart bus platforms is expected to be completed in two phases by the end of 2012, while delivery of the remainder of NJ Transit’s new smart buses is expected to be completed in 2013. 

“By equipping the entire NJ Transit bus fleet with smart bus technology, we are laying the foundation for providing real-time bus service information to our customers,” Weinstein said.

Rail customers will also see improvements. The My Transit alert system, which alters customers about delays, service disruptions and schedule changes, will now give customers weekend rail alerts and news of Access Link para-transit disruptions.

Legislation

Senate Bill 2359 would give the Division of Rate Counsel, part of the Department of the Treasury, power to evaluate any NJ Transit bus or rail rate increases to determine whether they are needed, and fair to customers. The bill provides no power to overturn the increases.

Rail Boarding Changes

Outbound trains will arrive on the center track at the Ridgewood NJ Transit train station Monday to Thursday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Traffic Advisories

• Two of the three eastbound lanes of the George Washington Bridge will be closed to traffic from 11 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday for roadway surface treatment. The same work will close two of the three westbound lanes from 11 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday.
• All lanes of the westbound Lincoln Tunnel helix will be closed from 11:59 p.m. Tuesday to 4:30 a.m. Wednesday for roadway lighting replacement. Motorists will be directed to detours to New Jersey roadways. One tube of the tunnel will be closed to traffic Tuesday to Thursday from 11 p.m. each night to 5 a.m. the following morning for routine maintenance. Two additional lanes will be closed at 12:30 a.m. each night, leaving one lane in each direction available.
• One lane of the eastbound Holland Tunnel will be closed to traffic from 11 p.m. Wednesday to 5 a.m. Thursday for routine maintenance. The same work will close one westbound lane from 11 p.m. Wednesday to 5:30 a.m. Thursday.