NJT Service Changes: Big Disruptions For Morris & Essex Line Commuters This Summer

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Ahead of a planned Amtrak overhaul of Penn Station New York's tracks, New Jersey Transit announced big service changes for Morris & Essex Midtown Direct commuters this summer.

Between July 10 and Sept. 1, All Midtown Direct trains will terminate at Hoboken-- meaning commuters will have to use another way into New York City. All NJT tickets will be cross honored at Hoboken so commuters can continue on by ferry or PATH train at no extra charge. The Hoboken PATH train drops commuters off at 33rd Street in Herald Square, just blocks from Penn Station. (You can see a full list of changes below.)

Commuters won't have to pay the same amount for disrupted service. A roughly 50 percent discount will be given off the price of a ticket during the Amtrak repairs. For example, a Gladstone to New York pass, usually $451, will cost $168 during repairs, for a discount of 63 percent, NJT said.

Although train times and schedules will stay otherwise the same, NJT is advising 15 minute delays on all lines, except for the Atlantic City Rail line.

This announcement comes after months of delayed service, stuck trains, and other mayhem at New York Penn Station, including two train derailments and a train stuck in an underground tunnel for hours. (See more of Patch's ongoing coverage below.)

Here is a full list of weekday service changes riders can expect during the repair work:

• Midtown Direct trains on the Morristown Line will be diverted to Hoboken.
• Midtown Direct trains on the Gladstone Branch will be diverted to Hoboken.
• All Midtown Direct trains on the Montclair-Boonton Line will operate on regular weekday schedules with minor time changes to/from PSNY.
• All Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line trains will operate on regular weekday schedules with minor time changes to/from PSNY.
• Raritan Valley Line will operate on regular weekday schedules with adjustments to PSNY schedules.
• Main/Bergen, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis Lines will operate on regular weekday schedules however customers may need to adjust their connections to New York at Secaucus.

Read More:

• Penn Station Delays: Report Gives Dates When Amtrak Expects Most Disruption
• NJ Transit: Penn Station Delays Will Continue Indefinitely
• NJ Transit, LIRR Delays Force NYPD To Close Penn Station Entrance As Crowds Grow

Image via New Jersey Transit

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