Hoboken Reopens for Commuters on the Pascack Valley, Port Jervis Lines

NJ Transit has reopened a portion of Hoboken Terminal to commuter rail service, and has opened a lost-and-found so that riders on the Pascack Valley Line commuter train that crashed into the station Sept. 29 can retrieve any belongings they had to leave behind.

Also, the agency released plans to return Main/Bergen County, Pascack Valley and Port Jervis line trains to a weekday schedule - with some adjustments - to and from Hoboken, starting Monday.

The station had been closed following a devastating crash that killed a woman and injured more than 100 on Sept. 29.

“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.”

NJ TRANSIT has set up an area at Hoboken Terminal for customers who were on Train 1614, which originated in Spring Valley, to retrieve any personal property left behind Sept. 29 — with limitations.

Most of the items were recovered from the scene. However some items could not be accessed at this time, officials said.

Customers may go to the Customer Service Office in Hoboken, located in front of Track 14. Please note that customers will need to present identification to retrieve their belongings.

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

• 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
• See related article: Deadly Pascack Valley Train Increased Speed Entering the Station: NTSB Officials

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.

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.
• 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.

By Eric Kiefer (Patch Staff). Patch Editor Lanning Taliaferro contributed to this report.

PHOTO/ NY Governor's Office