A few days ago, I wondered why transit agencies generally don’t offer substitute bus service when their trains are down for extended periods due to severe weather problems.
Looks like New Jersey Transit finally got the memo, and began offering some form of bus service. One major concern is that commuters still need a car to get to the park-and-ride lots, as the buses won’t be stopping at the train stations. That is, if you walk to your local station, you’re out of luck.
The issue NJT looks to try and solve is having too many customers coverge on the few trains that are operating.
The problem:
NJ TRANSIT normally operates 63 trains into New York Penn
Station during the morning peak. Tomorrow, NJ TRANSIT will only be able
to operate 13 trains into New York during the peak
The solution:
Utilizing
the regional transportation network with a base of operations out of
park-and-ride locations in central and northern sections of New Jersey,
emergency buses will transport customers to light rail and ferry
services in Hoboken, Weehawken, and HBLR’s Liberty State Park Station as
well as providing limited, direct service to several boarding locations
in lower Manhattan. The busing plan will remain in effect until
further notice and operate on weekdays during the peak travel periods of
6 a.m. to 10 a.m., and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. In addition, free ferry
service will be available from Liberty State Park Marina to Battery
Park.
No school buses will be used, but they did partner with private bus carriers for the service.
Full details are available on their website. If you plan on using the service, check the website every day, as things are changing constantly.