new jersey transit Archives

Amtrak Comet trains now testing in California

On May 6, 2013February 19, 2018 By jamesinclair

Back in September, I posted about Amtrak California buying trains built in 1968 from New Jersey transit to be used in California. The purpose of the move is to bring needed rolling stock to lines that have seen large gains in ridership. Amtrak has an order in for brand new trains, but deliveries take years.

The “new” single -level train-sets will be used exclusively on the San Joaquin line, and two of the existing trains will be broken up and used to add capacity on the Capital Corridor and and Pacific Surfliner. The “new” trains are expected to run on the San Joaquin line early morning and late nights – mid-day trains will continue to see higher-capacity two floor trains. Click to read more!

Categories : UncategorizedTags : bus substitution new jersey new jersey transitLeave a comment

NJT gets message, offers some replacement bus service

On November 6, 2012April 3, 2020 By jamesinclair

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. Click to read more!

Categories : UncategorizedTags : ferry Hoboken Jersey City Manhattan new jersey transit PATH7 Comments

The ferry price paradox

On October 9, 2012February 19, 2018 By jamesinclair

I recently found myself near Manhattan in Jersey City and Hoboken. Besides enjoying the view of Manhattan, I noticed the great pieces of infrastructure known as the ferry terminals, which offered very quick (and wonderfully scenic) trips to Manhattan.

Everybody loves ferries. They’re fun. They’re not claustrophobic. They are quick and can be very direct (no trudging up and down stairs in large stations). The fresh air, the smell of the breeze….it’s the most refined way to cross a body of water.

Problem is, they’re not as popular as they should be, and the reason for that is price. Click to read more!

Categories : UncategorizedTags : amtrak amtrak california amtrak san joaquins fresno high level boarding low floor boarding new jersey transit11 Comments

New old trains coming to Amtrak’s San Joaquin

On October 1, 2012February 19, 2018 By jamesinclair

Thanks in part to some of the stimulus money of 2010, Amtrak California will be receiving 42 new rail-cars to service the three in-state routes it runs. Sadly, that process is slow, and the builder of those trains has only just been announced, with deliveries not set to begin until 2015.

With rail ridership on a non-stop upwards trend now, what can the state rail agency do to increase capacity in the short term?

The answer lies in buying used.

Or in this case, VERY used.

California earlier this year made a subdued announcement about the work they’re doing to bring new train cars to the valley. I haven’t seen the media report on this, but there was a presentation a few weeks ago that shed light on the work. Click to read more!