How to take a New Jersey Transit Train During Rush Hour

The key to traveling on New Jersey Transit is to have some idea where you are going before you get to the station. It helps to know where the ticket windows are and where to find the self-serve ticket machines. Often, the station is crowded with lines of potential riders winding through it like a snake. There are others running through the station to try to make their train. There are first timers turning in circles, like you. There are hardly any personnel standing nearby of whom to ask questions. If you don’t have time to check it out prior to your trip, these steps may help. When you get off the subway, out of your cab, or off the bus and enter the station, here’s what you want to look for.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Extra time
• Patience
• A NJ Transit timetable

1. First, look for signs with arrows that say NJ Transit. There are various underground trains, such as the LIRR, and the subway lines. Make sure you are headed to the right one.

2. Look for signs that say NJ Transit tickets. There are ticket windows and self-serve ticket machines. You may prefer the ticket window as the person there can answer any question you may have such as which direction to walk in to get to the track where your train will board. Very often there are lines at both. You may need to walk toward the front of the line first to see what the line is leading to.

3. If you went to the ticket machine, you will need to read the monitors to find out which track your train will arrive on. The monitors are usually above the heads of the people seated, waiting for their train to arrive.

4. Once you locate your track, go to it. NJ Transit trains are almost always on time.

5. Board the train when it arrives. Store your bags overhead or at your feet, and have your ticket ready for the ticket clerk to punch it when he or she walks through the car.

6. If you were told that you must transfer trains, stay alert and listen for the conductor to announce that station. Once you have arrived, do not dally. Get off before the train continues on its way.

7. If you are connecting to another train, refer to the monitors over your head and at various places in the station to find out what track to go to next. Keep an eye on the time so that you do not miss your train.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are confused, ask for help. If you can not find NJ Transit personnel to ask, ask other passengers.
• Be careful to give yourself extra time during peak travel times. Lines are very long.