Free NJ Transit rides start today. Here is what you need to know.
The initiative is supposed to be a "thank you" to the loyal NJ Transit customers, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.
New Jersey Transit is offering free rides from now until Monday, Sept. 2.
Those who already purchased an August monthly pass will automatically receive a 25% discount on their September monthly pass.
The initiative is supposed to be a "thank you" to the loyal NJ Transit customers, according to Gov. Phil Murphy.
Obai Ahmad normally spends about $100 a week traveling to New York City for his internship four days a week. He was relieved to hear about the travel holiday.
“I think the fares are normally too high anyway, so when I saw this I was like it’s a good initiative that they’re doing,” said Ahmad.
Both he and Sele Enahoro took the bus into Manhattan from the Old Bridge Park And Ride Stop.
“I’m going to the U.S. Open. I’ve been working there for the last four years,” said Enahoro. “I’ve been taking the bus and train because it’s the easiest way for me to get there. I wouldn’t want to drive a couple hours.”
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Brianna Coffey also was traveling to New York City by train for the U.S. Open.
“My husband works for them, so I’m lucky I get to go and I get to hang out there during the day. It’s really fun,” said Coffey.
Joe Elefante, who was traveling via train to North Jersey for work, plans on taking advantage of the free travel options throughout the week.
“It is a good way to give back, but we need to fund infrastructure,” said Elefante. “In China, Japan, they have amazing train systems that get you places fast. We can get to Chicago in less than three hours if we put money into our infrastructure. I know that people don’t like to hear about taxes and stuff like that, but we need to believe in our train system.”
Elefante regularly spends $50-$100 a week on public transit.
NJ Transit says it recognizes all the service issues customers have experienced these past few months and the impacts.
In the meantime, to improve service, NJ Transit says it has increased equipment inspections on the platforms, and it says Amtrak has stepped up its efforts in inspecting and repairing its overhead wires, signal systems and substations along the Northeast Corridor. The governor added that they are working with Amtrak to investigate and address the issues that occurred this summer.
