New Jersey Transit riders are in for some headaches in the weeks ahead as the agency cuts 18 trains from its schedule while it continues work on positive train control, or PTC.

The temporary suspensions took effect Sunday, and riders were already feeling the effects.

The agency says the changes are necessary to accommodate the installation of PTC on its trains. The federal government mandates that the work must be complete by the end of this year.

To soften the blow of the cuts and the likely crowds that will come with them, NJ Transit is offering a 10 percent discount on all tickets in November, December and January.  

Almost all New Jersey Transit train lines are affected by the changes -- the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Morris and Essex Lines, Montclair-Boonton and Main and Bergen County lines. Service had already been suspended on the Atlantic City Line last month.

The Monday morning commute could pose a true test of the new norm for NJ Transit.

The agency expects to restore regular service in mid-January.