The Montclair-Boonton Line

Transcription

1 Service Begins September 30th Introducing James E. McGreevey Governor of New Jersey NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors James P. Fox Transportation Commissioner NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Myron P. Shevell, Vice Chairman Paul P. Josephson,, Governor s RepresentativeR John E. McCormac, C.P.A.,.A., State TreasurerT Flora M. Castillo John L. McGoldrick Patrick W. ParkinsonP The Montclair-Boonton Line George D. WarringtonW Executive Director For more information, visit call RIDE, or for the hearing impaired. September 2002

2 The Montclair Connection Opening New Markets For F YouY The Montclair Connection, opening Monday, September 30, creates the new Montclair-Boonton Line. The Montclair Connection provides access to Newark and Hoboken and introduces new MidTOWN DIRECT-Montclair service to Penn Station New York. This significant return on a $63 million taxpayer investment yields many more tangible benefits, including improved service, quicker travel time, access to more destinations and markets, increased capacity and easier connections. A diagram detailing the Montclair-Boonton Line and its surrounding area is located on pages 10 and 11. Completion of the Montclair Connection is another step toward implementing an integrated public transportation system for the residents of New Jersey. The Montclair Connection addresses capacity with the purchase of new equipment in the form of more powerful ALP-46 electric locomotives and spacious Comet V rail coaches, which are stored, maintained and serviced in the new state-ofthe-art Great Notch Yard. Bay Street Station 2 ALP-46 Electric Locomotive

3 We e are listening more than ever to you, our valued customers. This brochure was developed to inform residents along the Montclair-Boonton Line of the rail service options that can easily transport you to Newark, Hoboken, Jersey City and New York. To help you identify where you are and where you want to go, the brochure is divided into geographic regions that contain diagrams of the line with major road networks. Our goal is to ensure efficient, reliable service for Montclair-Boonton Line customers. Thank you for making NJ TRANSIT The Way To Go With the opening of the Montclair Connection, the Arlington Station in Kearny, Rowe Street Station in Bloomfield, and Benson Street Station in Glen Ridge will not have rail service after Friday evening, September 20. Alternate service information for those customers is provided on pages 16 and 17. By agreement with the Township of Montclair, the initial schedule has no provision for weekend service. Montclair Heights Station What s Inside Page Service Highlights Customer Information Eastern Essex Region Montclair Region Montclair-Boonton Line Area Map Southern Passaic/Eastern Morris Region Northern Morris Region Northwest Region Montclair Connection History Stations No Longer in Use Major Rail Destinations Safety Information

4 Montclair-Boonton Line Service Highlights Brand-new service for customers traveling to Midtown Manhattan MidTOWN DIRECT-Montclair service will operate between Montclair Heights Station and Penn Station New York from early morning until late evening, Monday through Friday. New customers boarding at stations in Montclair, Glen Ridge and Bloomfield will find a quick, convenient and enjoyable trip to Midtown Manhattan, which will average between 25 and 45 minutes based upon your departure station. Five MidTOWN DIRECT-Montclair trains will operate to Penn Station New York during the morning peak period. Three trains will run from Penn Station New York during the evening peak period (with an additional train just prior to 4 p.m. and a train shortly after 7:30 p.m.). This new service will save most existing customers more than 10 minutes in each direction. MidTOWN DIRECT-Montclair service will operate approximately once every hour during off-peak periods. If you use stations between, and including, Mountain Lakes and Great Notch, you must transfer to a MidTOWN DIRECT train at Montclair Heights Station. If you board at Denville Station or points west, you may use MidTOWN DIRECT-Dover trains from Dover or Denville (Morristown Line platform). At Penn Station New York, connecting service is available to Amtrak, MTA-New York City Transit subways and buses, and MTA-Long Island Rail Road trains. MidTOWN DIRECT- Montclair customers further benefit from the NJ TRANSIT 7th Avenue Concourse in Penn Station New York (opening September 23), which provides much-needed access, capacity and amenities in an artistically-appointed, split-level arcade. 4

5 For customers traveling to Hoboken, Jersey City and Downtown Manhattan Peak-period service will run to and from Hoboken Terminal with certain trains operating express between Montclair Heights and Newark Broad Street stations. During off-peak periods, connections to or from Hoboken Terminal are available at Newark Broad Street Station. If you use stations between, and including, Mountain Lakes and Great Notch, from approximately 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., you must connect to a MidTOWN DIRECT train at Montclair Heights, then transfer again at Newark Broad Street Station to a Morris & Essex Lines train to reach Hoboken Terminal. At Hoboken Terminal, connecting service is available to NJ TRANSIT s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, PATH, NY Waterway ferries, and bus service. Diesel locomotive at Hoboken Terminal Hoboken-bound customers benefit from the opening of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station at Hoboken Terminal on September 29. This new station, situated next to Track 18, will greatly expand travel options. Whether for business or pleasure, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail is the easiest way to travel to Exchange Place, Newport Centre Mall and throughout the Hudson Waterfront area. Discounts are available for monthly riders connecting between rail and light rail service. 5

6 For customers traveling to Newark A new service for existing e Boonton Line riders Conductors at Newark Broad Street Station You may use either MidTOWN DIRECT-Montclair or Hoboken-bound trains to travel to Newark Broad Street Station.* Customers using express trains from Montclair Heights will reach Newark Broad Street Station in approximately 15 minutes, while the trip from Mountain View Station will average 30 minutes. Off-peak service from stations west of Montclair Heights Station will require a transfer at Montclair Heights Station and may increase travel time. At Newark Broad Street Station, connecting NJ TRANSIT bus service is available to major destinations in downtown Newark such as the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Bears and Eagles Riverfront Stadium, The Newark Museum and the Broad Street commercial district. When returning from Newark Broad Street Station, please listen carefully for announcements or check with train crews before boarding. Some trains make all stops to Montclair Heights Station while others operate express to Montclair Heights then make stops from Great Notch Station and points west. * Certain peak-period MidTOWN DIRECT trains will not stop at Newark Broad Street Station. Customers should check their timetables and listen carefully to announcements from train crews. Coming in 2003, Montclair-Boonton Line service will interconnect to more markets throughout the state. Secaucus Transfer will provide a unified transit network that will allow easy, seamless access to major destinations throughout the state, including the Jersey Shore, Bergen County, the State s Capital, the Hudson Waterfront and the Meadowlands. 6

7 Customer Information Schedule/Timetable The Montclair-Boonton Line timetable will be distributed on trains one week before service begins. Timetables for all other services are currently available. You may obtain a timetable at major stations, on NJ TRANSIT s website ( or by calling RIDE. Obtain the proper timetable for your rail, bus or light rail service. Choose your direction of travel and look at the schedule for the day you are traveling. Find your point of origin on the timetable. Choose the trip time that is best for you. Read across to your destination. The trip s departure time will be noted. Be sure to read any special symbols or footnotes, which give important information about the schedule. Ticket/Pass Options Rail The fare structure and ticket options for the Montclair-Boonton Line will be published in the new line s timetable. Existing fares will not change. At stations where MidTOWN DIRECT service will be available for the first time, New York and Newark fares will be based on the station s distance from Penn Station New York. Discounts are available for frequent riders and combination discounts are available for customers transferring between NJ TRANSIT services. Rail customers who wish to continue their journey by bus can purchase a Feeder Fare. Before boarding, purchase your ticket if a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) is available or the ticket office is open. Rail customers will incur a $5 surcharge if they fail to buy a ticket at stations where a TVM is available or the ticket office is open. Ticket/Pass Options Light RailR Customers who plan to transfer to Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service at Hoboken Terminal may purchase a monthly rail pass and pay an additional $30 to continue their journey on HBLR. This option is available only by purchasing a monthly rail pass. General Ticketing Information In emergency situations, NJ TRANSIT may crosshonor monthly and weekly passes, allowing you to use other services if your regular train, bus or light rail service is not available. These changes are announced on our website ( and through the media. Other fare information is available in individual timetables, on our website ( or by calling RIDE. Choosing the Right RouteR Identify the destination of the train, bus or light rail vehicle by reading its destination sign on the front or side of the vehicle, listening for announcements or asking a crew member, operator or other NJ TRANSIT personnel. If you are boarding a train at Montclair Heights or Newark Broad Street stations, listen carefully to announcements and check destination signs to make sure you are boarding the correct train. If you are uncertain, ask a crew member. If you are boarding a train at Penn Station New York, check the track departure board or monitor carefully to make sure you are boarding the correct MidTOWN DIRECT train. If you board a MidTOWN DIRECT-Dover or MidTOWN DIRECT-Gladstone train and your destination is between Mountain Lakes and Watsessing Avenue stations, you must change trains at Newark Broad Street Station. MidTOWN DIRECT-Montclair trains will operate to Montclair Heights. If you are traveling beyond Montclair Heights, you must change trains to continue your trip west. 7

8 Eastern Essex Region For other legend information, refer to Montclair-Boonton Line Area map, pages 10 and 11. Rail Station Service Spaces Information Fees Glen Ridge (Bloomfield and Ridgewood Aves.) None Not Applicable Not Applicable Bloomfield (Lackawanna Plaza between Washington St. and Glenwood Ave.) Watsessing Avenue (Watsessing Ave. and Orange St., Bloomfield) Newark Broad Street (transfer for Hoboken trains during offpeak hours; also NJ TRANSIT buses to Newark Penn Station and other Newark destinations) Hoboken Terminal (connections to NJ TRANSIT s Hudson- Bergen Light Rail, PATH and NY Waterway ferries) Penn Station New York (via MidTOWN DIRECT) Bloomfield Township ( ) Bloomfield Township ( ) Daily (25 cents/hour) Daily (25 cents/hour), some spots free PARKING AVAILABILITY LIMITED AT RAIL STATIONS NJ TRANSIT information: or RIDE PATH information: or PATH NY Waterway information: or FERRY 8

9 Montclair Region Montclair-Boonton Line Main/Bergen County Lines Newark City Subway MidTOWN DIRECT Connection MidTOWN DIRECT-Montclair Boarding Opportunity For other legend information, refer to Montclair-Boonton Line Area map, pages 10 and 11. Rail Station Montclair Heights (Normal Ave., Montclair) Mountain Avenue (Mountain Ave., Montclair) Upper Montclair (Bellevue Ave., Montclair) Watchung Avenue (Watchung Ave., Montclair) Walnut Street (Walnut St., Montclair) Bay Street (Bay St. between Bloomfield and Glen Ridge Aves., Montclair) Service Newark Broad Street (transfer for Hoboken trains during off-peak hours; also NJ TRANSIT buses to Newark Penn Station and other Newark destinations) Hoboken Terminal (connections to NJ TRANSIT s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, PATH and NY Waterway ferries) Penn Station New York (via MidTOWN DIRECT) Spaces Information Montclair Township ( ) Fees $252/year for residents; $306/year for non-residents PARKING AVAILABILITY LIMITED AT RAIL STATIONS NJ TRANSIT information: or RIDE PATH information: or PATH NY Waterway information: or FERRY 9

10 10 11

11 Southern Passaic/Eastern Morris RegionR For other legend information, refer to Montclair-Boonton Line Area map, pages 10 and 11. Rail Station Service Information Fees Spaces Mountain Lakes (Midvale Rd.) Boonton (Main St. and Rt. 202) Towaco (Rt. 202) Lincoln Park (Main St. and Comly Rd.) Mountain View-Wayne (Erie Ave.) Little Falls (Union Blvd.) Great Notch (Notch and Long Hill Rds., Little Falls) Montclair Heights (MidTOWN DIRECT connection to New York) Newark Broad Street (NJ TRANSIT buses to Newark Penn Station and other Newark destinations) Hoboken Terminal (connections to NJ TRANSIT s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, PATH and NY Waterway ferries) (NOTE: During midday hours, transfer between trains at Montclair Heights Station) Mountain Lakes Borough ( ) Boonton ( ) NJ TRANSIT ( RIDE) NJ TRANSIT ( RIDE) Inwood Management Office ( ) PARKING AVAILABILITY LIMITED AT RAIL STATIONS Permit ($5/year for residents, $50/year for non-residents) Daily (50 cents/day weekdays) None Free at NJ TRANSIT lot; $45/quarter at Inwood facility NJ TRANSIT information: or RIDE PATH information: or PATH NY Waterway information: or FERRY 12

12 Northern Morris Region Montclair-Boonton Line Morristown Line MidTOWN DIRECT Connection For other legend information, refer to Montclair-Boonton Line Area map, pages 10 and 11. Rail Station Dover (Dickerson and North Morris Sts.) Denville (Estling Lake Rd. ) (NOTE: Use M&E platform for a oneseat ride to Penn Station New York; use either platform for Newark Broad Street or Hoboken) Service Summit (connections to local M&E trains) Newark Broad Street (NJ TRANSIT buses to Newark Penn Station and other Newark destinations) Hoboken Terminal (connections to NJ TRANSIT s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, PATH and NY Waterway ferries) Penn Station New York (via MidTOWN DIRECT) (NOTE: Additional MidTOWN DIRECT service available at Montclair Heights) Spaces Information Dover Township ( ) Park America ( ) Fees Daily (25 cents every 90 minutes), some spots free Permit ($15-$23/month, depending on parking location and residency) Daily ($2/day) Permit ($30/month) PARKING AVAILABILITY LIMITED AT RAIL STATIONS NJ TRANSIT information: or RIDE PATH information: or PATH NY Waterway information: or FERRY 13

13 Northwest Region Montclair-Boonton Line Morristown Line MidTOWN DIRECT Connection For other legend information, refer to Montclair-Boonton Line Area map, pages 10 and 11. Rail Station Service Spaces Information Fees Hackettstown (Beatty and Valentine Sts.) Mount Olive (Waterloo Rd. and International Dr.) Netcong (Main St. and Rt. 46) Lake Hopatcong (Landing Rd. and Rt. 631) Dover (MidTOWN DIRECT connection to New York) Summit (connections to local M&E trains) Newark Broad Street (NJ TRANSIT buses to Newark Penn Station and other Newark destinations) Hoboken Terminal (connections to NJ TRANSIT s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, PATH and NY Waterway ferries) (NOTE: Additional MidTOWN DIRECT service available at Montclair Heights) Hackettstown ( ) NJ TRANSIT ( RIDE) None None None None PARKING AVAILABILITY LIMITED AT RAIL STATIONS NJ TRANSIT information: or RIDE PATH information: or PATH NY Waterway information: or FERRY 14

14 History of the Montclair Connection The Montclair Connection idea was born in 1929 when the Regional Plan Association proposed linking the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad s Montclair Branch with the Erie Railroad s Greenwood Lake Branch. But the Great Depression and the decline in railroad traffic put those plans on hold until now. The Montclair Branch entered service in 1856, when the Newark & Bloomfield Railroad built its line through West Bloomfield (now Montclair), Glen Ridge and Bloomfield. The new line connected with the Morristown & Essex Railroad (M&E) at a place called Bloomfield Junction now Roseville Avenue in Newark. The Branch was electrified in 1930, with Thomas Edison aboard the first test train. In 1931, the Lackawanna opened a six-track, four-platform terminal in Montclair, which was once used by thousands of commuters. In 1981, the Montclair Branch was rerouted to a one-track terminal at Bay Street along an alignment with the proposed Montclair Connection. The Boonton Line began in 1867 as a branch of the M&E that operated from Denville to Boonton and provided coal for iron manufacturers. Three years later, it was extended to Jersey City, where it rejoined the M&E. Today, the original Boonton Line alignment is used only between Denville and Mountain View. The eastern half of the line, between Mountain View and Hoboken, was originally Erie Railroad s Greenwood Lake Branch. The merger between the Erie and Lackawanna railroads in 1960 accelerated a reconfiguration that was completed in March 1963, when the former Erie Main Line was connected to the Lackawanna s Boonton Line south of Paterson Station to form today s Main Line. Meanwhile, the Boonton Line west of Mountain View Station was linked to the Erie s Greenwood Lake Branch to form the current Boonton Line. The reconfiguration again spurred the Montclair Connection idea. But three more decades passed before NJ TRANSIT revived the proposal in the late 1980s. Initial plans called for a one-track connection that would have accommodated only diesel trains. Later, the plans were revised to include a two-track connection and five miles of overhead catenary wires, allowing for electric train service and increased travel destinations. After negotiations with the Township of Montclair, an agreement was reached in Construction began one year later. Service over the connection will begin on September 30,

15 16 For other legend information, refer to Montclair-Boonton Line Area map, pages 10 and 11.

16 Stations No Longer In Use Benson Street, Rowe R Street and Arlington As part of the Montclair Connection, tracks and stations on the Boonton Line that are east of the connection will no longer be served after Friday evening, September 20. To assist customers who board at Benson Street, Rowe Street and Arlington stations, NJ TRANSIT has provided each affected town with a 20-seat minibus and funding to maintain and operate the bus for five years as part of its Rail Service Shuttle Program. Former Rail Station Benson St. (Benson St., Glen Ridge) Closing 9/20/02 Alternate Bus Service Rail Service Shuttle Bus to Glen Ridge Station NJ TRANSIT Nos. 11, 28 and 29 routes along Bloomfield Ave. to Newark City Subway s Bloomfield Station to Newark Penn Station, No. 72 bus along Broad St. (Bloomfield) to Newark Penn Station * * * * Spaces Information Fees 47 Glen Ridge Borough Police ( ) Permit ($180/year), limited to residents Rowe St. (Rowe St., Bloomfield) Closing 9/20/02 Rail Service Shuttle Bus to Bloomfield Station NJ TRANSIT Nos. 92 (along Belleville Ave.) or 93M (peak periods only along Montgomery Ave.) routes to Newark City Subway s Branch Brook Park Station to Newark Penn Station * 50 NJ TRANSIT ( RIDE) None Rail Service Shuttle Bus to Kingsland Station (Main Line) * Arlington (Elm St. and Forest Ave., Kearny) Closing 9/20/02 NJ TRANSIT No. 39 route along Kearny Ave. to Newark Broad Street Station, No. 40 route along Elm St./Davis Ave. to PATH s Harrison Station or Newark Penn Station and No. 76 route along Kearny Ave./Belgrove Dr. to Kingsland, Newark Broad Street and Newark Penn stations DeCamp s No. 99 bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal along Kearny Ave. (peak period only) 15 Kearny Police Traffic Department ( ) Daily (10 cents/hour) NOTE: Alternate service at these stations begins September 23, * Rail Service Shuttle Bus and parking information is subject to change. For Rail Service Shuttle Bus schedule and stop information contact: Borough of Glen Ridge ( ); Township of Bloomfield ( ); or Town of Kearny ( ) NJ TRANSIT information: or RIDE DeCamp information: or PATH information: or PATH Newark City Subway and bus customers may continue their trip by buying a Continuing Trip Ticket or a One-Way Ticket with a Transfer. 17

17 For other legend information, refer to Montclair-Boonton Line Area map, pages 10 and 11. Accessible Services NJ TRANSIT has bridge plates available at all accessible rail stations to bridge the gap between the platform and the train for safer and easier boarding and detraining. Bridge plates are available upon request from a train crew member. If you use a mobility device, please inform the train crew of your final destination and use seats near entrances for easy access. Passengers with mobility devices may remain inside the center vestibules of cars with center doors while the train is moving. However, passengers are not allowed to remain in the end door vestibules while the train is moving. At Hoboken Terminal, customers must request a portable wheelchair lift and should inform rail crews ahead of time if Hoboken is their final destination. 18

18 Major Rail Destinations Newark, Hoboken, New YorkY Rail Station NJ TRANSIT Rail Service Bus Service Other Services Newark Broad Street (University Ave. and Broad St., Newark) To Hoboken, New York, Summit, Montclair Heights, Gladstone, Dover, Hackettstown and intermediate points To Newark Penn Station on NJ TRANSIT s Nos. 11, 28, 29, 72, 76, 108 (available along University Ave.) and The Loop (No. 306, available along Lackawanna Ave.) To Port Authority Bus Terminal on the No. 108 route None Hoboken Terminal (One Hudson Place near Observer Highway) To Newark Broad Street, Summit, Montclair Heights, Gladstone, Dover, Hackettstown, Suffern, Port Jervis, Spring Valley and intermediate points To Port Authority Bus Terminal via NJ TRANSIT s No. 126 route or Academy Bus Company routes Many local bus routes serving Hoboken, Jersey City and other locations NJ TRANSIT s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to Jersey City and Bayonne (starting 9/29/02) PATH service to Midtown Manhattan, Jersey City and Newark NY Waterway ferry service to various Manhattan terminals Newark Penn Station (Raymond Plaza between Raymond Blvd. and Market St.) To Penn Station New York, Hoboken (limited service), Newark International Airport, Trenton, Long Branch, Bay Head, Raritan, High Bridge and intermediate points Many local and long-distance bus routes within New Jersey and to the Port Authority Bus Terminal Greyhound interstate service to various destinations PATH service to Jersey City, Hoboken and Midtown Manhattan Amtrak Penn Station New York (between 31st and 33rd Sts. and between 7th and 8th Aves., New York) To Newark Penn Station, Newark International Airport, Trenton, Bay Head, Newark Broad Street, Gladstone, Dover and Montclair Heights To New Jersey and other destinations available at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, 42nd St. and 8th Avenue MTA-New York City subways and buses Long Island Rail Road Amtrak No designated transit parking, but many privately owned and operated lots are available in the area. NJ TRANSIT information: or RIDE PATH information: or PATH NY Waterway information: or FERRY Amtrak information: or USA-RAIL Academy Bus Lines information: or , ext Greyhound information: or

19 NJ TRANSIT Cares About Your Y Safety With increased train service in the communities along the Montclair-Boonton Line, NJ TRANSIT wants to ensure that safety awareness remains a critical priority for you and your family. Rail safety tips: Walking or driving across the tracks at a non-designated crossing is trespassing and dangerous. Walking along the railroad rightof-way is also trespassing and equally dangerous. Stay within designated station platforms or parking lots. Electric trains which are very quiet will operate on the line, as will diesel-powered trains. To be safe, walk in designated areas only. Judging the speed of a train in the distance is difficult. Trains arrive faster than you might think. Do not attempt to beat a train... you will lose! Where multiple tracks exist, do not assume that only one train is approaching from one direction. A train may be visible in one direction and before you know it, another may be approaching from the opposite direction. Stay alert on the platform or near the tracks. Headphones and cell phones can distract or prevent you from hearing an approaching train. Stay away from overhead catenary electrical wires... you could be electrocuted! Bus safety tips: Never walk in front of the bus even if it is stopped. Always stand behind the white line while the bus is moving. Watch your step and hold on to the handrails when boarding and exiting the bus. While waiting for a bus, always stand behind the curb not in the street. Never ride on the steps of the bus. Do not lean or press against the doors. Keep hands and feet clear from closing doors. Never run toward a stopped or moving bus. Security tips: Avoid bringing any food or beverages on trains so that crumbs, powder, or residue cannot be misinterpreted. Food and beverages are prohibited on buses and light rail vehicles. If you bring food or beverages on board a train, clean up your area when you depart including sugar, salt or other powder that can result in a police and HAZMAT response. Remove your trash, bags and other materials such as newspapers from trains, buses and stations. If you observe behavior, or something on equipment or in a facility that concerns you, advise our front-line employees or a police officer if one is available. If no transit personnel are available, call RIDE. Do not leave packages or luggage unattended. Cooperate with front-line employees, train crews, bus operators, stations personnel and NJ TRANSIT Police to ensure security measures achieve their intended purposes. 20