#hoboken terminal

[quiltofstars]

A conjunction of the Moon and Venus over the Hoboken Terminal in Hoboken, New Jersey on February 1, 2025 // David Gluchowski

[datashuun]

fuck yeah go bird

[youthchronical]

Glimpsing a Ferry Terminal’s Faded Grandeur Before Beauty Is Restored

More than 50,000 commuters stream through Hoboken’s train terminal on a typical weekday without catching so much as a glimpse of its long-hidden beauty. Perched for more than 115 years on piers in the Hudson River, the terminal is one of the larger and busier transit hubs in the United States. Suburban commuters shuffle off trains there and catch ferry boats, PATH trains, light rail or buses to…

[joeinct]

View of Hoboken, New Jersey, Ferry Terminal, from Pilot House of Ferry Boat Chatham, Photo by David Plowden, 1961

[tjtevlin]

New Jersey Transit 40th Anniversary Heritage Day at Hoboken Terminal.

🚂

[1863-project]

NJ Transit 40th Anniversary Weekend Extravaganza!

Pay your engineers and give them a contract.

Okay, now that that's out of the way...

This weekend I got to spend some time with my dad aboard NJT's 40th Anniversary Express, a special train they put together in conjunction with the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey to commemorate 40 years of NJT's rail service. Normally I'd have just been content to watch, but they hooked me with a GG1 reference so naturally I had to go because I will do anything for a GG1.

The URHS of NJ loaned the Hickory Creek out for the event, along with a few other passenger cars they own. It was weird to see it at Penn Station instead of in Grand Central Terminal, but they still rolled out the red carpet for it as if it was attached to the 20th Century Limited. (This is where we get the phrase "red carpet treatment" from, by the way. It has nothing to do with Hollywood and everything to do with one crack passenger express train.)

I did not ride in the Hickory Creek itself because I do not have that sort of money, but Dad and I were in the Tavern Lounge No. 43, another New York Central car. It was a lovely ride.

The highlight of the trip was in South Amboy. Historically, electrification of the North Jersey Coast Line ended here. Today, it ends in Long Branch. Here's where the GG1s come in. There would be an engine change at South Amboy. The GG1s, electric locomotives, would be switched out for other locomotives to go further south. It was steam at first, and sadly became diesel later. Yesterday, they recreated this engine switch for us, complete with an NJT heritage unit painted to look like a GG1. This is the closest I'll likely get to seeing one running within my lifetime, so I'll cherish it.

The engine change. NJT 4636 stood in for my beloved GG1s, and two of the first locomotives built for NJ Transit, a pair of F40-PH2s (4119 and 4120), took over. You rarely see the latter in passenger service these days because they usually pull work trains, but they're the last two members of their class in NJT service.

Much to everyone's delight, we got to watch some brakeman work in action, because they manually flipped the switches. Note the heavy-duty gloves the conductor is wearing for this purpose.

It takes quite a bit of setup...

All clear!

Once the locomotives were swapped, we all boarded again and went on down to Bay Head. Since it was cold and rainy out, a few of us had some hot chocolate, which hit the spot and was incredibly wonderful.

Eventually, we made it to Bay Head. This is how I found out the president of NJ Transit was on the train with us, because the NJT engineers are ready to strike because there's no contract right now, and a group of them were protesting down at Bay Head because they knew he'd have to see them. Excellent move.

At Bay Head, we got to go around the loop in Bay Head Yard, something passengers don't normally get to do.

So we had views that most people don't get to have, and that was really cool.

At Bay Head, they fed us and gave us NJT swag. There were also some vintage buses from Public Service there, which was great because nobody stopped me from getting into the driver's seat of them.

My right hand is on the gearshift in this photo - it was huge and came out of the floor. Neither bus had power steering - that's a relatively new feature in motor vehicles.

I can and will attempt to drive anything.

Back to trains - after lunch, everyone got back aboard and the 40th Anniversary Express made its way back up north to Newark Penn Station. Whilst we were at Newark, we were allowed to get out and take some photos, so I investigated the staff car and was delighted to see that it had a conference table with a PRR K4 pictured above it.

You know me, I love my 4-6-2 Pacifics.

Eventually, the train came into Hoboken Terminal, and that was the end of day one.

Today, the entire heritage fleet was on display at Hoboken Terminal, so I made my way back for more photos.

I love GG1s and wanted to thank my new friend for giving me the opportunity to come so close to that experience yesterday.

4101 and 4109 are the surviving sisters of NJT 4100, a locomotive I'm rather attached to. It was nice to get good photos of them instead of the ones I usually have to snap through the window when I'm actually out on the rails!

Erie-Lackawanna 3372 is a labor of love for the URHS of NJ. They've done a beautiful job restoring her so far, but there's still a lot of work left to do.

The thing that really did me in was this old Pennsy diesel here, an E8A numbered 5711. She's in incredible condition for something built in 1952, and they had a cast of an old Penn Station eagle next to her, too, just to break my heart into a million pieces because I'll never be over what happened to Penn Station.

In all, I had an amazing weekend, and NJT and the URHS of NJ knocked it out of the park with this. It was just wonderful to be surrounded by other railfans for a couple of days.

Some other highlights:

Talked about trains the entire ride with the folks in our car. At one point we all got to sharing cat photos. An older couple had a cat named Lake, short for Lake Shore Limited. I cannot tell you how much that delighted me.

I love being around other railfans. It's one of the rare places I can be myself, since there's inevitably going to be a lot of other autistic people there besides me so I don't have to mask. I cannot even begin to articulate what it means to me to be in a place where I don't have to mask.

The hobby has actually changed a lot since I was a little kid - and in a good way. I wasn't the only woman there, for one. I was still greatly outnumbered gender-wise, but there are a lot more women in the hobby now, and it's also a lot more racially diverse than it was back then. Additionally, I saw a LOT of young people - it's going strong! It doesn't feel like it's being gatekept by the old white men anymore. It's really wonderful. Trains are for everyone. They always were, but now you can visibly see it.

When we were on the platform at South Amboy getting set up to take photos, someone yelled "Everybody smile!" behind me and I nearly died. Because, you know:

Whoever you are, give me your phone number.

As a final addendum, of course I brought them with me, as per usual when I go out to do railroading stuff. Here they are seated in Tavern Lounge 43!

This was just an absolute banger of a weekend and I hope more events like this happen because it's so fun to engage with history hands-on and see other people who care about it as much as you do. It's the best! Perfect!

[expresslimoinc]

The Best Newark Transit (Updated 2024)

Navigating a bustling city like Newark requires a reliable and efficient transit system, and Newark’s options do not disappoint. As one of New Jersey’s most significant urban centers, Newark offers a robust mix of public and private transportation options catering to both residents and visitors. With 2024 bringing exciting updates, the city’s transit system is more connected and sustainable than ever. Whether you’re commuting to work, exploring landmarks, or catching a flight, Newark’s transit network ensures seamless mobility.

Overview of Newark Transit Options

Newark boasts a variety of transit modes, from public buses and trains to modern micro-mobility solutions. Here’s an overview:

Public Transit Services

Public transportation forms the backbone of Newark’s transit network. NJ Transit buses and commuter trains connect neighborhoods, while the Newark Light Rail links crucial parts of the city with nearby hubs. These services prioritize affordability and accessibility, ensuring mobility for all.

Private Transportation Alternatives

Prefer something more private? Ride-sharing giants like Uber and Lyft operate extensively in Newark, alongside traditional taxis. Emerging micro-mobility options, including e-scooters and bike-sharing programs, offer eco-friendly alternatives for short trips.

Regional Connections

Newark serves as a gateway to the Tri-State Area. From Newark Penn Station, you can access NJ Transit trains, Amtrak, and PATH services, seamlessly connecting to New York City, Jersey City, and beyond.

Newark Light Rail

Overview and Routes

The Newark Light Rail is a hidden gem for commuters. Spanning two main lines—the Newark City Subway and the Broad Street Extension—it links downtown Newark with areas like Bloomfield and Belleville. The system integrates well with NJ Transit buses and trains, making multi-modal trips straightforward.

Benefits of the Light Rail

Why choose the Light Rail? For one, it’s cost-effective and environmentally friendly. It also saves time by bypassing traffic congestion, making it a favorite for daily commuters.

Bus Services in Newark

NJ Transit Buses

NJ Transit operates an extensive bus network in Newark Airport. Popular routes like the 25 and 62 cater to key areas, including Newark Penn Station and the airport. These buses are equipped with accessibility features, ensuring everyone can travel comfortably.

Private Bus Options

Private shuttles and charter buses offer additional flexibility, especially for group travel or special events. Companies like Megabus and Greyhound also connect Newark to other major cities.

Train Services in Newark

NJ Transit Commuter Trains

For those commuting to nearby cities, NJ Transit commuter trains are the go-to option. They provide frequent service to New York City, Hoboken, and Jersey City. With competitive ticket prices, these trains are both practical and economical.

Amtrak Services

Amtrak connects Newark with long-distance destinations, from Boston to Washington, D.C. Newark Penn Station serves as a major hub, offering amenities like Wi-Fi, dining options, and comfortable waiting areas.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Transit Options

AirTrain Newark

The AirTrain is a lifeline for airport travelers. This automated monorail connects Newark Liberty International Airport terminals with NJ Transit and Amtrak services, ensuring stress-free transfers.

Public Transit to the Airport

Buses and trains also provide direct access to the airport at a fraction of the cost of private rides. The NJ Transit 62 bus, for example, links downtown Newark to EWR in under 30 minutes.

Ride-Sharing and Taxis in Newark

Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft dominate Newark’s ride-sharing landscape, offering convenient, app-based solutions for getting around the city. These car services to newark airport not uber or lyft are perfect for travelers seeking flexibility, with options ranging from economy to luxury rides. Prices vary based on demand and distance, but ride-sharing is often more cost-effective than traditional taxis. Pro tip: Use promotional codes or apps like Hopper to snag discounts, especially during peak times.

Traditional Taxis

Traditional yellow and black taxis remain a dependable option in Newark. You’ll find taxi stands at Newark Penn Station, Newark Liberty International Airport, and popular hotels. While they can be pricier than ride-sharing options, taxis offer fixed rates for certain routes, eliminating surprises. Just ensure you confirm the fare before starting your journey.

Micro-Mobility Options in Newark

Bike-Sharing Programs

CitiBike, one of the leading bike-sharing programs, has expanded its presence in Newark. These bikes are stationed across the city, making it easy to grab one for short trips. Riding a bike is not just eco-friendly—it’s also a fantastic way to soak in the sights of Newark’s bustling streets and scenic parks. With affordable hourly rates and passes, bike-sharing is ideal for commuters and casual riders alike.

Electric Scooters

E-scooters are the latest buzz in urban transportation. Companies like Lime and Bird provide these easy-to-use scooters in key parts of Newark. You’ll need to download the app, locate a nearby scooter, and zip off to your destination. Just remember to follow local regulations, wear a helmet, and park responsibly to keep the sidewalks clear for pedestrians.

Regional Transit Connections

PATH Trains

PATH trains connect Newark with Jersey City and Manhattan, offering a fast, efficient option for commuters. Running from Newark Penn Station to destinations like the World Trade Center, PATH trains are a lifeline for those working or exploring in New York. With trains operating every few minutes during peak hours, PATH ensures minimal wait times and maximum convenience.

Connections to Nearby Cities

Newark is perfectly situated for regional travel. NJ Transit and private bus services provide seamless access to nearby cities like Hoboken, Elizabeth, and Union City. These connections make Newark an excellent base for exploring the rest of New Jersey and beyond.

Tips for Navigating Newark’s Transit System

Using Transit Apps

Transit apps are game-changers for navigating Newark’s network. Apps like NJ Transit’s MyTix and Google Maps provide real-time updates, route planning, and ticketing options. If you’re exploring beyond Newark, apps like Citymapper can guide you through multi-modal trips with ease.

Safety and Etiquette

Traveling in Newark’s transit system is safe and straightforward, but a few tips go a long way. Keep your belongings secure, avoid rush-hour crowds, and be courteous to fellow passengers. Small gestures, like giving up your seat to someone in need, can make everyone’s journey more pleasant.

Conclusion

Newark’s transit system in 2024 offers an impressive mix of convenience, connectivity, and sustainability. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a first-time visitor, options like the Light Rail, NJ Transit buses, and PATH trains ensure you can get where you need to go efficiently. With exciting upgrades and a focus on eco-friendly initiatives, Newark’s transit is set to serve the city better than ever. So hop aboard and explore Newark—your journey awaits!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get from Newark to NYC?The PATH train or NJ Transit commuter trains are the fastest and most affordable ways to reach New York City from Newark. Ride-sharing services are another option, though they can be more expensive.

Are Newark buses wheelchair accessible?Yes, NJ Transit buses in Newark are equipped with ramps, lifts, and designated seating areas to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

Can I use a single ticket across multiple transit systems in Newark?Certain passes, like NJ Transit’s monthly passes, allow transfers across buses and trains. However, systems like PATH require separate tickets.

Is the Newark Light Rail reliable for daily commutes?Absolutely! The Light Rail offers frequent service, making it a dependable option for commuting within Newark and connecting to major hubs.

How do I find the best ride-share deals in Newark?Apps like Hopper, Uber, and Lyft often offer promotions and discounts. Additionally, scheduling rides during non-peak hours can help you save on fares.

[guerrerense]

U34CH Homecoming por Erie Limited Por Flickr: The former Erie Lackawanna/NJ DOT U34CH recently restored by the URHS in Boonton, NJ shares the spotlight with one of Bennett Levin's Pennsylvania Railroad E8As. The event was NJ Transit's "Meet the Heritage Fleet" event at Hoboken Terminal. The weather couldn't be better and the U34CH looked right at home in the terminal where it spent over two decades in service. EL 3372 U34CH PRR 5711 E8A

[dykeofmisfortune]

booty shorts that say I got stranded at the Hoboken terminal for 2 hours because i missed my train

[fumejumesippy]

Hoboken Lackawanna Terminal

[home-inspiration-blog]

Strike by New Jersey Transit train engineers leaves some 350,000 commuters in the lurch

By BRUCE SHIPKOWSKI, Associated Press New Jersey Transit train engineers went on strike, leaving train terminals quiet for Friday’s rush hour and an estimated 350,000 commuters in New Jersey and New York City to seek other means to reach their destinations or consider staying home. Groups of picketers gathered in front of transit headquarters in Newark and at the Hoboken Terminal, carrying signs…

[newssphere0]

New Jersey Transit strike disrupts travel

New Jersey Transit train engineers went on strike Friday, leaving an estimated 350,000 commuters in New Jersey and New York City to seek other means to reach their destinations or consider staying home. Groups of picketers gathered in front of transit headquarters in Newark and at the Hoboken Terminal, carrying signs that said “Locomotive Engineers on Strike” and “NJ Transit: Millions for…

[enterprisewired]

PATH Service Resumes After Major Rush Hour Disruption

Source: nydailynews.com

Commuters across New Jersey and New York faced significant delays on Thursday morning as PATH service experienced a full systemwide shutdown during peak rush hour. The disruption began shortly after 8:00 a.m. and lasted for nearly an hour, severely impacting thousands of riders. According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the initial cause of the outage was linked to a track condition at the Grove Street station.

The unexpected halt in service created widespread confusion and frustration for morning travelers relying on the PATH network to reach their destinations. The timing of the shutdown, coinciding with one of the busiest periods of the day, led to packed platforms and disrupted schedules across the region.

Partial Recovery and Cross-Honoring Arrangements

By 8:58 a.m., the Port Authority announced that PATH service had resumed across the system, although with lingering delays. Trains began operating again, but the residual impact of the disruption meant that many riders continued to face longer-than-usual travel times.

To mitigate the inconvenience, the Port Authority activated cross-honoring arrangements with several regional transit providers. NJ Transit rail and bus services honored PATH tickets systemwide, allowing passengers to use alternate routes. Additionally, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) was cross-honoring PATH tickets at Hoboken (HOB) and Exchange Place (EXPL). New York Waterway (NYWW) ferry services also participated, honoring PATH tickets at key terminals including Hoboken, Brookfield Place, and Paulus Hook.

These emergency measures helped ease the burden on stranded commuters, providing much-needed alternatives while full PATH operations were restored.

Apologies Issued, Long-Term Concerns Raised

In a statement following the incident, the Port Authority extended an apology to affected passengers, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the shutdown and the resulting delays. “We apologize for the inconvenience,” the agency said via its official communication channels, including a post just before 9:00 a.m.

While PATH service eventually resumed, the disruption reignited concerns about the reliability of the region’s critical transit infrastructure. Riders expressed frustration on social media, calling for improved maintenance and faster response systems to prevent similar incidents in the future. Given the high volume of weekday traffic on the PATH system, which serves as a lifeline for commuters between New Jersey and Manhattan, such breakdowns carry widespread impact.

Officials have not released detailed information about the specific track condition that led to the shutdown. It remains unclear whether more extensive repairs or long-term changes will be needed to prevent recurrence.

For now, PATH service is running again, though delays may continue throughout the day as the system recovers. Commuters are advised to check updates regularly and consider alternative options if necessary.

[newjerseyrealestategroupe]

Transportation Hubs and Commuter Information: The New Jersey Advantage

For New Jersey residents, one of the state's most valuable assets is its strategic location and robust transportation infrastructure. With seamless access to two major metropolitan areas—New York City and Philadelphia—New Jersey offers unparalleled connectivity that shapes both lifestyle and property values. Let's explore the transportation landscape that makes the Garden State an ideal place to call home.

NJ Transit: Connecting Communities

New Jersey's public transportation network is among the most comprehensive in the nation, with NJ Transit serving as its backbone. Here's how different regions benefit:

Northern New Jersey

Towns like Montclair, Summit, and Morristown enjoy frequent train service to NYC with commute times ranging from 35-60 minutes. The Bergen County and Main Lines connect communities like Ridgewood and Ramsey, while the Morris & Essex Lines serve affluent towns like Short Hills and Chatham.

Key Transit Hubs:

Secaucus Junction: The ultimate transfer station connecting multiple rail lines

Hoboken Terminal: Gateway to Manhattan via PATH trains and ferries

Newark Penn Station: Access to Amtrak, PATH, and multiple NJ Transit lines

Central New Jersey

The Northeast Corridor Line is the lifeline for towns like Princeton, New Brunswick, and Metuchen, offering express trains that reach NYC in under an hour. The North Jersey Coast Line serves communities along the shore, connecting places like Red Bank and Long Branch to both NYC and the beach.

Popular Commuter Towns:

Princeton Junction: Express trains reach NYC in 50-60 minutes

Metropark (Iselin): A major transit hub with abundant parking and express service

Westfield: Combines charming downtown with direct Raritan Valley Line service

Southern New Jersey

The River Line light rail connects Trenton to Camden, while multiple NJ Transit bus routes and the PATCO Speedline provide access to Philadelphia. Towns like Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, and Collingswood offer quick commutes to Center City Philadelphia.

Proximity to Major Cities

NYC Access Points

The Lincoln and Holland Tunnels connect Hudson County towns to Manhattan

The George Washington Bridge links Bergen County to upper Manhattan

The Outerbridge Crossing and Goethals Bridge connect Staten Island to central/southern NJ

Commute Times to Manhattan:

Hoboken: 10-15 minutes via PATH

Fort Lee: 20-30 minutes via GWB (without traffic)

Montclair: 35-45 minutes via Midtown Direct service

Princeton: 60-75 minutes via Northeast Corridor Line

Philadelphia Access Points

The Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman Bridges connect Camden County to Center City

I-95 provides direct access from towns along the Delaware River

Commute Times to Philadelphia:

Cherry Hill: 15-20 minutes via car

Haddonfield: 20 minutes via PATCO Speedline

Mount Laurel: 25-30 minutes via car

Princeton: 45-60 minutes via car or rail connections

Analyzing Suburban Commute Times

The pandemic has reshaped commuting patterns, with many professionals now prioritizing space and amenities over proximity to cities. This trend has increased interest in "further out" suburbs that offer more affordable housing with reasonable (though longer) commutes.

Emerging Commuter Towns:

Warren County: Towns like Hackettstown (90 minutes to NYC) now attract buyers willing to commute a few days per week

Burlington County: Communities like Moorestown offer spacious homes with 45-minute commutes to Philadelphia

Ocean County: Towns like Toms River provide shore living with feasible commutes via the Garden State Parkway

Transportation Access and Property Values

The relationship between transit access and property values is well-established in New Jersey real estate:

Premium for Transit-Oriented Development

Properties within walking distance (½ mile) of NJ Transit stations command 20-30% higher prices on average than similar homes without train access. Towns with vibrant, walkable downtowns surrounding transit hubs—like Montclair, Ridgewood, and Westfield—have seen consistent property appreciation even during market fluctuations.

Impact of Express Train Service

Communities with express train service to NYC or Philadelphia see even greater premiums. For example:

Summit homes near Midtown Direct service command 35-40% higher prices

Princeton Junction properties benefit from Northeast Corridor express trains

Haddonfield homes with PATCO access maintain stronger values than similar properties without transit options

Future Transportation Developments

Several major transportation projects on the horizon will likely create new real estate hotspots:

The Gateway Tunnel Project: Will increase rail capacity between NJ and NYC

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail extensions: Will enhance property values in eastern Bergen County

Glassboro-Camden Line: Will create new transit-oriented development opportunities in South Jersey

Making Strategic Real Estate Decisions

At NJ Luxury Real Estate, we understand that transportation access is often a critical factor for homebuyers. Our expertise combines deep knowledge of New Jersey's transportation landscape with insights into how commuting patterns affect property values.

Whether you're looking for a walkable community with direct train service, a suburban oasis with a reasonable driving commute, or a future investment in an area slated for transportation improvements, our team can help you navigate the options.

We pride ourselves on staying informed about transportation developments that impact real estate decisions. From analyzing commute times to identifying up-and-coming transit-oriented communities, we provide the expertise you need to make informed choices in New Jersey's dynamic market.

Connect with NJ Luxury Real Estate today to discover how our transportation insights can help you find your perfect property in the Garden State where location and connectivity create exceptional living opportunities.

Highlighted Members:

Business Name: NJ Luxury Real Estate

Address: SERHANT. NJ, 51 JFK Parkway, Short Hills, NJ 07078, United States                        

Phone Number : +19733198901

Website : https://www.newjerseyluxuryrealestate.com/ 

[186-3]

transit idea

okay so it's a well-worn idea that transit in the united states is perpetually strapped for cash. this seems to be especially true on the east coast, where old, well-established systems are falling apart and running on fumes

so i have an idea to help some of these agencies - specifically, the ones surrounding new jersey - out of their cash deficits. and that is:

carve up nj transit and merge the pieces with other agencies

more specifically:

the northern half of njtransit

(including busses and light rails in bergen, hudson, essex, union, somerset, middlesex, monmouth, passaic, morris, sussex, hunterdon, and warren counties; all commuter rail lines terminating at newark, new york, or hoboken; and the princeton dinky)

would be merged with the MTA

(which runs the new york subway and busses, metro-north, and the long island railroad)

and the port authority of new york and new jersey

(which runs PATH trains, and owns newark airport, laguardia, jfk, every major bridge and tunnel connecting new york and new jersey, and a lot of the bridges and tunnels between boroughs, and the ports of new york and new jersey)

the southwestern part of njtransit

(including bus services in mercer, burlington, camden, gloucester, salem, and cumberland counties; all njtransit busses servicing philadelphia, camden, or trenton; plus the RIVER Line and the atlantic city line)

would be merged with SEPTA

(which runs the philadelphia subway, busses, and commuter rails)

and the delaware river port authority

(which runs PATCO trains, every bridge between new jersey and pennsylvania south of and including the betsy ross bridge, and all of the ports of the philadelphia areas)

the coastal part of nj transit

(including all busses servicing ocean, atlantic, and cape may counties; and all busses terminating at lakewood)

would be merged with the new jersey turnpike authority

(which manages the atlantic city expressway, the garden state parkway, and the new jersey turnpike)

there are a lot of advantages to this idea, so i'm gonna run through them:

advantages

operating trains over state lines would become a lot easier when the trains are operated by multi-state agencies like the port authorities

because the airports and transit would no longer be operated by different agencies, we would get free transfers from jamaica to JFK, howard beach to jfk, and newark airport station to newark airport - each of which currently cost 8 dollars in either direction

free transfers between PATCO and SEPTA trains would significantly simplify 8th street station, and a unified fare control would finally give SEPTA the impetus to reopen the tunnel between walnut-locust station and the PATCO stations at 15th/16th and at 12th/13th

this could enable free transfers between PATCO and the RIVER Line, and between PATH and the newark light rail, hudson-bergen line, and the new york subway - giving you a one-fare ride from anywhere in new york city to anywhere in newark or jersey city

for coastal jersey, this could encourage express busses that run on the garden state parkway, which could reduce traffic on the notoriously congested road (same with the atlantic city expressway)

capitol projects interconnecting regions that are separated by state lines would become much easier when they are operated by interstate agencies

lastly, many of these agencies which make a humongous amount of money off of car tolls (and are often overflowing with money) would suddenly be forced to share their profits with the horribly indebted transit agencies. this would give a lot more money to the transit agencies, and enable them to finally invest in capitol projects instead of constantly being forced to scrounge just to stay operational

what do you guys think? why is this a bad idea? why is this a good idea? i genuinely wanna hear what other people think of this, because i think it's a decent idea

[xerotic-eunichx]

Another Story I wrote from Jan. 2021

Hoboken Terminal

The train was five minutes behind schedule. There was almost no one on the train, and scantily anyone aware of the delay besides myself. Two old men sat in the front of the car, seemingly deep in their own thoughts with one leaning on his cane and one sprawled against the burgundy seats. Upon closer inspection one could tell that they were merely asleep after a slow journey on this line from Paterson. A mother and her child sat a few rows ahead of me, speaking their own language to each other in their own little world. The little boy enjoyed the sights of the yard we were rolling through and his mother beamed at his joy, though it had little effect on the dreary mood of the car. Outside the streaked window, it was May and the trees had begun to bud, and Hoboken sat still against the bright blue sky. People moved in the distance though no detail could be met, no one would want to hang around a train yard. The train finally made it under the station shed, making it so dark that it could be anytime of day as our nearly empty train joined a long line of fully empty trains. 

I rushed down the steps at the end of the car to make it onto the low platform, everyone else behind me as I rushed down towards the ferries. It had been years since I was last there, though it hadn’t changed at all with huge trains waiting to whisk away the few people that would board them. The yellow lights of the huge departure board displayed the lack of departures for the middle of a weekday, just when the rush would start around four thirty. Despite the lack of trains the board was still a beauty, old lettering and back lighting straight out of the seventies, which was probably the last time anyone cared about what happened in this place. When I turned back away from the board all of my fellow former passengers were gone, probably down in the PATH tunnels waiting to leave on a train that would rather wait until all of Hoboken got on. People were waiting for coffee and reading the paper at the small stalls in the dark green walls of the terminal building. The doors to the lobby were adorned with gilded handles harkening back to the terminal’s origins, seemingly the only thing the place could boast about anymore. Boast they should however, the lobby was a masterpiece with large hanging bulbs affixed to the crown mold surrounding the terracotta tiled ceiling. Wooden windows lead to ticket booths with windows so clean the black and white tiles of the floor made the workers inside look like a silent film. The small offices served no one however, and the workers inside seemed to fit better in a vintage photograph than reality. Stairs at the far end lead to more offices beyond the sturdy and tall wooden waiting benches in front of me, and below the stairs was my destination, the ferry slips. I walked through the lobby like a King in his court, though the desolate nature of the hobby perhaps made me more like Hades. 

As the gilded handles of the doors on the other end greeted me, the austacious lights of the lobby said their goodbyes. The ferry slips were much darker than the terminal, despite being nominally outside. Narrow walkways extended out into the water with small ordenmants of metal on either side, though no ships were present to meet them. The departures board said that they were at most every half hour, so assuming that I had just missed one I moved to look out across the hudson. Manhattan gleamed in the distance, the buildings were playing king of the hill with each other to see would reign supreme. Claying their way ever higher to the Heavens, Olympus, or any other greater plane couldn’t be decided. The water was blue under the sun, but more of a gray in actuality. It lapped against the pier pillars, and beyond that the wall that the building sat on. Little waves crashed and retreated, over and over and over, the same splash everytime could be heard from every pillar and every surface that could ever be hit. As I watched the water and its flows, it did what was expected of it everytime, until I caught a wave with no origin crashing sideways into another one. Vortexes then formed all around the pillars as the water decided to travel as it may without any regard for physical laws. A stream of yellow light then appeared on the slips, as I looked back towards the city the light of a setting sun was being reflected back across the river towards the terminal. A ferry could never realistically travel in such treacherous waters I thought, I should’ve just taken the PATH. 

I rushed back inside to find my way to the PATH entrance, but scant signage proved useful in keeping me in such a useless building. The lobby was busier now than it was before, with people standing about, unmoving while they stared at nothing in particular. They were not fiance types in suits, but not the poor homeless of Penn Station either, far too regular for the fanciful lobby. I was the only one moving as I moved towards the doors labelled “exit”, as if they were too shy to even look one in the eye. A man lit a cigarette as I was about to exit the building, I didn’t think anything of it. The terminal was a castle of evergreen metal outside, with a large clocktower dwarfed by the more modern buildings across the river and farther down in Jersey City. “LACKAWANNA RR” was written in large letters above the entrance, though a few of the letters decided to take an evening off when their lights were most important. Police cars were parked in front of the barren square, though no human could be seen anywhere, just their built creations. No official sign for PATH trains was anywhere to be seen, but a small piece of printer paper had an arrow pointing towards a staircase on one side, and an apartment listing on the other, as it was perpetually close to falling from its tape. The staircase was so unimportant that it must have made any man who walked down it feel like a lesser rat. The tiled walls were dirtier than those in the Lincoln Tunnel, and the floor looked like a congelement of puke and misery with cheap concrete. As I walked along the corridor it turned and turned back on itself, I passed a homeless man and gave him the quarters in my pocket, but I thought I had just seen him before so I have him a five on top of that. I kept going, following the singular line of green tiles that contrasted the pissed stained yellow ones. I came across a staircase, it led back up to the barren square I was in before, still lonely, but now with a purple sky in the background. I had thought New Jersey faced the east, but maybe they were having some sort of special event. 

I somehow found myself on a PATH training bound for midtown, the car was packed and the doors were still open. Everyone was silent as everything was in Hoboken, all staring into their own worlds. An old woman sat in her fancy hat at the end of the bench, her eyes were hidden in her glasses but it was obvious that she was staring out the window. Her hands were sad as was her posture, hunched over like everyone on the train would attack her at any minute. Everyone’s posture was sad, hunched like cold and hungry dogs in the commercials all while wearing large coats and holding huge bags like runaways in a teen drama. We arrived at Christopher Street Station and a good amount of people got off, while no one got on. Across from me was a man with a large duffel bag, he wore three coats and the densest pair of jeans I had ever seen. He wore headphones, but no sound could be heard from them. His eyes were closed though he wasn’t asleep, he seemed to be rocking back and forth like he was praying. He gripped the bag strongly, his hand seemed to be bleeding from the dig of his finger nails. Despite all of this his face was as serene as anyone else’s, everyone looked like a stoic subject in a painting. The lighting helped this image as it flickered on and off, illuminating and reilluminating the subjects as they sat in their repose. The ads on the car wall spoke of help for New Yorker’s through some new shoe or a new kind of taxi company, but they didn’t draw the eye of anyone on board. The journey of the city is eternal, its struggles superseding anything material for that was the city in its birth and it will be the city in its death. 

The train arrived back in Hoboken sometime later, I must’ve been distracted by some hustlers selling candy or CDs or some other oddity. The waiting area sat at the head of the trains as they stared you down, trying to convince anyone to choose them over the identical rolling stock next to it, destinations differed though all were the same. I boarded one with red seats and end car stairs as a light flurry began to fall. The train was warm with cold passengers, its conductors rushed up and down the aisles checking tickets that could never pay by themselves to have the train run. A young family sat near me as I stared out the streaky window at the lights of Hoboken with the snow falling in front of them. We departed five minutes late.