(The following article by Bonnie Friedman was posted on the Jersey Journal website on November 17.)
HOBOKEN, N.J. — Hoping to avert a “Gridlock Alert Day” in New York City, NJ Transit representatives handed out hundreds of free round-trip train ride coupons yesterday at Hoboken Terminal.
The catch, however, is that they’re only good tomorrow – and only between New York City and either the Ramsey Route 17 Station or Montclair State University Station.
A “Gridlock Alert” is issued by the New York City Department of Transportation when a heavy volume of traffic is expected.
To encourage commuters and visitors to leave their cars at home, NJ Transit also is offering added weekend rail service and special “early getaway” rail service from New York Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal on Wednesday starting at noon.
Additional service is being added throughout the holiday season.
Parents are encouraged to take advantage of NJ Transit’s Super Saver Fare, which enables two children – 11 and under – to travel free with each fare-paying adult from Wednesday until Nov. 28.