NJ Transit Makes Alternatives Available to AC Rail Line Travelers in Wake of Comments

NEWARK — Following the latest “We Are Listening” forums in Atlantic City, Lindenwold, and Philadelphia this week, NJ TRANSIT, in an Aug. 23 release announced that it would implement changes to the planned temporary suspension of the Atlantic City Rail Line (ACRL) to further minimize the impact to customers and offer more travel options.
“Our customers came out to our forums to give us their feedback and opinions with the passion and directness of true New Jerseyans, and I can say we’ve heard them loud and clear,” stated Executive Director Kevin Corbett. “As a result of the open and frank give-and-take, we’re making some helpful changes and offering additional discounts that maximize the options to help customers navigate this temporary suspension as we work to meet federally mandatory Positive Train Control (PTC) safety installations by the end of the year.”
The additional discounts and travel options are as follows:
We’ve expanded the 25-percent discount to include all ACRL tickets and passes.
Discounted Philadelphia rail ticket/pass will also be accepted on:
The 417 bus route from Pennsauken to 30th St. in Philadelphia
The 555 bus route from Avandale Park-Ride to 30th St. in Philadelphia
All NJT bus routes serving Center City Philadelphia from Walter Rand Transportation Center (WRTC) in Camden
The River LINE – all service
These additional adjustments complement  earlier announced travel options and discounts, which can be found by clicking here. More detailed information on NJ TRANSIT’s PTC project can be found on the website at www.njtransit.com/PTC.
“We understand the impact these changes will have on our ACRL customers, and it wasn’t a decision that we made without exhausting all other options.  Unfortunately, we had to make this difficult decision in order to meet the federal PTC requirements by December 31, 2018,” stated Corbett. “We want to make sure we minimize the impacts to the greatest extent possible. That’s why we were on the ACRL this week and why we’re adding these travel options and expanding the 25% discount to all ACRL tickets and passes.”
NJ TRANSIT conducts “We Are Listening” forums periodically and throughout its service area to give customers the opportunity to speak directly to NJ TRANSIT’s Executive Director, general managers of operations and senior level staff.  Customers are encouraged to stop by with any questions they may have regarding alternate travel options and to offer any feedback about their commuting experiences.
Important Notes
Customers should continue to purchase their rail tickets & passes as they do today to take advantage of the 25% discount and the available cross-honoring options with PATCO and NJT bus. Rail ticket vending machines will continue to be available at all ACRL stations.
The Atlantic City Rail Station will remain open during this time and customers will still be able to utilize parking there.
The 340 Express Shuttle to Lindenwold, the 551 Express to Philadelphia and the 554 local bus making all rail station stops to Lindenwold will arrive and depart from the Atlantic City Bus Terminal.
A special Jitney shuttle will be established to connect to the AC Rail Terminal with the AC Bus Terminal for those who cannot or do not wish to walk the short distance between the parking at the AC Convention Center/Rail Terminal and the Bus Terminal.
ACRL customers utilizing PATCO to/from Philadelphia will not have service to/from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Customers will board/exit PATCO at the 8th St./Market St. Station in Philadelphia.
Atlantic City casino jitney bus service will not operate to/from the Atlantic City Rail Terminal. This service will relocate to/from the Atlantic City Bus Terminal.
Temporary Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) will be available at the PATCO Eighth St./Market St. Station to purchase NJ TRANSIT rail tickets to be cross-honored on PATCO.
Rail tickets will be sold at TVMs at the Atlantic City Bus Terminal and Greyhound Bus Terminal located at 10th and Filbert streets in Philadelphia.
Travel Tips
Customers utilizing paper tickets should retain those tickets for cross honoring on PATCO.
Check njtransit.com or news media before starting your trip for service advisories or alerts that may affect your trip.
Download NJ TRANSIT’s Mobile App for easy access to service information and advisories, ticket purchases via MyTix, real-time train departure status through DepartureVision, real-time or scheduled bus arrivals through MyBus, and other features to assist you during your commute.
Stay connected during your commute through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Search for rail, bus or light rail-specific Twitter accounts for the best information.
While we make every effort to respond to comments posted on our social media channels, NJ Transit recommends that riders contact the Customer Service team directly with critical or time-sensitive issues.
Twitter:  @NJTRANSIT
Facebook:  facebook.com/NJTRANSIT
YouTube Channel:  TheNewJerseyTransit
If riders will be altering their travel pattern during this time, they may want to update their travel alert preferences in their My Transit account. If they do not have a My Transit account and are a frequent traveler on NJ TRANSIT, sign up to receive alerts at njtransit.com/mytransit.hey
Purchase round-trip tickets prior to boarding trains, buses or light rail vehicles to speed up the return trip. Tickets are available at ticket vending machines and ticket agent locations at major terminals and stations, as well as through the MyTix feature on NJ TRANSIT’s Mobile App.
For more information on MyTix and to set up an account, visit njtransit.com/mytix.
Riders can provide feedback to te agency regarding their travel experience through the Contact Us feature on njtransit.com and the mobile app or call Customer Service at (973) 275-5555.