UNION COUNTY — Raritan Valley Line riders will get the long-awaited, off-peak evening direct trains to NY Penn Station beginning Monday, Jan. 12. The announcement from the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition had special significance since the direct evening service was previously cancelled by NJ Transit.
“The Coalition launched a public information campaign, including public meetings, and worked closely with NJ Transit to get this important second phase of direct train service on the RVL,” said Peter Palmer, RVRC chairman and Somerset County freeholder. “But, we’re only halfway toward our goal of full midtown direct service,” he added.
The NJ Transit decision to implement the evening service came after securing funding from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.
It is expected that there will be four, weekday evening direct trains leaving NY Penn Station between 9 p.m. and midnight, with exact times still to be published. The morning off-peak direct trains, which began in March, currently run between 8:43 a.m. and 4:25 p.m.
The ultimate goal of the RVRC, which has championed the one-seat direct train service to New York City since 1998, is full midtown direct service. Currently, riders on peak hour trains transfer in Newark.
Members of the RVRC continue to meet regularly with NJ Transit officials to accomplish the goal. “We understand the complex nature of implementing these changes,” said Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, who heads the Mayor’s Coalition.
For more information, visit www.raritanvalleyrail.com, or contact [email protected].