A 25-percent discount to ride the NJ Transit bus to the Princeton Junction train station will go into effect on March 1.
This discount makes up for travelers who have to ride the NJ Transit bus instead of taking the Princeton Dinky shuttle train to the Princeton Junction train station.
The 25-percent discount agreed upon by NJ Transit will remain in effect until the full restoration of train service, at which point, it will be an extended for an additional month to offset the full-cost fares in February, said Assemblyman Dan Benson (D-Mercer, Middlesex). He chairs the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.
The Princeton Dinky shuttle train has been out of commission since October 2018 so NJ Transit could install a high-tech safety system – Positive Train Control – on its rail network.
NJ Transit officials said the Dinky had to be taken out of service temporarily because the crews were needed to help meet the Dec. 31, 2018 deadline to install the new safety system.
The Dinky was supposed to be placed back in service by the middle of last month, but service remains suspended. Commuters must use the NJ Transit bus between the Princeton train station on Alexander Street and the Princeton Junction train station.
The 25-percent discount matches the discount offered to riders of the Atlantic City Rail Line, which has also been suspended. Riders on the Atlantic City Rail Line also must take the NJ Transit bus instead of the train.
NJ Transit officials said rail service would be restored to the Princeton Dinky shuttle and the Atlantic City Rail Line during the second quarter of 2019.
Meanwhile, Assemblyman Benson praised Mayor Liz Lempert and Assemblyman Roy Freiman (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset) for their efforts in securing the 25-percent discount.
“Their patience and diligence on this issue ensured that their constituents’ concerns were addressed as quickly as possible,” Assemblyman Benson said, adding that he would like to commend NJ Transit for listening to commuters’ concerns.
“I will continue working with all stakeholders as we provide the necessary oversight of NJ Transit. This includes advocating for full restoration of all suspended rail service as soon as possible, but no later than the 2nd quarter this year,” he said.
Assemblyman Freiman, whose legislative district includes Princeton, also praised NJ Transit for its decision to offer the 25-percent discount to the Princeton Dinky shuttle riders who have been inconvenienced by the lack of train service.
Freiman also thanked Mayor Lempert for advocating for Princeton residents, and Benson for making his constituents a priority and leading the effort to address their concerns with NJ Transit.
