NJ Transit trains and light rail service will return to a regular weekday schedule on July 6 for the first time in three months since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
Gov. Phil Murphy made the announcement at his Wednesday press briefing.
“NJ Transit is taking this step now – before ridership increases to higher levels with businesses and offices coming back online to provide the runway it needs to properly communicate its social distancing protocols among commuters, so they can have trust in NJ Transit to safeguard their rides to and from work,” Murphy said.
Bus service has been running on a full weekday schedule since June 8, but rail and light rail remained on a modified, weekend schedule. NJ Transit reduced service after ridership plummeted by 95% after travel bans for non-essential workers and work from home orders were put in place to limit exposure to the coronavirus.
“We’re doing it proactively while ridership is still only at approximately twenty percent of pre-COVID-19 levels,” said Kevin Corbett, NJ Transit President and CEO, in a statement. “It’s critical that we stay ahead of the demand to maximize the opportunity for social distancing while we ensure that we continue providing the cleanest and safest travel environment for our customers and employees.”
The steps come as Murphy announced another round of business openings Wednesday, based on new COVID-19 cases.
“Without a doubt, more trains running means that we’re getting closer to taking our next steps along the road back,” Murphy said.
Executive Order 125, mandating wearing facial coverings on NJ Transit and reducing capacity by 50% on trains and buses to allow for social distancing remains in effect. Rail and bus capacity will be monitored and the order will be adjusted as needed, administration officials said.
Last week, Murphy and NJ Transit officials announced coronavirus prevention strategies as part of its “Road to Recovery” plans. They included a new to the U.S. step of asking riders to limit conversations on trains and buses to prevent spreading coronavirus through particles sprayed while talking.
Transit systems in Japan and parts of Europe have employed similar rules, along with requiring facial coverings and social distancing, which remain requirements on NJ Transit.
Officials of Vienna’s transit system, where reopening after coronavirus shutdowns is further along, said 65% of weekday riders and 75% of weekend riders have returned to using trains and buses there, which experts said reflects confidence in sanitizing equipment and facilities and other precautions.
Murphy said riders can read about NJ Transit’s full plans for resuming service and safeguarding riders online at njtransit.com/recovery.
With Rutgers, NJ Transit is testing the effectiveness of using Ultra Violet-C light to sanitize buses.
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Larry Higgs may be reached at [email protected].
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