For NJ Transit riders getting on at the Glen Ridge Station this morning, the sudden appearance of brand new ticket vending machines (TVMs) added additional agitation to an already difficult commuter experience, at the end of week one of the De Camp strike.
It’s well known that there’s a $5 surcharge for boarding without a ticket, but in Glen Ridge, tickets have long been bought from the conductor on the train without penalty, since there’s been no point of purchase at the station — until today, that is. While NJ Transit spokesman Dan Stessel says that there’s a grace period, and no fine would have been charged today, there was no sign to indicate this, and riders were upset and confused. Our reporters observed people rushing back and forth between arriving train and the machine, not knowing whether or not there was time to buy a ticket, and what the repercussions of not having one would be.
When Baristanet called Stessel just after 9 a.m. today to ask about the new machines — which have been in the works for several months – he was unaware that they had, in fact, been installed. As a result of our call, Stessel immediately put out an email advisory to Glen Ridge riders, notifying them of the ticket vending machines (TVM), and indicating the penalty grace period of at least two weeks.
While customers are encouraged to use the new machines whenever possible, NJ TRANSIT’s practice is to allow at least two weeks of customer familiarization before implementing an onboard surcharge at stations with new TVMs. As such, Glen Ridge customers may continue to purchase tickets aboard trains without incurring a $5 surcharge until further notice.
Stessel explained that purchasing tickets in advance is always a good idea and will help riders avoid stress. “We knew this day of ticket machines at the GR station was coming,” Stessel explained, “Customers can buy tickets from any vending machine for any destination, and don’t have to depend on the actual GR TVMs to get their tickets. New York Penn Station has 2 dozen machines along with ticket agents, and Hoboken also has a lot of options.”
But for those embarking in GR this morning, it was confusing at best and perhaps even anxiety inducing. This week, with thousands of additional riders on the Montclair line, the platform and trains have been packed and it’s been a challenge to find a commuting comfort zone.
According to our intrepid “man on the Montclair train line” Ted Bongiovanni (who sent us this train photo), there wasn’t an empty seat to be found on the 7:48 out of Glen Ridge and tempers were short. “I’ve never seen it this crowded before. I went to my usual spot at the very front of the platform, but when the train pulled in, the conductor advised us to move to the back, as there were no seats or standing room in the front cars,” Bongiovanni told us this morning after he got off the train in NY. “When we stopped at Bloomfield station, two women started yelling ate each other while boarding — apparently the front woman wasn’t moving fast enough for the woman behind her. Then the conductor started yelling at them both, and it became very stressful.”
“All I can say is that I’m very grateful for my headphones,” he said.
I have to give it up to the female conductor that is usually in the first two cars (not the one that firmly advises passengers to not stand in the cars) she was really nice and looked very helpful. I ride te 659 from walnut and it was pretty packed and by the time we got to watsessing it looked like the picture above. Can anyone tell me how the trains are at 452??