I make a point of not going away for Memorial Day weekend, though that may be because I’m just not getting any shore house invites (what’s up with that?). While I could easily be persuaded to be a beachfront guest, I actually enjoy the quieter times here in busy Baristaville and thrive on not fighting the traffic. I also love the Glen Ridge parade (you can see me “marching” with the volunteer ambulance squad contingent) and the backyard BBQs.

If you’re amongst the masses of people headed out today, we thought you might take some guidance from the king of getting into and out of Baristaville, Josh Crandall of Clever Commute.

Do YOU remember what happened last year on “Getaway Friday” for Memorial Day?
We do. Hopefully, this will help you plan:

At Penn Station:
It started getting crowded at around 2:00 PM
Then, things got snarled by a broken-down train in the NJ tunnel. (first reported at 2:13)
That set the tone for the afternoon…with intermittent delays announced right up until 5:00
Folks on the NE Corridor Line (largest commuter line in North America) saw crowds and “newbies” in/around the Princeton University area due to their reunion (Yes…it is reunion weekend again).
At Port Authority – It seems that 4:00 was the “witching hour”…with a commuter sharing this at 4:17 PM: “Long lines and no buses”

To stay informed, Crandall reminds our readers that you can share information via Clever Commute. Use LISTNAME}@clevercommute.com to share real-time info with fellow commuters, the mobile app to see what’s happening on other lines, and get alerts via Twitter! or Text Messages

NJ Transit is offering “Early Getaway” service for Memorial Day, with kids riding free all weekend and extra outbound trains starting at 1 p.m. Extra busses will be added out of Port Authority around noon. On Memorial Day, May 30, trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule on all lines. Visit njtransit.com for details.

Memorial Day is also the start of NJ Transit’s discounted travel packages to destinations including the Jersey Shore, Six Flags Great Adventure and Monmouth Park:

Beach Packages: Save up to $6.50 on admission to one of five beaches— Long Branch, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach and Belmar—by purchasing round-trip train fare and a beach pass for one price at NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Special Promotions” and select “Beach Package”) or at ticket windows. Purchase it for $31.50 from NY Penn (and other stations) and for $23.50 from Hoboken Terminal or Newark Penn Station.

Six Flags Great Adventure: You can save up to $37 by purchasing round-trip bus transportation and park admission together. NJ Transit provides express bus service to Six Flags from the Port Authority and Newark Penn Station.

Monmouth Park: Board a train anywhere on NJ Transit’s rail system and save $6.00 when you travel to Monmouth Park Racetrack. Simply purchase a round-trip package to Monmouth Park from NJ TRANSIT ticket vending machines (choose “Special Promotions” and select “Monmouth Park”) or at ticket windows, and receive Grandstand Admission and an official track program for $1 plus round-trip train fare.

Every weekend, two children 11 and younger can travel free with each fare-paying adult. For the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the program will be in effect from 7 p.m. Friday, May 27 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 31.

For details on NJ TRANSIT’s Summer Services and customer discounts, visit njtransit.com/summer.

Enjoy the weekend, travel safely and give me a big wave if you’re at the Glen Ridge parade!

Photo by Chris Landers.

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• Holiday Train Service — and Some Tips from The Conductor
• NJ Transit Wants to Know How You Feel
• Worst. Commute. Ever.