Commuters calm despite NJ Transit gate changes at Port Authority Bus Terminal

Approximately 33,000 commuters encountered changes in the NJ Transit gates at Port Authority today.

So far the Port Authority does not expect any disruptions and are making sure commuters are well informed.

“This morning has gone quite well,” said Neal Buccino, public information officer for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “No major problems has been reported to us at this point.”

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Commuters confused about the changes have access to 75 ambassadors staffing the bus terminals who are available to answer any questions from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. from today until Monday September 14.

The Port Authority has handed out 120,000 brochures with information to commuters and 500 signs are visible throughout the terminal announcing the changes.

Commuters wondering about the changes can access the transit line’s web page or ask one of the customer service representatives who will be present at the bus terminal all week.

The changes will affect riders of NJ TRANSIT, Coach USA (specifically its Community Coach, Rockland, and Shortline carriers), DeCamp, and Lakeland.

“The consolidation of NJ TRANSIT’s operations and Coach USA’s operations will empower those carriers to better manage their bus logistics within the terminal, and build on our previous successes in helping buses arrive and leave on time,” Port Authority Bus Terminal General Manager Diannae Ehler said.

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The gate changes are part of the $90 million Quality of Commute program approved in 2014 by the Port Authority Board of Commissioners. The program follows initiatives that have helped reduce lines and crowding, plus improve bus flow during rush hour.

Out of the 185 gates at the terminal, 40 have undergone permanent changes. About 110,000 passengers use the terminal each weekday for 220,000 inbound and outbound trips.

Timetables for the NJ Transit will remain the same, but for more information on the gate changes go to http://www.panynj.gov/bus-terminals/bus-carrier-gate-changes.html