The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has issued guidance for travelers in anticipation of a potential suspension of NJ TRANSIT rail service starting Friday, May 16. The advisory outlines alternative transportation options and logistical adjustments to accommodate displaced passengers.
At the Midtown Bus Terminal, NJ TRANSIT has developed a disruption plan that includes additional bus services. Some private commuter carriers may also modify their services to handle increased passenger volumes. Travelers are advised to check with individual bus carriers for specific information. Trailways departures will be relocated to gates 64-68 on the lower level of the north wing starting Monday, May 12. The Lincoln Tunnel’s Exclusive Bus Lane may have expanded hours if necessary.
The Port Authority warns of crowded conditions during peak hours at the bus terminal due to limited capacity for displaced rail passengers. Extra staff will be present to assist with navigation and crowd management.
PATH commuter rail services will maintain normal weekday schedules but may adjust as needed to manage crowding. Passengers are encouraged to avoid peak travel times if possible.
In case NJ TRANSIT rail service is suspended, trains will not serve Newark Liberty International Airport’s rail station; however, select Amtrak trains will continue operations there. AirTrain Newark remains available for Amtrak passengers, and several NJ TRANSIT buses offer service to the airport.
A new travel option from the Port Authority begins May 16: free shuttle buses between Newark-Penn Station and AirTrain Newark’s P4 station every 20 minutes, except between 2 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., when NJ TRANSIT does not operate rail service. Travelers should expect crowded conditions on these shuttles and at stations.
For those traveling from Newark-Penn Station to Newark Airport, signs direct passengers to the pickup point on Raymond Boulevard near the Doubletree by Hilton hotel. From there, shuttles take travelers directly to AirTrain Newark’s P4 station for access to airport terminals.
Travelers returning from Newark Airport should take AirTrain Newark to P4 Station and follow directions from Port Authority staff for shuttle pickup back to Newark-Penn Station.
