Hoboken Terminal - NJ Transit

February 2007

Hoboken Terminal Turns 100 Classic structure positioned for future growth

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tart spreadin’ the news… The city that gave birth to Francis Albert Sinatra is also the city that will mark the 100-year anniversary of the birth of one of the most renowned transportation centers in the United States — Hoboken Terminal. As the historic anchor of the MileSquare City hits the century mark, it is undergoing a $115 million rehabilitation that will resurrect its commuter ferry operations and propel it into its next 100 years of transportation and cultural significance. “Restoration of the Hoboken Ferry Terminal will continue to enhance the already rich intermodal transportation services that are available and help move customers locally and through our extensive system of intrastate connections,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director George Warrington. “In addition to transporta-

tion benefits, investments in this facility will help to enhance Hoboken’s economic vitality.”

A maritime center for the world In the early 1800s, the Hoboken waterfront was a resort area, and its many advantages eventually contributed to the city’s position as one of the world’s major maritime centers in the second half of the 19th century. In 1904, the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad (DL&W), which would later become the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, developed plans for a railroad terminal on the waterfront and commissioned famed architect Kenneth Murchison to design a new, fireproof commuter railferry terminal to replace the outmoded, wooden terminal built in the 1880s. A fire destroyed that structure in 1905, and caused the DL&W to step up construc-

tion of the new facility. The entire job was completed in 16 months, and on February 25, 1907, the DL&W opened the new Hoboken Terminal, the fifth and current terminal at the site. The new terminal featured Beaux-Arts as its primary architectural style, with references to English Victorian architecture and emerging American amusement parks of the era. The exterior was clad almost entirely in ornamental copper, giving both an elegant appearance and contributing to its fireproof qualities. Stained glass manufactured by Tiffany was set atop the main waiting room, giving the station one of the finest aesthetic appearances in the United States. Stained glass skylights also lined the ceiling of the elaborate second floor ferry concourse, one of the largest unobstructed spaces in the world. Another innovation was the train shed, developed by DL&W Chief Engineer Lin-

coln Bush. At the time, train sheds were enclosed, causing the exhaust from steam engines to become trapped inside and creating an unpleasant, smoky atmosphere. Bush’s low shed featured open channels above the tracks, allowing all smoke to vent while still protecting customers from the elements. This type of train shed became the new standard. Public Service’s extensive trolley system served the DL&W’s Hoboken Terminal on opening day. Public Service then built a larger, two-level trolley terminal connected to the DL&W's Hoboken Terminal. The trolley terminal was located where the existing Hoboken Bus Terminal stands today. In 1949, trolley service was discontinued as Public Service transitioned from trolley to bus service in Hudson County. The original steel beams from the trolley terminal are now used to support the existing Hoboken Bus Terminal. Hoboken Terminal was the flagship property of the DL&W, and remains the only ferry and commuter rail terminal still in operation in the United States. It was added to both the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

A boon for the local economy From its 1907 opening, Hoboken Terminal has played a defining role in shaping Hoboken’s community and economy, and as the hub of transportation, it became a thriving location for commerce and the site of several firsts. Did you know that: t The first electrified train on the DL&W, operated by Thomas Edison, departed Hoboken in 1930 and traveled to Montclair. t One of the first central air-conditioning units in a major building was installed at Hoboken Terminal. Electrically operated paddle fans circulated air that was chilled by blocks of ice and dispersed through a network of ducts. t The first wireless phone was used in Hoboken Terminal. Through the years, many cultural, business and entertainment enterprises have sprung up around the terminal, which A view from the early days of Hoboken Terminal shows different elements of architecture – from the English Victorian style of the famous clock tower to the large signs and bold illumination of the entrance evoking an American amusement park ambiance. A replica of the clock tower will be built this year.

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A major transportation hub

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hrough the years, Hoboken Terminal has remained a hub of activity. No matter where you are going, there is a good chance we can get you there through Hoboken via various modes of transportation.

Train Several rail lines serve Hoboken Terminal. These lines connect counties in northern and central New Jersey as well as

Orange and Rockland (N.Y.) counties with Hoboken and New York City. Lines include: t Port Jervis Line t Pascack Valley Line t Main/Bergen County Line t Montclair-Boonton Line t Morris & Essex Lines t North Jersey Coast Line (weekdays) t Raritan Valley Line (weekends)

You can reach many popular destinations, such as the Newark Liberty International Airport, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and Montclair State, Rutgers and Princeton universities. Trains also operate to several beaches along the Jersey Shore, and Monmouth Park racetrack during the summer. You can transfer at the Frank R. Lautenberg Rail Station at Secaucus Junction and travel to Trenton or New

Brunswick on the Northeast Corridor or down to the Jersey Shore on the North Jersey Coast Line. NJ TRANSIT plans to begin offering new rail service to the Meadowlands by fall 2009, and start bi-directional service on the Pascack Valley Line by early 2008. (Continued on Page 7)

Message from the Commissioner of Transportation

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t 100 years old, Hoboken Terminal is one of the crown jewels of our transit system, representing a bygone era that is being transformed to better serve bus, rail, light rail and ferry customers. We’ve already restored the main waiting room to its original historical grandeur. We added a Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station stop, which you can use to travel as far south as Bayonne or as far north as North Bergen. We also recently completed

Message from the Mayor of Hoboken

pedestrian and structural upgrades in the bus lanes to improve the travel experience for our bus customers. Currently, we are working with The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey to restore the terminal’s original ferry slips to improve connections and service for ferry customers. Finally, working closely with the cities of Hoboken and Jersey City, we plan to transform the 65-acre terminal and yard complex into a mixed-use community hub that will become a new destination and gateway on the Hudson River Waterfront. On behalf of Governor Corzine, NJ TRANSIT and the Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for riding our services and using Hoboken Terminal.

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e are proud to be the host city of one of America’s most magnificent transportation centers. The 100th anniversary of Hoboken Terminal is a reminder of the city’s transportation roots and how the terminal serves as an economic engine that

Sincerely,

Jon Corzine Governor

Kris Kolluri Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman

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Board of Directors Kris Kolluri, Esq. Transportation Commissioner & NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman

drives our city, county, state and region. The terminal’s multiple transportation options are among the key quality of life reasons that 40,000 residents choose to live here. It’s also a favorite destination for many train, bus, light rail, PATH and ferry customers who are traveling to Hoboken’s schools, world-class restaurants, businesses, entertainment or recreational destinations. Moving forward, we look forward to working with NJ TRANSIT on the shared vision of transforming this transportation hub into a model commercial and retail center, creating yet another destination in our great city. Happy Birthday Hoboken Terminal! Sincerely, Mayor David Roberts

Myron P. Shevell Vice Chairman A. Matthew Boxer, Esq. Governor’s Representative Bradley I. Abelow State Treasurer

Flora M. Castillo Kenneth E. Pringle Patrick W. Parkinson u

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George D. Warrington Executive Director

Hoboken Terminal turns 100 (Continued from Page 1) terminal, where the main waiting room has been returned to its original BeauxArts splendor, and the concourse area has been improved. Phase two of the overall ferry terminal rehabilitation project continues with the reconstruction of the finger piers and floor substructure to restore ferry service to five of the original six slips. The sixth slip is scheduled to become a ferry museum. This current phase also includes the reconstruction of the famous clock tower. In a nod to the grandeur of yesteryear, the elegant clock tower — at 225 feet

of New York & New Jersey. The restoration of ferry service into the original slips will allow for expansion of ferry service and greater flexibility in providing commuter service between New Jersey and Manhattan. Also, a team led by LCOR is working with NJ TRANSIT to redevelop the terminal and portions of the rail yard as a mixed-use, transit-oriented complex. LCOR is known for passenger terminal development at Washington Union Station, Grand Central Terminal and the JFK International Arrivals Terminal.

Workers take a break in front of the rising Hoboken Terminal, circa 1906. The steel skeleton of the landmark clock tower can be seen rising in the background.

also played host to the Hoboken Festival. The terminal has been the setting for numerous movie, television and video productions during its storied existence. This includes three Oscar-winning feature films — “On the Waterfront,” “Funny Girl” and “Age of Innocence” — and music videos by Eric Clapton and the late Luther Vandross.

Building for the next 100 years Hoboken Terminal continues to benefit from investments to improve its structure and functionality for customers. Rehabilitation work started in 1996 and is expected to continue through 2008. Completed work includes roof replacement, structural repairs to ferry slips and restoration of the interior of the rail

The main waiting room at Hoboken Terminal was historically restored, including its wooden benches, grand staircase, chandeliers and stained glass manufactured by Tiffany.

high, the most prominent feature of the terminal — will again grace the waterfront skyline at the location it was originally constructed. The tower was taken down in the early 1950s after enduring structural and weather damage. A tall, skeletal-steel radio tower replaced it eventually, and now has been removed as part of the overhaul. The new clock tower is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Teaming up for transit-oriented development The restoration of Hoboken Terminal is being carried out as a joint effort between NJ TRANSIT and The Port Authority

The rehabilitation work continues at Hoboken Terminal as scaffolding surrounds newly installed copper cladding at the corner of the ferry slips.

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The overall master plan for the terminal renovation seeks to: t Improve intermodal functionality to enhance the NJ TRANSIT customer experience and operational efficiency between rail, light rail, bus, PATH and ferry. t Maximize economic return from an underutilized real estate asset through transit-oriented development. t Reactivate the historic terminal as a waterfront gateway that serves as a transportation terminal and a mixeduse community hub. (Continued on Page 3)

Hoboken Terminal turns 100 (Continued from Page 2)

The addition of restaurants and retail space will transform a traditional passenger terminal into a new destination along the Hudson River waterfront.

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capitalize on public investment in the terminal building. "We look forward to working with NJ TRANSIT and LCOR to achieve a transit-oriented development plan that will complement the character of our community and deliver the mixed-use opportunities that enhance the quality of life for residents," said Hoboken Mayor David Roberts. “Hoboken Terminal has played a defining role in shaping our community. It is a

vital transportation hub that has spurred our economy for the past century. I am delighted that NJ TRANSIT is restoring this historic structure to its former grandeur, but with modern amenities, to serve our current transportation and retail needs. This is truly an important project for both Hoboken and the metropolitan region.”

Hoboken. If you are thinking about moving to the Hoboken area, you may want to consider one of these offers. Renaissance Realty Group, courtesy of NJS Enterprise Developers, is providing free transportation on Hudson-Bergen Light Rail for one year with the purchase of a new condominium unit at the Neapolitan complex, located at the 2nd Street Station stop in Hoboken. They also are offering a free two-zone bus intrastate pass for one year with the purchase of a condominium unit at the Bella Vista in Weehawken.

Creating partnerships to benefit new residents NJ TRANSIT is teaming up with local businesses to encourage more transitoriented development in and around

If you are interested in finding out more about these offers, you can contact them at www.RenaissanceRealtors.com or (201) 533-1800.

Keeping an eye on the system The “dugout” is critical to Hoboken’s rail mission

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n a small, corner office above the concourse of Hoboken Terminal, NJ TRANSIT staff works behind the darkened glass to coordinate the movement of customers and trains in and out of Hoboken Terminal. Overlooking Tracks 1-17, the only hint that they are there comes from the glow of the computer monitors that link them to the core of their mission, which is to make sure our customers move through the ter-

Monitoring service in the dugout The dugout houses the chief trainmaster, senior trainmaster and others who coordinate all train and crew movements into and out of Hoboken Terminal. The room is open about 20 hours a day, coordinated with the rail schedules of the Hoboken Division. The Hoboken Division includes all trains on the Morris & Essex, Main/Bergen County, Pascack Valley, Montclair-Boonton and Port Jervis

morning rush between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., and the evening rush between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., but they are ever watchful at all times, especially with the customer connections between lines and modes of transportation. “There is a domino effect in this terminal. What happens on one line can quickly affect the others.”

can’t leave their terminal without the sufficient number of crewmembers. The staff also makes sure the crews are rested and in their regular rotation. If a request for special assistance comes in, such as a need for a wheelchair or medical attention, they notify the crews, and make the necessary arrangements or adjustments to cover the need.

Communications and coordination are critical

A child and a violin

The dugout operates with a small staff using three separate computer terminals, multiple phone lines (including a direct line to train dispatchers), radio communications and other equipment to monitor service in and out of the terminal. They also have the ability to make announcements, if necessary, particularly during service interruptions when information quickly changes.

According to Brian, lost and found situations are commonplace, and just one of the many tasks that fall into the dugout’s role at Hoboken Terminal. “Recently, we had a schoolchild leave a violin on a train, and Rita took care of that,” he said. “She was able to quickly locate the train with the missing instrument, which we got right back to the student.” Most lost and found requests go to the Customer Service Office, but there have been plenty of lost

Overlooking the concourse at Hoboken Terminal, the dugout provides our rail employees with a clear view of arriving and departing trains.

minal safely and on time. Customers exiting a train or pursuing their next destination might glance upward and wonder what actually goes on in the small, bustling workspace affectionately called the “dugout.” “We closely monitor every train that comes and goes, using the Train Management and Control (TMAC) system,” said Chief Trainmaster, Hoboken Rita Whitley. “We can see the whole railroad just as a train dispatcher does.” NJ TRANSIT uses TMAC to track and control all of the rail movements on its system.

lines, and some trains on the North Jersey Coast and Raritan Valley lines. “We are in charge if there is any kind of problem with the trains, be it mechanical, crew or passenger,” Rita said. “We have to get that train moving and make sure all the customers get on their way.” The room originally was positioned above the newspaper stand, overlooking the tracks. After the recent renovation of the terminal’s waiting area, the dugout can now be found in the corner of the main building, across from the entrance to NY Waterway. Senior Trainmaster, Hoboken Brian Curreri noted the busiest times are the

Senior Trainmaster, Hoboken Brian Curreri (left) and Chief Trainmaster, Hoboken Rita Whitley closely monitor train service at Hoboken Terminal and other parts of our rail system.

In addition to the movement of trains, the dugout crew is responsible for the coordination of crewmembers. The supervisors have train crews’ schedules and know who’s aboard each train coming in and going out. If an employee notifies them of an absence or a late arrival, they alert and reconfigure the crews. Trains

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wallets, computers and eyeglasses that the dugout crew has tracked down. Just another day behind the scenes in the dark, corner office overlooking the tracks. Or, as Brian said, “We must be prepared for everything; things can change in a second.”

“My trip starts on a train in Garfield and ends at the light rail Pavonia-Newport Station. I like the terminal a lot. I like being outside and it’s clean.” — Kim Savino, Bergen County Line/ HBLR customer

“Hoboken Terminal is definitely comfortable. It’s a great place to come and relax before you get back to your commute.” — David D’Amato, Main/Bergen County Line customer

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“I take the train here to Hoboken and then take the Light Rail to Exchange Place. The terminal is great. I like to stop and walk around, stop at the pier and look at the New York skyline.” — Collette Johnson, Montclair-Boonton Line/HBLR customer

“My earliest recollection of the terminal is when it was used as the backdrop for Three Days of the Condor. Every time I come through here, I think about that movie. It’s always comfortable and well run. It’s a positive experience.” — Gary Villanova, Montclair-Boonton Line customer

“The terminal is right down the block from my house. I’m happy to see they’re doing a lot more work on it. My father used to commute through here too.” — Charlie Godlewski, HBLR customer

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A place where everybody knows your name Hoboken Terminal business owners are family will patronize businesses in the terminal to pick up a slice of pizza, purchase a bottle of wine for dinner or relax at the bar before the final ride home. The assortment of businesses and their sundries at Hoboken Terminal has made life more convenient and comfortable for our customers. It’s also helped to develop new relationships as customers and vendors smile and wave to one another during the day. “This is like the show ‘Cheers,’” said Al Corsi, Lackawanna Fruit Shops owner Ronald Bauer greets customers with a warm smile and fresh fruit every day. who has owned the afternoon and evening customers, from Wall Street stockRailhead Bar for 30 years. “We have a steady, combrokers to blue-collar workers. muter clientele. They’re a good crowd of people and I “They come in and sit down because they have a half enjoy their company.” hour to kill,” said Al. “They have their favorite bartender. Al is an institution at Hoboken. As a young boy, It’s really a nice thing. Hoboken Terminal is a unique he remembers riding the ferries between Hoboken nothing like it anywhere else. I’ve seen a There’s station. and New York. He has fond memories of Frank of changes, but the changes are always for the better.” lot Sinatra passing through the terminal on the way to Bauer loves working at the terminal. He’s Ronald singing gigs in New York. All of his “regulars” cheeras a bartender for Al for several years. He also worked fully greet him as they stop in for a drink. Located worked at the Lackawanna Fruit Shops before taking on the main concourse near Track 1, the Railhead Railhead Bar owner Al Corsi — who has enjoyed a 30-year run at Hoboken Terminal of the business two years ago. He sells a variety ownership Bar has become a favorite hangout for a variety of — says his place is just like the show Cheers, and he has the stories to prove it. of fresh fruits and vegetables to his customers. Like Al, Ronald says those customers become part of your family. “I’ve bonded with the customers,” said Ronald. “You get a nice clientele. I look for them in the morning and they look for me.” Some customers have an opportunity to stop and chat before continuing their daily commute. “The old timers tell me about the warships that passed by the terminal on the Hudson River. A doctor shared how he was able to restore the eyesight of a little baby. You really hear some On February 25, 1908, at a signal from President Theodore Roosevelt in the amazing things.” White House, a bell was sounded at the new 19th Street Station. Power was There are many other businesses at Hoboken Terminal turned on, the system was activated and the first official party was transported that you can visit and swap stories with, including: under the Hudson from New York to Hoboken for the joyous opening day t Lovely Flower ceremonies of the Hudson and Manhattan Railroad (H & M). The New York Times t Gateway Bake Shop hailed the event as an accomplishment "greater perhaps than the Panama Canal t Lackawanna Liquors will be when opened, considering the obstacles which had to be overcome." t Hudson News t Bangkok City Thai Food t Hoboken Deli t Hoboken Oven t Gateway Coffee t Shoeshine Stand t Ports of Call (kiosks)

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f you are a frequent traveler through Hoboken Terminal on weekdays, your steps are probably carefully choreographed. During the morning, a train pulls in on Track 12, breaking the silence as hundreds of customers exit the train. Most quickly move across the concourse to their next connection with a light rail train, a bus, a PATH train or a NY Waterway ferryboat. Some briefly stop for a cup of coffee, a newspaper, some fruit, a breakfast sandwich or a shoeshine. In the evening, the commute repeats itself, but in reverse order. Some customers who wait for their connection

Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) Past, Present, and Future

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In 1962, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey acquired the H & M Railroad and began operating it as the Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corporation (PATH). The heavy rail rapid-transit system serves as the primary transit link between Manhattan and neighboring New Jersey urban communities and suburban commuter railroads. PATH presently carries 227,000 passengers each weekday.

2009

1962 to 2007

The Port Authority, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Federal Transit Administration, is moving forward with construction of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub. The permanent PATH Terminal, which comprises part of this new hub, is scheduled to open in 2009. A new fleet of technologically advanced rail cars, to be phased into service between 2009 and 2011, will further enhance the overall customer experience.

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Next time you are in the terminal, why not take a break, share a story, or make a purchase with one of our vendors? They appreciate your business and your time.

Special thanks to our business partners who support Hudson-Bergen Light Rail American Express Kohl’s Newport Centre Mall Oddfellows Get Out Hudson Arthur’s Tavern Renaissance Realty Group Azucar, Cuban Cuisine and Cigars The Provident Bank Porto Leggero The Bergen Record El Artesano Palisades Medical Center Grand Banks Café Stevens Institute of Technology Big Apple Sports Palace Sky Club Fitness & Spa

History of Billybey/NY Waterway and Hoboken Terminal Billybey ferry boats and establishing the closing of the WTC PATH station, Hoboken as the hub for Billybey service. NY Waterway ferries again maintained the By February 2007, Billybey was providing critical Hoboken-Lower Manhattan link 7,000 passenger trips per day – almost for several days. two million passenger trips per year – When disaster struck New York City from the Hoboken Terminal. on September 11, 2001, NY Waterway ferries were conducting emergency rescue operations in Lower Manhattan within minutes of the first plane’s collision with the World Trade Center. In the first two hours, 48,000 people fleeing the collapsing towers were transported to NY Waterway ferry terminals in Hoboken and Jersey City. The restoration of ferry slips at Hoboken Terminal will give you a more comfortable ferry experience and provide NY Waterway with more operating flexibility. As Lower ManThe restoration of the original ferry hattan struggled to recover from the slips will mean greater convenience and effects of 9/11, NY Waterway started comfort for ferry commuters and the service between Hoboken and Pier 11 at potential to increase ridership and further the foot of Wall Street, providing the most expand commuter ferry service. convenient link to the eastern side of This will build on the 100-year Downtown Manhattan. tradition of the Hoboken Terminal as an Billybey Ferry Company assumed ownexciting visitor destination in its own right ership of the Hoboken-World Financial and as a critical regional transit hub – a Center and Hoboken-Pier 11 routes in gateway to both New Jersey and New March 2005, contracting with York. NY Waterway to continue operating

ferry service represented more than a pleasant and affordable ride; it also symbolized a successful partnership between the private and public sectors. Working with NJ TRANSIT and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NY Waterway created a ferry system closely linked to the public mass transit systems on both sides of the river, helping to establish Hoboken as a regional transit hub. In addition to proving a fast, convenient commuter service from Hoboken Terminal, NY Waterway has helped commuters when flooding, snow/ice conditions, or power failures have disrupted other transportation modes. When a nor’easter caused flooding and disrupted PATH service for several days in December of 1992, extra NY Waterway ferries were pressed A NY Waterway commuter ferry cruises past historic Hoboken Terminal on the into service betHudson River. ween the Hoboken and World Financial Center terminals, Hoboken line celebrated its one-year annimaintaining a critical transportation link. versary, NY Waterway ferries had carried In February of 1993, when the first million passengers on this route alone. one attack on the World Trade Center forced At Hoboken Terminal, the revival of

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n October 1989, NY Waterway brought commuter ferries back to the historic Hoboken Terminal, with service to the World Financial Center in Lower Manhattan. This restored service offered local Hoboken residents and commuters entering the Hoboken Rail Terminal a fast, hassle-free option for travel to Lower Manhattan. From the beginning, New Jersey commuters enjoyed the “civilized commute” offered by NY Waterway, and this is evident in the early statistics. By the time the

A major transportation hub (Continued from Page 1) Ferry

Quik-Tik

NY Waterway operates from Hoboken Terminal to the World Financial Center and Pier 11/Wall Street. Free connecting bus service is available in New York to several business, recreational and entertainment destinations.

NJ TRANSIT’s monthly passes offer you several valuable benefits. First, you can use your rail monthly pass on bus and light rail services as long as the trip is of equal or lesser value. Second, monthly passes go on sale on the 20th of the previous month to give you extra time to purchase your pass. You can purchase a monthly pass from a ticket vending machine, ticket window or through Quik-Tik, our online, auto-pay subscription program. For more information, visit www.njtransit.com.

PATH The PATH system operates from Hoboken Terminal to Midtown Manhattan and Lower Manhattan. It also directly serves Journal Square, Grove Street and Exchange Place in Jersey City. With one transfer, Hoboken customers can travel to Harrison and Newark. Customers can travel to New York, Newark or other destinations via the newly refurbished Hoboken Bus Terminal, which features new lighting and safety improvements.

Bus Several NJ TRANSIT bus routes serve Hoboken Terminal, transporting customers to New York City and Newark, and many cities in Hudson, Bergen, Middlesex and Monmouth counties. Routes include: No. 22 – Hoboken-Cliffside Park No. 23 – Hoboken-N. Bergen No. 64 – Lakewood-Jersey City-Weehawken No. 68 – Old Bridge-Weehawken No. 85 – Hoboken-Secaucus No. 87 – Jersey City-Hoboken No. 89 – Hoboken-N. Bergen No. 126 – Hoboken-Jersey City-New York

Red & Tan Tours also operates a 144 bus route from Hoboken to Staten Island.

Light Rail Hudson-Bergen Light Rail operates throughout Hudson County from Tonnelle Avenue Station in North Bergen to 22nd Street in Bayonne. The line also branches west from Liberty State Park Station in Jersey City to West Side Avenue, also in Jersey City. With 20 station stops, popular destinations include Liberty State Park, Newport Centre Mall, restaurant and shopping centers, Jersey City Medical Center, as well as Jersey City State University and St. Peter’s College.

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail transports customers to various work, shopping, dining and educational venues.

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Lights, camera, action

Hoboken Customer Service

Hoboken Terminal is a place to see and be seen

We’re here to serve you

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monitor multiple cameras around the terminal to help them respond quickly to any unusual events that occur. A new tool that has been very successful at Hoboken and our other customer service locations is the NJ TRANSIT lost and found database. With a few clicks of a mouse, customer service representatives use their computers to help you locate lost items. “If a customer calls about a particular item and its not here, we have access to the entire lost and found database,” said Helma. “We can see what’s located in any major terminal, at the bus garages, anywhere.” The most Customer Service Representative Helma Melhado-Betty helps one of our customers who is common passing through Hoboken Terminal. possessions customers leave behind are coats, bags, “Yes, you can take the next Gladstone gloves, umbrellas and books. During the train, which departs at 8:33 on Track 8,” a lot of gifts are left behind. holidays, said Helma. “There’s no need to transfer However, some unusual items have shown just stay on the train. You can purchase — in lost and found over the years, up your ticket at a ticket vending machine in including artificial limbs, a glass eye and the concourse or at the ticket windows false teeth. inside the waiting room.” “We also had a very expensive violin That was just one of several inquiries that a woman left on a train,” said in the Hoboken Terminal Customer heard Cassandra. “She was on her way to a Service Office. Customers stop in or call performance in New York. We were able for travel information and schedules, and to get the violin back to her before the have questions about lost tickets and the to say, she was performance. Needless cost to ride Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. A relieved.” extremely train crewmember recently turned in a Hoboken Terminal customer service pair of gloves that were left on a train. are well versed in representatives There is no typical day in the life of the operating in and TRANSIT services NJ Hoboken Customer Service Office. Some days, customers are looking for schedules, fare information, track assignments, the location of the bus lanes, or the HudsonBergen Light Rail station. However, things quickly change if there is a service problem. Our customer service representatives at Hoboken Terminal are available weekdays from That’s when the 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. customer service out of the terminal. However, they also team works closely with the operating get a lot of questions about PATH and staff to direct customers entering or NY Waterway ferry services. Other leaving the terminal. responsibilities that are handled by cus“If a train is running significantly late, tomer service representatives at Hoboken we try to meet the customers as they Terminal are: arrive, provide them with a delay notice t Assisting customers who use ticket and apologize for the for their employer, vending machines. delay,” said Customer Service Supervisor t Leading emergency response teams Cassandra White-Robinson. “On during service disruptions. occasion, it also gets busy when t Providing alternate service information. MidTOWN DIRECT trains are diverted t Scheduling group trips. to Hoboken. We meet those trains and Hoboken Terminal Customer Service is walk the customers over to PATH where located in the main concourse, and is our tickets are honored for service to New open each weekday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 York.” p.m. Feel free to stop in. We’re always Customer service representatives, along there to help you. with our Rail Operations and Police departments, also have the ability to

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ur historic Hoboken Terminal has starred in a number of productions over the years. From Oscar-winning performances by Marlon Brando and Barbara Streisand, to videos by Eric Clapton and the late Luther Vandross, Hoboken Terminal continues to be one of New Jersey’s favorite locations for movies, music videos, television commercials and print advertisements. Among the media productions and entertainers that have visited Hoboken Terminal: t On the Waterfront (1954) — This film won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Lead Actor (Marlon Brando), Best Supporting Actor (Karl Malden) and Best Supporting Actress (Eva Marie Saint). It is ranked the 8th greatest film of all time by the American Film Institute. t Funny Girl (1968) — This film earned Barbara Streisand an Oscar for Best Lead Actress, and was ranked the 16th Hoboken Terminal went back in time in 1993 during the filming of best musical by the American the Oscar-winning movie Age of Innocence. Film Institute. t Once Upon a Time in America (1984) t Three Days of the Condor (1975) — — This Golden Globe-nominated film Starring Robert Redford, this film was had a blockbuster cast, including one of “The 25 Most Stylish Films of Robert De Niro, James Woods, Time,” declared by GQ Magazine. All McGovern, Tuesday Weld, Elizabeth t Stardust Memories (1980) — Directed Joe Pesci and Danny Williams, Treat by and starring Woody Allen, this movie Aiello. also served as the feature film debut for t The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984) Sharon Stone. — A perennial kids’ favorite, even Kermit and Miss Piggy passed through the historic terminal. t Sinatra (1992) — A CBS miniseries about Hoboken-born Frank Sinatra, produced by his daughter Tina Sinatra. t The Age of Innocence (1993) — This film, which won an Oscar and was nominated for four others, featured Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Winona Rider and Jonathan Pryce. t Luther Vandross music video (1995). t Eric Clapton music video (1996). t Woody Allen Fall Project 2000 (2000). Fees for using Hoboken Terminal and other locations t Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for media productions is another source of income television show (2002). that supports NJ TRANSIT operations. The late

f you visit our Customer Service Office in Hoboken Terminal, you will be greeted by the smiling face of Helma Melhado-Betty or one of our other knowledgeable customer service representatives. “Can you tell me how I can get to Gladstone?” asked a customer who recently visited the office.

Rhythm & Blues singer Luther Vandross filmed a music video at Hoboken Terminal.

For NJ TRANSIT Information: • Transit Information & Customer Service: 1-800-772-2222 • Text Telephone: 1-800-772-2287 • Suspicious Activities & Packages: 1-888-TIPS-NJT • Website: www.njtransit.com 8