More NJ Transit Service Restored To Morris-Essex Line: Update – Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — It’s been more than a week since a fallen tree clobbered a section of NJ Transit’s Morris & Essex Line during a severe storm. But beginning Thursday and Friday, riders can look forward to the restoration of more weekday train service, the agency says.

Strong storm winds on March 7 took down a large tree in Maplewood, resulting in extensive damage to the overhead wires and the steel structure that supports the wires. Since then, NJ Transit has been making repairs to the area, which have caused lingering service issues. But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, the agency said Wednesday – literally.

According to a news release:

“NJ Transit crews continue to successfully make repairs in the Maplewood area to allow additional trains to operate on the Morris & Essex Line (M&E) and Gladstone Branch. On Thursday, March 17 and Friday, March 18, the M&E and Gladstone Branch will have enhancements made to the modified weekday schedules providing customers with additional trains and direct service to New York and Hoboken on the Gladstone Branch. Customers are advised to reference the modified schedules to take advantage of the additional trains and to get specific departure times for their trip. Visit njtransit.com for enhanced schedules which will be available later this evening.”

Cross-honoring will remain in effect for Morris & Essex (M&E) and Gladstone Branch customers on the Raritan Valley and Montclair-Boonton Lines, as well as NJ Transit and private carrier buses, the agency noted.

Customer service ambassadors will be available at Maplewood, South Orange and Newark Broad Street stations to assist commuters. Riders should continue to allow for extra travel time, NJ Transit said.

The latest changes include:

Morris & Essex Line – The Morris & Essex Line will have additional trains restored to the modified weekday schedule with service at all stations. Modified schedules will be available later [Wednesday] here. Customers are encouraged to monitor njtransit.com/MorrisEssexUpdate for the latest information.

Gladstone Branch – Service will resume to Penn Station New York and Hoboken on a modified schedule. Modified schedules will be available later [Wednesday] here.