Oh … You wanted the local train? Sorry.
There is a problem with NJ Transit. Despite the fact that they do a decent job of filling the need for a good rail system here in New Jersey, they do a lousy job of offering logical, easy to follow schedules. Case in point, my buddy Nelson and I hopped on the 6:14 Gladstone train to get to a gig in Maplewood, NJ. It’s just one stop past South Orange. Easy enough, right?
Yeah except for the fact that, despite handing in our tickets that clearly said ‘Maplewood’, once we passed Broad Street in Newark this train was an express to Milburn which is one stop past Maplewood. OK I know it was not really all that big of a big deal. It put us out by only about fifteen minutes. But what if I was only going to the next stop in Newark or East Orange? Then I’d be screwed.
Yes I know it probably stated on the paper schedule that this was an express train, but not on the big board in the station. And the conductor didn’t say anything when we handed in our Maplewood tickets. Besides, I know people who take these trains every single day and still get it wrong. The schedules are very poorly laid out and the signs in the stations are little help.
So if hardcore commuters get tripped up, how are we novices supposed to deal?
