A Railfan's List of Points of Interest: New Jersey North of Trenton

In this post, I will list various points of interest for railfans in the portion of New Jersey north of Trenton. Like in my previous post, I've been to (or through) many of these places, so I know a little bit about them.

Princeton Junction & the "Dinky"

Princeton Junction at West Windsor is an interesting station. Aside from the two platforms on the main line, there's another platform adjacent which is served by the "Dinky," a one-car (and on occasion, two-car) shuttle to Princeton station, located on the campus of Princeton University.

Jersey Avenue (New Brunswick)

Jersey Avenue has got to be the strangest station on the whole Northeast Corridor line. Trains to Trenton can stop there, but trains from Trenton can't. That's because only the southbound platform is on the main line. It's also a low platform station, the only such station until you get into SEPTA territory. The northbound platform is on the other side of a parking lot. Northbound trains leave from this platform and cross THREE tracks to get to the northbound track which platforms at New Brunswick station.

Elizabeth (Broad Street)

While this station is officially called Elizabeth on platform signage and published timetables, it is quite common for conductors to announce this station as "Broad Street, Elizabeth." This so that it's abundantly clear that the station is not North (Avenue) Elizabeth, the next station to the north and rather close to the Broad Street, Elizabeth station. There are two interesting features to this station. First, at the south end of the station, there's a walkway on each side of the tracks, which follow the curve of the right of way. This is actually the old low-level platform which existed before the current high-level platform was built. And, for the interest of railfans, the walkway adjacent to the southbound platform is a great spot for taking photos! From what I understand, so is the adjacent parking lot. The second interesting feature of this station is that there appears to be another railroad station and line which crosses beneath it. This is the former Central Railroad of New Jersey line. The tracks have been abandoned for a while, but it may be just enough to spark a railfan's interest.

Newark's Railroad Stations

Newark Broad Street, while going under extensive renevations, is a good spot to catch a train. Then again, so is Newark's Pennsylvania Station. Lots to see and do, and the PATH train's here, too.

SPOTLIGHT: Newark City Subway and Light Rail

While the PCC's have been withdrawn from service, Newark's subway is still going on strong. The station at Newark Penn is as loop track. If wish to transfer from Subway to Light Rail and vice versa, you're allowed to ride the train around the loop. Newark Light Rail is an extension of the Newark City Subway and connects Newark's two rail stations. While the service is nice, the route is walkable if you have the time and energy to do so. Just follow McCarter Highway until the tracks come out of the tunnel, and then follow the tracks. The Subway has been extended northward recently, and a new maintenance facility is near the northern terminal (with a few PCC cars sitting around, too). If you want to see what the line was like in the time when PCC's ran on the line, check out this YouTube video.

Secaucus Transfer Junction

Secaucus Junction (though the latter word should be "Transfer" because "Junction" implies that trains can change lines here, but actually, only people can. The only problem is that you need a ticket to actually make the transfer, but otherwise, it's pretty good.

Hoboken Terminal

Whenever I get around Hoboken, I think about Bugs Bunny's line in 8 Ball Bunny, when after the penguin revealed that he's not from the South Pole, Bugs replies, "HOBOKEN?!? Ooh, I'm Dyin' again!" Anyway, this is a major hub. You have buses, trains, the PATH system, and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail.

SPOTLIGHT: Hudson-Bergen Light Rail

New Jersey Transit's other light rail system runs through the waterfront area of Jersey City and down to Bayonne. It also runs up to the northern terminal of Tonnelle Avenue. Starting from the north, here are some points of interest. Tonnelle Avenue has an interesting loop terminal. Bergenline Avenue is the only underground station on the line. Lincoln Harbor is near the Loncoln Tunnel helix. Hoboken Terminal, previously mentioned, is in dire need of some new ticket vending machines, but has a nice view of Lower Manhattan. The line from Pavonia-Newport to Luis Muñoz Marín Boulevard is walkable, and has pedestrian walkways that follow the line. Exchange Place has two platforms on either side of the northbound track, and also offers a nice view of Lower Manhattan. Essex Street features an interesting street-running portion. South of Liberty State Park, the line divides. A branch to West Side Avenue seperates from the line to Bayonne. From a Bayonne line train, you can see other PCC's being stored in the HBLR maintenance facility. Between Liberty State Park and 34th Street is the fastest running portion of the system. The station at 34th Street offers a connection to the S89, which runs to Staten Island. 22nd Street is the current end of the line.

Well, that's about it. Enjoy.