New Jersey trains will be free next week – what you should know

New Jersey Transit is making it easier to get to the beach this Labor Day weekend by offering free tickets to all riders.

The transit system, which serves the Jersey Shore as well as other popular destinations such as Philadelphia, is offering free rides from August 26 to September 2, according to the company. The free rides apply to all routes and all modes of transportation.

“Knowing that our commuters have faced many disruptions this summer, we are providing NJ TRANSIT riders with a one-week fare waiver,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement, adding, “We also encourage New Jerseyans to take advantage of this opportunity, and we remain grateful to the many New Jerseyans who rely on public transit.”

Beachgoers who use the free tickets next week can ride the train’s North Jersey Coast Line to popular towns along the Jersey Shore, including Asbury Park, Belmar and Point Pleasant. Travelers can also go directly to Atlantic City on the Atlantic City Line, which runs from Philadelphia to near the boardwalk.

NJ Transit also offers a way to escape to the mountains with the Main Line or Bergen Line. Both lines take travelers directly to upstate New York. Explore Harriman State Park, the second largest park in the New York State Parks system, or walk about 10 minutes up the road from the station for some shopping at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, where you’ll find over 250 different stores.

Travelers who have already purchased a NJ Transit monthly pass for August will receive 25 percent off their September pass.

The free tickets were introduced after summer heat waves caused travel disruptions on both Amtrak and NJ Transit. Among other things, a circuit breaker malfunction led to a power outage between Penn Station in New York City and Union Station in Newark in June, The Associated Press reported.

In July, Amtrak warned that high temperatures could continue to impact operations, particularly because “extreme heat can cause rails, bridges and overhead wires to expand.”