LIRR vs NJ Transit which is the better overall transit sytem? (transfer, to live in)
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I'm curious. I just came back from Penn Station. I haven't personally used NJ Transit but I did use the LIRR. I didn't realize how extensive it was. I'm wondering which is the better and overall more extensive form of public transit. Or for that matter which provides more direct access to DT Manhattan. I realize this could be important in deciding whether to live in Long Island or North Jersey.
I'm curious. I just came back from Penn Station. I haven't personally used NJ Transit but I did use the LIRR. I didn't realize how extensive it was. I'm wondering which is the better and overall more extensive form of public transit. Or for that matter which provides more direct access to DT Manhattan. I realize this could be important in deciding whether to live in Long Island or North Jersey.
NJ Transit provides more direct access to downtown Manhattan. The LIRR goes only to Penn Station (for now--the East Side Access project will take it into GCT). To get downtown, you have to take a NYC subway.
NJ Transit also goes into Penn, but it also has trains that go into Hoboken, where you catch a 10-minute PATH train to the World Trade Center. NJ Transit trains coming from Central Jersey go to Newark Penn, where you also can catch a PATH train with about a 25-minute ride into the WTC.
With the LiRR you can transfer at Atlantic Terminal(depending on the line) and switch to the 2,3,4 or 5 to downtown, which is faster than the PATH. For reliability and effectiveness I'd choose LIRR for the simple fact that it's not as restricted to Amtrak delays as NJT, unless you're in Bergen or Passaic counties..
But if you're not working in NYC then NJT is obvious, despite being a dumpster fire in recent years.
With the LiRR you can transfer at Atlantic Terminal(depending on the line) and switch to the 2,3,4 or 5 to downtown, which is faster than the PATH. For reliability and effectiveness I'd choose LIRR for the simple fact that it's not as restricted to Amtrak delays as NJT, unless you're in Bergen or Passaic counties..
But if you're not working in NYC then NJT is obvious, despite being a dumpster fire in recent years.
That's a valid point. Until our President and the New York Senator stop their childish snit with each another, the Gateway tunnel won't be built anytime soon.
But overall I think NJT is more extensive as the PATH goes to downtown NYC & NJT has trains that go to the NJ suburbs which are part of the Philly metro I believe.
But overall I think NJT is more extensive as the PATH goes to downtown NYC & NJT has trains that go to the NJ suburbs which are part of the Philly metro I believe.
Not exactly, but the NE Corridor Line connects with SEPTA, a Philly system, at Trenton, and there's an Atlantic City Line that doesn't connect with the rest of Jersey Transit.
As the "overall more extensive form of public transit" it has to be NJT on a technicality You didn't specify only rail. NJT has commuter rail, light rail/subway, local buses, express buses, and commuter buses so I voted NJT obviously for that reason.
But as for just rail, it's a tie IMO. LIRR is nice for running 24/7 so it wins there. But NJT is better for more regular usage than just commuting to/going out in Manhattan since it stops at EWR and provides better access to NJ beaches than LIRR does for LI beaches. But that's a personal preference for me, since I like being able to take NJT to the beaches in summer and they stop within walking distance to the ocean.
As the "overall more extensive form of public transit" it has to be NJT on a technicality You didn't specify only rail. NJT has commuter rail, light rail/subway, local buses, express buses, and commuter buses so I voted NJT obviously for that reason.
But as for just rail, it's a tie IMO. LIRR is nice for running 24/7 so it wins there. But NJT is better for more regular usage than just commuting to/going out in Manhattan since it stops at EWR and provides better access to NJ beaches than LIRR does for LI beaches. But that's a personal preference for me, since I like being able to take NJT to the beaches in summer and they stop within walking distance to the ocean.
What are some NJ beaches and stations that serve them would you recommend?
Long Branch, Belmar, and Point Pleasant are good beaches served by the trains. Asbury Park, of course.
Long Branch is my favorite beach, partly because it's less than a fifteen-minute drive from where I live, but there is more to do in Asbury Park or Point Pleasant if that's what you are looking for.
I like Long Branch because there are mostly locals there, since it doesn't have the rides and other entertainment people with kids on a day trip are looking for.
What are some NJ beaches and stations that serve them would you recommend?
I personally love Asbury Park. I haven't been to Long Branch yet, but heard good things. Same with Belmar. I've been to Point Pleasant by car since I was coming from Philly, so I can't comment on whether the long ride there is worth it, but I do like Point Pleasant also.
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You didn't specify only rail. NJT has commuter rail, light rail/subway, local buses, express buses, and commuter buses so I voted NJT obviously for that reason.
