Jump to content


Photo

Costs page now available


  • Please log in to reply
1 reply to this topic

#1 KevinKorell

KevinKorell

    Board Leader

  • Sr. Admin
  • PipPip
  • 82315 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Lakewood, NJ
  • Interests:Making America TRAIN again!

Posted 16 December 2008 - 05:06 PM

After my field trip I have been able to put together a web page explaining the expected transit costs. This covers our NJ TRANSIT commuter trains to High Bridge and the Airport, AirTrain Newark, NYCT subway rides, Metro North to Poughkeepsie and New Haven, and Shore Line East.

The scheduled Amtrak trip on #292 was intentionally left out, as Amtrak ticket prices can vary on many factors including AAA or NARP discounts, demand pricing, and possible upgrades to Business Class. We have agreed to just go as a group in coach class, however at least one or two people have decided to upgrade to BC anyhow for the extra legroom. The lowest fare seen for POU-NYP, without applying discounts, was $22 in coach, and an additional $11 to upgrade to Business Class for a total of $33. There is the potential that our group could push the fare buckets higher, so you need to act soon on a reservation if you have not already done so.

Although it's all explained on the page, here are the important things to note about purchasing fares.
  • If you purchase tickets directly from Newark Penn to the Airport, the fare includes the AirTrain entrance or exit fee of $5.50 . In the case of New York Penn travel to the airport that same fee jumps to $9.50 . Doing this, you cannot buy an off peak round trip ticket even though it's the weekend. Instead, purchase an off peak round trip ticket to Elizabeth (North Elizabeth is in the same zone as Elizabeth, but the former is not served by many weekend trains). Then when you get to the airport station, just before the AirTrain faregates are orange NJT vending machines that sell the $5.50 access tickets only. Buy two of these for $11.00 . One you will use to enter the AirTrain faregates, and the other will be used to exit AirTrain at the same location after our ride. You cannot buy the $5.50 ticket within the AirTrain system or at any airport terminal. The vending machines within the AirTrain system will only sell you a ticket to any NJ TRANSIT commuter rail destination, with the $5.50 ($9.50 for NYP) surcharge included.
  • Next, I offer two of the many options you can follow to purchase tickets for the Metro North round trip to New Haven and the Shore Line East round trip New Haven to Old Saybrook. One is Webticket, whereby you can order your Metro North tickets online for a 5% discount. With Webticket you can buy only the MN ticket (off peak one way or off peak round trip). You would still have to pay for your SLE trips aboard those trains.

    The second option is Uniticket. The vending machines at GCT will sell you an off peak one way or off peak round trip ticket to New Haven, plus a one way ticket to Old Saybrook. You would then still be responsible for the fare on board the return New Haven bound SLE train. You will not initially find Old Saybrook or any other SLE destination on the MN ticket machine. Purchase your ticket to New Haven, but before you are done it will ask you if you want to add any options. Touch the Uniticket button and select "New Haven to Old Saybrook".
Should you choose to go with Webticket, do it as soon as you can to ensure the tickets arrive before you leave for the Fest.

If we can arrange for any prepurchase of tickets, especially the SLE tickets, then it will make life easier for the crew aboard the SLE trains. Stay tuned! :)

Edited by KevinKorell, 16 December 2008 - 05:20 PM.


Kevin Korell


OTOL Board Leader


Lakewood, NJ


#2 KevinKorell

KevinKorell

    Board Leader

  • Sr. Admin
  • PipPip
  • 82315 posts
  • Gender:Male
  • Location:Lakewood, NJ
  • Interests:Making America TRAIN again!

Posted 07 January 2009 - 07:30 PM

The second option is Uniticket. The vending machines at GCT will sell you an off peak one way or off peak round trip ticket to New Haven, plus a one way ticket to Old Saybrook. You would then still be responsible for the fare on board the return New Haven bound SLE train. You will not initially find Old Saybrook or any other SLE destination on the MN ticket machine. Purchase your ticket to New Haven, but before you are done it will ask you if you want to add any options. Touch the Uniticket button and select "New Haven to Old Saybrook".


To expand on the UniTicket, Bill M. brought up that one could purchase two one-way off peak trips from GCT, with Uniticket option. Now you would have both of your SLE tickets and would not require cash payment on the SLE train or pre-purchase of the SLE ticket.

Costs page updated to reflect this.

Edited by KevinKorell, 07 January 2009 - 08:55 PM.


Kevin Korell


OTOL Board Leader


Lakewood, NJ





0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users