Traveling with Children

We welcome families and children of any age on our transit system! 

No matter if you are a parent, grandparent, guardian, or teacher – NJ TRANSIT is a great way to take your family, class, or scout troop where they need to go. Please note that children under the age of 16 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian unless they are traveling to or from school. We wish you a safe and smooth ride!

General Information

If you are new to riding NJ TRANSIT, please review our “How to ride”- guides. 

Safety

Your safety is our top priority. Before you travel, please review important safety information here. School-aged children might enjoy our Safety Rules activity book.

Fares

Children’s Fares: Children (ages 5-11) save 50 percent and up to three children (ages 4 and under) ride free with a passenger paying any valid fare. For student discounts, refer to the Student Tickets section.

Family SuperSaver Fares: On weekends and holidays, up to two kids (ages 5-11) can ride free with a passenger paying any valid fare. In effect from 7 p.m. Friday (or the day before a holiday) until 6 a.m. Monday (or the day after a holiday). Family SuperSaver Fares are not valid on bus route 355 to and from American Dream.

Take Your Children Work Day: On "Take Your Children Work Day" (fourth Thursday in April), up to two children under the age of 18 can ride free with a fee-paying adult. Children do not need a ticket to enjoy this special one-day offer.

Group Trips: Groups of 8 - 95 travelers save up to 25% on adult and child train or light rail trips. Please visit Group Sales for more information. Reservations must be submitted at least three weeks in advance of your trip to ensure proper processing.

For detailed instructions, please visit Fares.

At the Station or Terminal 

Elevators and Escalators: 
Many NJ TRANSIT rail stations are equipped with elevators. For a detailed list and status updates, please visit Elevators. You can also find accessible stations on our rail system map. For more information about specific stations (including parking), please visit here.

Escalators are located at major rail stations including New York Penn Station, Secaucus Junction, Newark Penn Station, New Brunswick, Hamilton, and Trenton Transit Center, and at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Please note that strollers are prohibited on escalators for safety reasons.

Restrooms and Changing Stations:

Restrooms are located in all bus terminals and train stations with waiting rooms. Locations and opening hours are listed here.

Strollers

Buses: On buses with two doors (NABIs), you can take the stroller on board. Please take your child out and fold up the stroller for the duration of the ride. If you need assistance boarding or alighting, please ask a fellow customer or your bus operator. On buses with one door (MCI cruisers), you can store your stroller in the luggage compartment. Ask your bus operator for assistance.

Trains: Strollers must be kept in the accessible area and must be stored in a way that would not create a safety hazard for other passengers.

Light Rail Vehicles: Remain in the low floor vestibule section of the vehicle and hold or secure the stroller while traveling.

Access Link Vehicles: Take your child out of the stroller prior to boarding. Strollers need to be folded and properly secured. Talk to your operator to communicate any needs.

Boarding and Alighting

Give yourself and your child enough time to get to the boarding location and keep your children close during boarding and alighting.

Buses: All NJ TRANSIT buses are equipped with a kneeling feature that lowers the first step of the bus several inches towards the ground. This feature makes it easier for a small child or a parent carrying a baby or stroller to board the bus. If you would like to use the kneeling feature, simply ask the bus operator to make the bus kneel, then board or alight as usual.

Trains: Listen for announcements. In some stations, not all doors open, and conductors will announce where you can alight. If you need help alighting, ask your conductor before you get to your station.

On Board the Train, Bus, Light Rail, or Access Link Vehicle

Keep your children close and supervised while riding NJ TRANSIT.
Eating and drinking are not permitted on board our vehicles. Please help us keep our vehicles clean! 
Please use headphones when listening to an electronic device so you don’t disturb other customers.

Access Link: If your child needs a car seat, make sure it is in a state of good repair and functional ahead of the trip. Small children need to be taken out of their stroller for the duration of the trip, and strollers need to be properly secured.

Special Needs

If you or your child have a mobility impairment, refer to Accessibility for more information about how you can best access our service. If your child faces behavioral or sensory challenges, consider discussing what to expect on the trip, bringing noise cancelling headphones or a favorite toy or blanket to help them be comfortable. NJ TRANSIT offers free travel training through the NJ Travel Independence Program (NJTIP) at Rutgers. 

If You Get Separated

Before you go, devise a plan with your children on what to do in case you get separated. If you do get separated, do not panic! Tell a NJ TRANSIT employee. Our police officers, customer service agents, conductors, bus operators, and other staff are trained to assist you.  

Customer Support 

Customer Service:

Click here to send Web Feedback to NJ TRANSIT.

24 Hour Access (Operator-assisted 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.): 973-275-5555

Hearing Impaired (TTY 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.): 800-772-2287

A full list of customer service offices and opening times is listed here.

Lost and Found:

Lost items can be reported by using our online form. You can also call 973-275-5555 or visit us at any NJ TRANSIT Customer Service Office.

NJ TRANSIT Police:

To report an incident, call 1-800-242-0236 or 973-378-6565. You can also text information about suspicious activity or unattended packages to NJTPD (65873).

Merchandise

Does your child love trains and buses? Visit our web shop to purchase transit-related gifts and accessories.

Destinations

Need ideas for your next trip? Check out some of the destinations we serve.

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