NJ TRANSIT'S PONY EXPRESS ADDS WOODBRIDGE STOP

Beginning On July 4th, Township Residents Can Enjoy Ride To Track

NEWARK, NJ, July 2, 2002 -- NJ TRANSIT's Pony Express service to Monmouth Park Racetrack will make an historic stop in Woodbridge on July 4th.

Scheduled to arrive at 11:50 a.m. this Thursday, the stop will mark the beginning of Woodbridge's inclusion in the popular summer service. Running through September 1, the Pony Express operates Saturdays, Sundays and the Fourth of July from Hoboken Terminal to the racetrack.

Pony Express passengers receive free grandstand admission when they show their racetrack coupon that they receive aboard NJ TRANSIT. Trains arrive at 12:25 p.m. in plenty of time for the Daily Double and first race (post time 1:05 p.m.). Return train departs 15 minutes after the last live race listed in the program, making the same stops on the return trip.

"Riders from Woodbridge Train Station just entered the winner's circle at one of the Jersey Shore's most popular destinations -- Monmouth Park," said NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman and State Transportation Commissioner Jamie Fox. "Governor McGreevey is committed to expanding public transportation options for residents throughout the State of New Jersey for business or pleasure, something reflected in this schedule change."

"I am gratified that the Pony Express service will leave the starting gate on July 4th," said Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski, who chairs the Assembly Transportation Committee. "This is a win across the board for NJ TRANSIT, Monmouth Park and commuters across central New Jersey."

"This is great news for the people of Woodbridge, especially our seniors who will be able to relax on the Pony Express and avoid any hassles of Shore traffic," said Senator Joseph F. Vitale. "It's heartening to see this positive response by a State agency like NJ TRANSIT to our requests on behalf of the people of Woodbridge."

"Thanks to the efforts of the legislators in the 19th district, NJ TRANSIT has agreed to include Woodbridge Station as a stop on the Pony Express service," said Assemblywoman Arline M. Friscia. "This announcement is good news for all Middlesex County residents looking to travel to Monmouth Park."

"Direct rail service to Monmouth Park is a sure bet for Woodbridge residents," said Woodbridge Mayor Frank G. Petzman. "Thanks to the cooperation of NJ TRANSIT, this new service provides a convenient and affordable way to travel to one of the premier racetracks on the east coast."

"My request to NJ TRANSIT was in response to a suggestion from one of my constituents who utilized the Pony Express from other towns and wanted to see a departure from Woodbridge," said Woodbridge Councilman Charles Kenny. "I am happy the Legislature and NJ TRANSIT worked together to make this happen."

"Last year, Pony Express trains carried 7,955 passengers to Monmouth Park racetrack, one of many popular destinations served by NJ TRANSIT during the summer season," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director George D. Warrington. "Adding Woodbridge Station to the Pony Express lineup is a winner for NJ TRANSIT customers and Monmouth Park."

Pony Express departure schedule:

Departs Hoboken Terminal -- 11:10 a.m.

$10.50 off-peak round-trip adult*

Newark Penn Station -- 11:30 a.m.

$10.50 off-peak round-trip adult*

Elizabeth -- 11:38 a.m.

$9.25 off-peak round-trip adult*

Rahway -- 11:45 a.m.

$8.75 off-peak round-trip adult*

Woodbridge -- 11:50 a.m.

$8.25 off-peak round-trip adult*

Perth Amboy -- 11:56 a.m.

$6.75 off-peak round-trip adult*

South Amboy -- 12 p.m.

$6 off-peak round-trip adult*

Arrive at Monmouth Park -- 12:25 p.m.

Passengers traveling from Penn Station New York can change trains in Newark for the Pony Express. No train change is necessary if traveling from Hoboken.

Connecting train from Penn Station New York:

Departs Penn Station New York -- 10:24 a.m.

$14.75 off-peak round-trip*

Arrive Newark Penn Station -- 10:39 a.m.

(Change trains)

Connecting PATH service:

Herald Square (33rd & 6th Avenue):

PATH train leaves -- 10:42 a.m.

Arrives in Hoboken -- 10:56 a.m.

The Pony Express departure times will be revised Aug. 3. Information about this schedule change will be announced later this month.

*Be sure to purchase your ticket before boarding the train to avoid the $5 purchase surcharge.

For more information about other great discounts and the FREE Summer Fun Guide, call 800-626-RIDE or go to www.njtransit.com.

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing Bus, rail and light rail services for 380,600 daily commuters on 238 bus routes, two light rail lines and 12 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 163 rail stations, 27 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

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