A Refresher on Taking Your Bike on Regional Rail

In theory, taking your bike on regional transit opens up new travel opportunities. You can be more mobile on both ends of your train trip, and bike in otherwise inaccessible or inconvenient places. In practice, however, you have to manage byzantine rules regarding which trains will accommodate your bike, and when. You may also have to deal with train conductors who don't know the posted rules of their own transit system.

To deal with the former, here are the rules for our regional train systems. To deal with the latter, we recommend carrying a copy of the rules with you. Put it in your wallet or on your phone and refer to it in a friendly way if a dispute with a conductor arises.

On SEPTA
All rules are laid out in this handy 3-page PDF. For regional rail specifically:

• 2 bikes per car, stored in designated areas, allowed on all trains except:
• Weekday inbound trains arriving at a Center City Station btw 6:00 - 9:30 AM
• Weekday outbound trains leaving a Center City station btw 4:00 - 6:30 PM
• Center City stations are: University City, 30th Street, Suburban, Market East, and Temple University

On PATCO: PATCO allows bikes at all times.

On NJ Transit:

• Bikes are allowed at all times on the RiverLINE and the Atlantic City Line
• The Northeast Corridor Line to New York has a complicated set of rules. 

Amtrak:

• You can only take a folding bike on Amtrak, although new baggage cars with bike racks are coming to long distance trains in 2014.

You can view SEPTA's bike and ride brochure below:

Final Week To Tell Transit Operators Which Train Stations Need Better Bike Facilities

Do you ride a bicycle to a regional train station or bus depot? Would you ride your bike there except the station doesn't have covered, secure bike parking or the roads leading to the station are dangerous?

Then you should add comments to the Bike to Transit crowd source map! SEPTA, NJTransit, and PATCO want to know which stations need better bike parking and better facilities leading to the transit station (bike lanes, safer intersections, etc.)

This map project will expire on December 1st, so this is your last week to let transit operators know what is needed at your local transit stop to make it more bike friendly and encourage more bike-transit trips.

All (Bikes) Aboard The Atlantic City Line

On Saturday August 11th NJ TRANSIT will initiate a new weekend bike policy for the Atlantic City Line that will allow up to 12 bikes per train. The policy is also in effect for all rail lines in North Jersey that end in either Hoboken or Newark (trains that operate to/from New York have new weekend restrictions which will affect anyone taking their bike to Summer Streets).

If beaches, boardwalks and baccarat aren't your thing then there are plenty of other destinations along the way that are accessible by low traffic or wide shouldered roads:

• Forsythe Wildlife Refuge and the Noyes Museum
• Pleasantville to Ocean City Bikeway
• Tomasello and Renault Wineries
• Camping and Canoeing in the Pine Barrens

NJ TRANSIT's standard policy is two bikes per car. Since AC Line trains are only 4 car sets we don't think that the 12 bike maximum will always be possible - especially during the summer months on Saturday mornings going toward Atlantic City or Sunday evenings coming back to Philadelphia. In the worst case scenario alternate bus transportation is available.  Fortunately it has been a long time since we last heard of a complaint but this could be an issue for group travel. Those who do experience a problem should follow up with  NJ TRANSIT Customer Service which will assign the issue to the Agency's new bicycle advocate.

Street mural on Haven Ave, Ocean City
Photo - Cross County Connection TMA on Flickr

NJ TRANSIT Closes the Doors on Weekend Service to New York

The New Jersey Transit Board of Directors approved new standard-frame bike rules for New Jersey Transit trains operating in the Newark (Northern) division (which includes the Northeast Corridor Line from Trenton). As promised, effective July 1st passengers with bikes will once again be permitted to board and alight trains at low platform stations.

Photo by MontclairBobbyB on Flickr

But the news is not all good. The board also approved new time restrictions on weekends for trains that operate to and from Penn Station New York. Trains that arrive in New York between 9 and 12 AM and depart New York between 5 and 8 PM will be off-limits to passengers with standard frame bicycles. Given the limited SEPTA service connections to the Northeast Corridor on weekends, the new rules effectively puts a straight-jacket on weekend day trips to central NJ and NYC. Only one early AM Train which departs Market East Station at 5:40 AM will have connecting bike service to Manhattan.

New Jersey Transit To Vote On New Bike On Rail Rules

On Monday June 11th the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors will take up recommendations to improve the agency's bikes on trains policy.

Last year you may recall that NJT modified their bike on board policy by forbidding bicyclists to use low platform stations. More than half of the stations in the northern half of New Jersey are low level platforms making the train inaccessible for thousands of bicyclists.

New Jersey Transit - The Way To Go Without Your Bicycle.

While other transit agencies are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to greatly expand bicycle access to their trains, NJ Transit has quietly changed its policy regarding bicycles on trains that will severely limit those wishing to take there bicycles with them on their next trip.  NJ Transit is now restricting bicycle access to all of its stations that do not have a high-level platform, including the key Hoboken Terminal.  That ends up putting nearly half of NJ Transit's 163 commuter rail train stations out of reach for cyclists looking to take their bikes.  On some lines, a majority of stations are off-limits!    The new restrictive part of its bicycle access policy is as follows:

Cyclists and Segway users can only board or alight trains at a station with a high-level or mini high-level platform. For safety reasons, cyclists are not permitted to board or alight trains at a low-level platform, including Hoboken Terminal.

Oddly enough the following language still appears in the policy:

Cyclists or Segway users must be able to lift their bicycle or Segway up and down stairs while boarding and detraining rail cars.

The complete updated train access policy can be found here.

Fortunately for us in the Delaware Valley this policy will not affect anyone unless you were dreaming of biking in Jack Nicholson's hometown while staying at the Spring Lake Inn or visiting Aunt Sadie in Paramus. All Atlantic City Line and 95% of the Northeast Corridor Line Stations have high platforms.

So why should you care? The mere existence of this policy indicates the NJ TRANSIT is not totally "on-board" with the concept of intermodal travel and puts the bike on rail access that we have enjoyed for the past 15 years on a slippery slope.

You can take action by sending this letter to James Simpson, Commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Transportation and Chairman of NJ TRANSIT. We encourage you to add your own personal comments.

Take Action

Portions of this post was republished with permission from the WalkBikeJersey blog.

SEPTA's Sustainability Plan Supports Bike Sharing

Last week the SEPTA Board approved the Transit Authorities first Sustainability Plan, "SEPTAinable The Route to Regional Sustainability " In the Social Element of the plan, is the goal to make more livable communities. SEPTA wants to achieve this with the community building targets of these initiatives:

• Integrate with bike-sharing programs,
• Increase bike-and-ride visibility and
• Support the City of Philadelphia and county bicycle goals.

The Bicycle Coalition and Bike Share Philadelphia congratulate SEPTA for its understanding that bicycles are an integral part of our region's transportation system. Bike-sharing is a solution for fixed route transit systems to complete the "first and last mile" of its traveler's trips. We look forward to SEPTAinable implementation.

Burlington County Bus Service to Raise Fares 150%

Effective Monday BurLink the (mostly) bike accessible bus service in Burlington County NJ is doubling fares as of Monday March 2. For those who want to transfer to NJ Transit buses or the RiverLINE the free transfer will become 50 cents-effectively raising the fare from $1 to $2.50, a 150% increase.
















This is an ironic twist in the stimulus bill. Congress pours billions into capital funding in fact SEPTA has $200 Million lined up for infrastructure improvements. But the operations funding required to keep the buses running (and bus drivers employed) amounted to zero. The service already suffered through a round of service cuts last year. The downward spiral has begun.

I'm a fan of BurLink, there are not many wild places left in our region and there are even fewer ways to get there. But BurLink's B1 Bus runs hourly from the Beverly RiverLINE stop to Country Lakes Estates which is about 2 miles from the entrance to Brendan T. Byrne State Forest. Just beware of sugar sand if you plan on mountain biking.

Taking Your Bike on Rapid Transit - Sub, El, PATCO and Rt 100

Frequent schedules and high platforms are the advantages of taking your bike on these lines. It is also easier to travel in small groups since cyclists can disperse on multiple rail cars.

ADA accessible stations offer the best bike access, in most cases you can roll your bike through a fare gate and take an elevator to the platform. Older turnstile stations with steps are still quite difficult for those who have trouble lifting their bike. Fixies and lighter road bikes work well on these old rail lines.

One mode of travel that can't take your bike along on is the trolley. Don't bother trying to take the 15, 101, 102 or Subway Surface (green) lines. Technically even your folding bike is not allowed, but this is rarely enforced. We would also like to see that rule abolished.

Broad St Subway (BSS) and the Market Frankford El (MFL) - Bikes are allowed at all times except weekdays 6-9 AM and 3-6 PM. All stations have high platforms but turnstiles are a barrier. Some stations have doors or wheelchair gates but you often have to signal to the token booth clerk to open it. They don't always cooperate.

On the El it is recommended that you stand in the vestibule on the left (port) side doors of the train as most of the station platforms are on the starboard side. Subway trains are wider and generally standing with your bike is not an issue.



Trying to force a full size bike into a wheelchair space on the Market Frankford El

Crowds can be a problem at any time, wait for the next train if you cannot safely board. Don't forget that on these lines SEPTA allows two bikes per car.

Norristown High Speed Line (Route 100)
Same hours as the El and Subway, however it is two bikes per train on weekdays and 5 bikes per train on weekends. Bicycles must move to the back of the train where there is more room. Access is generally easy although some stations have an inordinate number of steps.

On rare occasions drivers will ask where you are getting off and open the rear doors for you. Any operator that does this deserves a commendation comment to customer service.

PATCO High Speed Line
Overall PATCO offers the best access-modern faregates and smartcards. There are no time restrictions. 5 stations have elevator access 15th-16th Locust, 8th and Market, Broadway, Woodcrest and Lindenwold. Stairs are the only blemish at the other stations.

Rules are clearly marked on all trains, stand in the starboard side vestibule and be courteous.

Destinations
Schuylkill River Trail -
MFL to 30th St
Rt 100 to Norristown Transportation Center

Cobbs Creek Bikeway
MFL 63rd St

Navy Yard, Stadiums
BSS to Pattison

Cooper River Park
PATCO to Collingswood or Haddonfield

Taking Your Bike On NJ TRANSIT Trains

I am pressed for time today but I did want to quickly put out an overview of NJ TRANSIT trains.

RiverLINE - Bikes are allowed at all times, each rail car contains 3 vertical racks.
NE Corridor Line - Rush hour peak direction restrictions, new Comet V cars have tie downs for bicycles in the center vestibule.
Atlantic City Line - Bikes are allowed at all times if space is available. Use the wheelchair space which often has a special tie down rack (bungee cord is recommended, but your helmet chinstrap may work in a pinch)



Popular destinations
Atlantic City and Ocean Drive - Atlantic City Station
Delaware and Raritan Canal - NE Corridor Hamilton and New Brunswick Stations
also RiverLINE Cass St Station (Locks 1 and 2)

D&R Canal
Originally uploaded by Bikes on Transit

RiverLINE runs along the new section of the D&R Canal south of Trenton

Transit Part 2 - Taking Your Bike on the Bus

Regional Rail shuts out rush hour bicyclists and the two bikes per train limit can leave you waiting for another hour. On the other hand SEPTA's bus bike racks are still almost always available without rush hour restrictions, testy conductors or narrow rail car steps.

Rush hour bus options:

• Routes 9 ,27, 124 and 125 which all use the Schuylkill Expressway serve the NW neighborhoods of Manayunk and Roxborough work best for those who still want a speedy ride into town.
  


• Route C bus offers an alternate to the Broad St Subway


• Routes 21 and 42 substitute for the Market Frankford El going west to Upper Darby.


• Route 5 from the Front and Market Terminal runs every ten minutes to the Frankford Transportation Center for connecting buses to NE Philadelphia and Bucks County
  
  This Maine DOT Bike on Bus video is an excellent demonstration on how to use this rack.
  
  
  
  You may have also came across a slightly different model that uses a red crank instead of a retractable hook to hold the front wheel. SEPTA sometimes installs these as replacements. These racks seem to be slightly more prone to malfunction, one twist of the crank should hold the bike.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  NJ TRANSIT Buses
  
  Most NJ Transit buses also have bike racks, in fact NJT had bike racks in service several years before SEPTA.

  On longer routes NJ Transit employs MCI motorcoaches. These buses do not have bike racks, you need to place your bike into the luggage compartment.:

• When the bus stops walk over to the the luggage door nearest the front and pull out the latch to open the door.
• Place your bike in and push down the door to close, you have to push the latch in to secure it.
• When you deboard the bus make sure you tell the driver that you need to get your bike
• For shore routes consider off peak times during the summer as the bike will have to compete for space with luggage. Bikes are asked to load last and you could be stranded.

Popular Trail Destinations

SEPTA

• Perkiomen Trail - 93 to Collegeville
• Thun Trail (Berks County Schuylkill River Trail) 93 to Pottstown
• Valley Forge - 125 to the Valley Forge Visitor Center
• Pennypack Park Bikeway - 14-20-58 to Pennypack Park

NJ TRANSIT

• Ocean Drive (Cape May to Atlantic City Beach Road) - NJ TRANSIT 313-315-316-551
• Atlantic County Bikeway NJ TRANSIT 315 to Mays Landing
• Glassboro - Williamstown Bikeway NJ TRANSIT 315-400-408-412

NJ TRANSIT schedules are available on Google Transit

Bicycle Tie Downs For SEPTA Trains. YES!

David W. Casper, Assistant Chief Engineer of SEPTA's New Vehicle Programs Department confirmed that bicycle tie downs will be included in the wheelchair access area of the new Silverliner V rail cars. Delivery of the first rail cars are expected in October of 2009 with 20 rail cars delivered every month until 2011.

Putting the SEPTA Rail Car to the Test

We brought a bike down to track 0 at Suburban Station today to see if we could place a bike on the new Silverliner V train mock up.

There are two sets of doors a high platform and a door with a trap for the low platform stations. To the left of the doors were two fold up bench seats which is the wheelchair priority areas. The good news is that a standard sized bicycle can fit in each space fully extended.

We are still hopeful that tie-downs will be included in the final design of the railcar as per the 2005 Technical Specifications Document . With tie downs and no wheelchairs occupying the space it would be possible to fit 4 bicycles in each rail car.

Is the Success of Bike on Rail Dependent on Lousy Transit Service?

How many major newspapers have a bicycle columnist? At least one. An article by the San Francisco Cycling Examiner (Ben Marks) looks at Caltrain's bicycle access and parking plan that seeks to alleviate the crushing number of passengers who bring their bikes onboard during rush hour.


A shot of the Caltrain bike car on an off-peak train circa 1997

Marks notes that while the plan's emphasis on providing more and better bike parking along with a controversial peak hour surcharge might blunt the peak hour crush a more effective mobility solution would do even better. Providing reliable connecting transit at both ends of the trip.

Which brings us to the RiverLINE. If you remember in a recent posting tension has been increasing between rush hour bicyclists and regular passengers. In response to this The Bicycle Coalition is working on a 4 year status report (sneak peak here) to look at why bicycles have integrated so well with the Rail Line. The formula seems to be easy access, favorable bike routes and skeletal or non-existent connecting bus service.

Taking Your Bike to the Shore on NJ TRANSIT Not So Easy

Another summer vacation at the shore and another bike hassle on NJ TRANSIT, what else is new?














It sounds easy, bikes are allowed in the luggage undercarriage of the cruiser buses to Atlantic City, Asbury Park, Wildwood and Cape May. The problem is that you are competing with other vacationers who travel with steamer trunks.



1 - On Tuesday at 5:45 the 315 to Wildwood shows up on time at the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, open the compartment and there is already one bike and a compartment full of bags, no room for bikes. An $8.15 non refundable ticket wasted.



2 - I quickly jump on PATCO for plan B - Take the AC Rail Line at Lindenwold and connect to the 552 bus from Atlantic City to Wildwood. Great, AC Train on time and there is plenty of room for the bike. At the Atlantic City rail station the bus stop to Wildwood is clearly marked, connection scheduled for 7:40 but no bus, at 7:50 I glance at the corner of my eye the to watch the bus on the Atlantic City Expressway. The bus bypassed the train station! A complaint is sent via my cell phone to NJ TRANSIT. They respond back the next day, vowing to investigate.



3 - Finally the next bus at 8:40 bus arrives at the train station, since I am the only passenger there is no problem getting the bike in, the next stop three blocks away at the Atlantic City bus terminal there are 25 passengers with a ton of luggage. Had I tried picked up the bus there I would have once again been stranded. The bus is slowed by a driver that has to lock and unlock the luggage compartment to take out luggage. I arrive in North Wildwood at 10:15 5 hours after leaving home.



The solution is simple, put bike racks on the cruiser buses. It would give bicyclists peace of mind give more room in the luggage bay for steamer trunks and would offer extra bike capacity on runs that don't have luggage. Not having the driver come out to open the compartment would reduce delays caused by bikes.