BroMax

Can anyone tell me what the policies are about bikes on NJTransit and SEPTA trains and on the PATCO Speedline and the NJTransit River Line?

I'd like to have a bike on board with me weekends but off-peak weekday hours are also likely.

Thanks,

Max

PS I have search the archives; if I missed it there, sue me

lrzipris

SEPTA only allows bikes on off-peak trains, though, at their discretion, some peak-hour conductors may allow you to bring your bike. Makes it risky, as you can't know in advance. Here's the policy: https://www.septa.org/service/bike_ride.html

Here's what SEPTA has to say about its buses:
"All SEPTA bus routes with the exception of Trackless Trolley Routes currently operated with substitute buses (29, 59, 66, 75 & 79) and Route 23 are now bicycle accessible. Buses are equipped with front-mounted bicycle racks that can accommodate two bikes. Customers may bring a bike on a SEPTA bus before 6 AM, between 9 AM and 3 PM, or after 6 PM on weekdays, and at all times on weekends. Bicycles are NOT permitted on buses during substitution service, including Owl bus service."

Here's PATCO's bicycle policy: https://www.drpa.org/patco/bicycles.html. Here's NJ Transit's policy: https://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servl...=BikeProgramTo.

Didn't know our local transit authority extended all the way to Orgeon.

Jerseysbest

I believe you can bring a bike aboard NJtransit trains during off peak hours on weekdays. Check their website, they have more info. https://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_servl...=BikeProgramTo
Have fun, and watch out for the pot holes.

NOS88

Man, be careful with SEPTA, their personnel's "discretion" isn't consistent. I've friends who have been refused service one time but not the next, and the only difference was the person working that shift. The person I know that never has a problem is a friend who brings a folding bike on board. So, if you haven't purchased the bike yet you might want to consider this as an option.

BroMax

Thanks to all who have responded (so far).
If SEPTA is going to be difficult, I can avoid them altogether by taking Amtrak from NY to PHL or take a cheaper NJT train and change to the River Line at Trenton. I know how to get my body around in the Northeast Corridor but not my body plus a bike.

tom cotter

PATCO is about the most bicycle friendly service you can find. Bikes are OK on all trains. They would prefer that you not travel on rush hour trains but won't stop you if you do. If the car is full or nearly full bicyclist are asked to stand in the doorways or at the ends of the car.

Dahon.Steve

I never had problems with SEPTA commuter lines. Seriously. I've never been kicked off a SEPTA train. You have to bring a a bungi cord because they will ask you to leave the bike between the cars.

As for NJ Transit, just look for the handicap car because that's where you'll park your bike. If that spot is full, you'll have to stand in the center of the car next to the doors.

The RiverLine has the spot where you can park your bike. It's the handicap spot but the train gets full fast and they may not allow you during rush hour. In fact, boarding during rush hour even on NJ Transit is a no, no and SEPTA is probably the same.

Folding bikes are the exception and allowed ALL the time.

PhillyCx

I have never had a problem with SEPTA. I pretty much only take the Market/frankford line and broadstreet line to get around though and avoid the busses altogether, but I always just shoulder the bike and hop on. Never had a problem w/ septa ever.

lrzipris

Big difference between SEPTA's regional rail lines and subways, where neither the engineer nor the conductor are likely to come out of their protective little cubicles and tell a cyclist not to come aboard, especially as you'd have already paid your fare before getting onto the platform.