Transit working group cites 2,300 responses and urges NJ Transit to consider hourly weekend service

Montclair’s transportation working group presented survey results and preliminary recommendations to the township council on June 9, urging New Jersey Transit and regional partners to restore weekend bus services and to study hourly weekend train service to better serve residents beyond Bay Street station.

The survey collected more than 2,300 responses across Montclair and neighboring municipalities. Working‑group members and transit advocates told the council that a strong majority of respondents want improved weekend transit: Nick Gileia, founder of Root, Restore Our Transit Essex, said the data show residents adapted after Decamp service ended but did not accept the loss. “Eighty‑five percent of the respondents want more weekend train service,” he said, summarizing the group’s findings.

The task force noted specific community needs: more frequent weekend trains to Montclair State University and beyond, restored hourly bus service that replaced Decamp routes, and local circulator options for riders who do not live within walking distance of a train station. Speakers also flagged concerns about pedestrian safety at market crossings and potential community impacts north of Bay Street if more trains stop there.

Council members and advocates agreed on next steps: continuing discussions with NJ Transit, coordinating with neighboring towns that share the line, and engaging state legislators to request study and pilot improvements. The working group said it will seek a follow‑up meeting with NJ Transit and enlist Assembly offices to explore feasible pilot schedules.

Ending: The council received the report; staff and the working group will pursue follow‑up meetings with NJ Transit and state representatives to explore pilot weekend service and bus restoration.