Nothing out of the ordinary on NJ Transit's 5:20 a.m. train from Morristown Watch video
MORRISTOWN -- On Monday morning, a couple of hours made a big difference for Manhattan-bound NJ Transit commuters.
The 5:20 a.m. train from Morristown was the second-to-last before commuters on the Morris & Essex lines were diverted to Hoboken due to the launch of a massive track project in New York City.
Commuters finding their way in Hoboken on Monday It took about 70 minutes and arrived on time in New York Penn Station, and until riders boarded in Secaucus Junction -- the last stop in New Jersey -- there were plenty of available seats.
The limited chatter in one rail car did not involve any references to a project that will disrupt commuting patterns until Sept. 1, at least for those with trains scheduled to arrive in Manhattan after 7 a.m.
Fast-forward a couple of hours, it was a much different story. NJ Transit spokesman Charles Ingoglia said a "couple of small glitches" on Day One included the 7:22 a.m. train from Mount Olive that was one car short became overcrowded in South Orange.
At a more crowded than usual Hoboken Terminal, NJ Transit passengers used to commuting directly to Manhattan were scrambling to connect with bus, ferry and PATH options.
Bob Nace said he took a 7:57 a.m. train from Convent Station and, upon arriving in Hoboken, was seeking information on proceeding to Manhattan via PATH -- an unfamiliar route to him.
He said he was unsure whether all he needed to present was the ticket handed back to him by the NJ Transit conductor.
"So far, it's fine," he said of the commute, adding, "It's just that when you're not used to taking PATH, they're not explaining it."
NJ Transit did have plenty of employees offering guidance, but Nace arrived around 8:30 a.m., when the morning rush was at it peak.
For those who got up early enough to catch the 5:20 a.m. train from Morristown -- one of four that still went directly to Manhattan -- avoiding the inconvenience will not last.
They will not have return service this afternoon and evening and, like those on the later-arriving morning trains, will have to get to Hoboken in order to reconnect with their NJ Transit train.
Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook