Following Transportation Commissioner and New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) Board Chairman James Simpson’s call for a speedy resolution to customer and bicycle advocates’ concerns about bike access at train stations, the NJ Transit board of directors today adopted a new Bike Aboard Program that expands travel options for cyclists effective July 1, 2012, enabling them to bring their bicycles onboard trains at all stations.

In response to customer feedback and comments from the bicycling community, Simpson and Executive Director James Weinstein asked the North and South Jersey Transportation Advisory Committees (TACs) to review NJ Transit’s existing bicycle policy and make recommendations that could safely reduce restrictions limiting bicycle access on trains. The Bicycle Policy Subcommittee was formed, led by NJTAC Chair Suzanne Mack and comprised of other TAC members, transportation officials, planners and bicycle advocates.

The committee was tasked with addressing concerns raised by commuters who have experienced restrictions when attempting to board NJ Transit trains with bicycles, without compromising the safety of customers and employees.

Beginning in July, NJ Transit’s new Bike Aboard Program will allow customers to bring their bicycles onboard trains on all rail lines at all train stations, with some exceptions during heavy travel periods. The policy will also allow train crew members to use discretion when allowing bicycles onboard trains if they have concerns about public safety.

The new policy does not require preregistration or permits, and there is no additional charge for bringing bicycles onboard trains.