On Wednesday, NJ Transit Executive Director James Weinstein announced plans to conduct a 90-day pilot program to test the feasibility of offering “Quiet Commute” cars on NJ Transit trains.

“Customers have asked us to offer a Quiet Commute option in an effort to balance the needs of people who want to stay connected while aboard our trains with those who want to relax or work in a quiet atmosphere,” said Weinstein. “We’re going to offer this amenity as a pilot program and rely on customer feedback to determine whether to make Quiet Commute a permanent NJ Transit amenity.” 

Beginning Sept. 7, Quiet Commute cars will be offered weekdays on the first and last cars of Northeast Corridor express trains in the “3900-series” — which operate to and from the outer-zone stations of Trenton, Hamilton and Princeton Junction. The 3900-series was selected because the trains’ relatively long trip times and regularly high ridership provide an ideal testing environment.

Quiet Commute cars are intended to provide a subdued environment for customers who wish to refrain from using cell phones and are willing to disable the sound feature on pagers, games, computers and other electronic devices. Conversations should be conducted in subdued voices, and headphones should be used at a volume that cannot be heard by other passengers.

Conductors will inform customers of Quiet Commute expectations by using specially designed business cards that explain the program in English and Spanish. The cards, first used by Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority in their own Quiet Car program, are intended to gently remind customers of their location without disturbing others on the car.

NJ Transit will be collecting feedback from customers over the pilot period via njtransit.com and through electronic surveys, as well as onboard from customers and train crewmembers.