NYC-NJ Transit Boosts Service for Pokémon GO Fest
NJ Transit increases Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to 10-minute intervals for Pokémon GO Fest
NJ Transit Adds HBLR Service for Pokémon GO Fest
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail riders heading to Pokémon GO Fest Jersey City this weekend will find trains running every 10 minutes during peak hours. NJ Transit announced Tuesday it's adding service June 7-8 to handle thousands of visitors expected at Liberty State Park, with enhanced frequencies from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. Daniel Corbett, Interim President & CEO, said the agency's committed to providing safe, reliable service for the event. The service boost affects Liberty State Park, Garfield Avenue, and Martin Luther King Drive stations.
Event Service Follows Transit Industry Practice
Transit agencies commonly enhance service for major events to manage crowds and reduce traffic congestion, according to industry standards. NJ Transit has previously provided additional service for large gatherings at Liberty State Park and other venues throughout the region. The Pokémon GO Fest draws players from around the world to participate in the mobile game's annual celebration. Officials didn't provide specific attendance projections for the Jersey City event, though similar festivals in Chicago and other cities have attracted tens of thousands of participants in past years.
Ten-Minute Frequencies During Event Hours
Trains will operate every 10 minutes during peak event hours on both Saturday and Sunday, officials said. The enhanced service runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, matching the festival's operating hours. Three stations provide direct access to the event area: Liberty State Park station offers the closest access, while Garfield Avenue and Martin Luther King Drive stations serve as additional entry points. Officials didn't disclose how many extra trains will be deployed or the cost of providing the additional service.
Service Runs Through Sunday Evening
The enhanced frequencies begin Saturday morning, June 7, and continue through Sunday evening, June 8. NJ Transit typically provides several weeks' notice before major service changes, though this event-specific enhancement was announced just days before implementation. Officials said riders should use the NJ Transit mobile app for real-time schedule information and trip planning throughout the weekend.
Riders Encouraged to Use Public Transit
Event attendees can avoid parking challenges and traffic congestion by taking the light rail to Liberty State Park, officials said. The three nearby stations provide convenient access without the hassle of finding parking near the festival grounds. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for Hudson-Bergen Light Rail routes serving the event area. Officials said the enhanced service demonstrates the agency's commitment to supporting major community events while promoting sustainable transportation options.
