Ever been stuck on a platform at Secaucus Junction or wandering around Newark Penn Station, staring at a blank screen? It’s frustrating. You just want to know if the next train to Trenton is actually coming or if you're about to be stranded for forty minutes.
Most people just Google a number and hope for the best. But honestly, the New Jersey Transit phone number you need depends entirely on whether you're trying to find a lost bag, dispute a weird charge on your ticket, or report something sketchy you saw on the light rail.
The One Number to Rule Them All
If you just need general help—schedules, fares, or basic travel info—the main New Jersey Transit phone number is (973) 275-5555.
Keep in mind that while the automated information is available 24/7, talking to a real human being is a different story. Operators are generally available from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily. If you call at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday because the bus didn't show, you're going to be talking to a robot.
For those who are hearing impaired, the TTY number is (800) 772-2287, and it follows those same human-operator hours.
When Things Go Sideways: Special Contact Info
Sometimes the main line just doesn't cut it. Maybe you left your laptop on the Northeast Corridor line or you're trying to navigate the system with a disability.
Lost and Found
Don't call the general line and wait on hold for twenty minutes just to talk about your lost umbrella. You can use the same main number, (973) 275-5555, but you'll want to navigate the menu specifically for Lost and Found. Pro tip: fill out the online form first. It creates a paper trail that's way easier to track than a random phone conversation.
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Access Link (ADA Services)
If you're using Access Link, the paratransit service, that’s a whole different animal. Their specific number is (973) 491-4224.
This line is actually pretty busy because it handles reservations. If you need a ride for tomorrow, you have to call between 7:30 AM and 4:00 PM. If you're just checking on where your ride is right now, that "ride status" team is there from 5:00 AM all the way until 10:00 PM.
Security and Emergencies
See something? Say something. It’s a cliché, but it matters.
- Emergencies: Just call 911.
- Transit Police: (800) 242-0236 or (973) 378-6565.
- Silent Tips: You can text NJTPD (65873) or call (888) TIPS-NJT.
The 2026 Context: Why the Phones Are Buzzing
Right now, as we head into the thick of 2026, things are a bit chaotic. With the Portal North Bridge construction entering its final stages and the FIFA World Cup 2026 prep in high gear, the phone lines are slammed.
If you're calling about the "Safe Passage" campaign or trying to figure out the temporary service changes for the bridge work, expect longer wait times. The agency just launched a language survey this month to try and make their phone tools better for people who don't speak English as a first language, so you might notice some new prompts when you dial in.
Common Mistakes When Calling NJ Transit
Most riders make the mistake of calling during the morning rush. Don't do that. If your question isn't urgent, wait until 10:30 AM. The staff is usually less frazzled, and the hold music won't make you want to jump out a window.
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Another thing? Have your info ready. If you're complaining about a specific bus, they need the bus number (usually a four-digit number on the front or back) and the route. Just saying "the bus in Jersey City" helps nobody.
Actionable Steps for a Better Commute
- Program the number: Save (973) 275-5555 in your contacts right now as "NJ Transit Info."
- Use MyBus: If you're at a bus stop, you don't even need to call a person. Text the 5-digit bus stop ID number to 69287 to get real-time arrivals.
- Check the App: Seriously, the NJ Transit mobile app often has the same info as the phone operators but without the hold time.
- Follow on X: For real-time "the sky is falling" updates, @NJTRANSIT is usually faster than the phone lines during a major delay.
If you really need to speak to someone about a complex issue—like a refund for a ticket that didn't print—head to a physical Customer Service office at Newark Penn, New York Penn, or Hoboken Terminal. Sometimes seeing a face is better than hearing a voice.