Let’s be honest. Nobody ever wakes up on a Tuesday morning and thinks, "I really hope I get to call a transit agency today."
Usually, if you're looking for the phone number for nj transit, something has gone sideways. Maybe you left your laptop on the Northeast Corridor line. Maybe the 158 bus just ghosted you at the stop. Or maybe you're just trying to figure out if your "reduced fare" card is actually going to work for your trip to Philly.
Finding the right person to talk to at NJ Transit (NJT) can feel like navigating a maze where the walls are made of automated menus. But if you know which digits to punch in—and when—it’s actually not that bad.
The Golden Number: 973-275-5555
If you only save one contact in your phone, make it 973-275-5555. This is the main artery of NJ Transit’s communication system. Basically, it’s the Transit Information Center.
You can call this number 24/7 for automated info. However, if you actually want to speak to a human being—a "Transit Information Representative" as they call them—you need to time it right. They are only available from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM every single day.
Pro Tip: If you're calling about a bus, have your 5-digit bus stop ID number ready. You can find it on the sign at your stop. If you feed that ID into the automated system at 973-275-5555, it’ll give you real-time arrival info.
When Things Go Wrong: Emergency and Police
Sometimes you don't need a schedule; you need help. If there’s a legitimate emergency, obviously call 911. But for transit-specific issues, the NJ Transit Police have their own dedicated lines.
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- To report a crime or suspicious activity: Call 1-800-242-0236.
- The "Silent" Option: If you’re in a situation where you can’t talk, text NJTPD (65873). This is a huge deal for rider safety.
- Suspicious Activity Hotline: 1-888-TIPS-NJT.
People often confuse the general customer service line with the police line. Don't be that person. If someone is being aggressive on the Light Rail, call the police number, not the "how much is a ticket" number.
The Lost and Found Struggle
We've all been there. You stand up to get off at Secaucus and your umbrella (or worse, your wallet) stays on the seat.
NJ Transit doesn't have one giant warehouse for lost items. Everything is decentralized. If you lose something on a train, it usually ends up at the terminal for that specific line (like Hoboken or Penn Station NY).
To check on a lost item, you can call 973-275-5555, but honestly, the most effective way is often their online form. If you insist on calling, be prepared to describe your item in excruciating detail. "A black bag" won't cut it. "A black North Face backpack with a broken zipper and a New York Jets keychain" might.
Access Link and Special Services
For riders with disabilities, the standard bus or train isn't always an option. That’s where Access Link comes in. This is NJT’s paratransit service, and it has its own set of rules and phone numbers.
For anything related to Access Link, the magic number is 973-491-4224.
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This system is pretty specialized. You have to select different options based on what you need:
- Option 1: Certification (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Option 2: Reservations. Note that next-day reservations are only taken until 4:00 PM.
- Option 4: Checking the status of your ride.
If you’re a senior citizen or have a disability and need a Reduced Fare card, that’s a different department entirely. You’ll want to call 973-491-7112 between 8:45 AM and 4:15 PM, Monday through Friday.
How to Actually Reach a Human
It's 2026, and every company wants you to use an app or a chatbot. NJ Transit is no different. But sometimes the app glitches or your question is just too weird for an AI to handle.
When you call the phone number for nj transit (973-275-5555), you’ll be greeted by an automated voice. To bypass the "press 1 for this" loop, listen for the prompt for "Operator" or "Customer Service."
Wait times fluctuate wildly. Monday mornings are usually a nightmare. Mid-week, around 2:00 PM, is generally your best bet for a quick connection. If you need an interpreter, just ask once a human picks up; they provide free language assistance in quite a few different tongues.
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Physical Locations (When Calling Isn't Enough)
Sometimes you just need to look a person in the eye. NJ Transit has Customer Service offices at major hubs. If you're already at the station, it’s usually faster than calling.
- New York Penn Station: They stay open late, usually until 11:00 PM.
- Newark Penn Station: Open until 10:00 PM on weekdays.
- Hoboken Terminal: Open until 8:00 PM.
- Secaucus Junction: Open until 10:00 PM.
Just a heads up: offices like Trenton and the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden have much shorter hours and are usually closed on weekends.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
Before you head out, do these three things to save yourself a headache later:
- Program the number: Save 973-275-5555 as "NJ Transit Info" and 1-800-242-0236 as "NJ Transit Police."
- Take a photo of your ticket: If you're using a paper ticket, snap a photo. If it gets lost, having the ticket number helps the customer service reps track things down.
- Check the status first: Before calling to complain about a delay, check the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App or their Twitter/X feed (@NJTRANSIT). They usually post major service disruptions there faster than the phone reps can update their scripts.
Dealing with public transit is a test of patience. Having the right contact info doesn't make the train run faster, but it definitely makes the experience a lot less stressful when things go off the rails.