NJT's River Line Light Rail System

RAILFAN GUIDES of the U.S.

Todd's Railfan Guide to
NJT's RIVER LINE LIGHT RAIL
Camden -- Trenton NJ

RAILFAN GUIDES HOME
RAILROAD SIGNALS HOME

New Jersey Transit's River Line travels between downtown Camden and downtown Trenton NJ. It travels past Conrail's Pavonia yard in Camden, where the shops are on the north side of the yard. It takes a little getting used to, as the LRV's are diesel powered instead of being electric.... so there is no overhead wire.

The signals of the system are varied, taking in railroad style color lights, dwarf color lights with LED's, and bar signals.

The above picture was taken at the 36th Street station by David, and found on Wikipedia.

click here for the above map in PDF format

The River Line is only the second line I know of to use a diesel powered car in lieu of the traditional overhead electrical power (the other one is the Ottawa ON line) in North America. Even being diesel powered, the cars are still quiet, and I have to admit, they do look nicer while running through the "downtown" areas. In addition, they are not at the mercy of the power grid in case of a power outage.

The ends of the line offer many spots to catch some good shots, as well as selected points in between. I haven't had much chance to railfan the line, but in looking at www.bing.com/maps, the route around Bordentown seem especially nice as you run through "open" country and in and around the water. Grabbing a map of Camden, you can easily find access to the far side of the yard from the shops. Fares are very reasonable considering the distances involved.... it's too bad they don't offer a day pass :-(

The River Line's hours are:
6am - 10pm during the weekdays, every 15 minutes peak, 30 minutes off peak,
6am - 12mid on Saturdays, every 30 minutes,
6am - 10pm on Sundays and holidays:
(New Years, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day)

The basic fare is $1.35, one-way... tickets are good for two hours once validated,
They DO NOT offer a day pass like the Baltimore Light Rail does, although bus ticket transfers are good.

Station by Station

CAMDEN - WATERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT CENTER