Ride the Atlantic City Line: New Jersey Transit's One-of-a-Kind Service!

[@RSDX99]

At 54 yrs old that engine is younger than most of the people going to AC

[@tobygoodguy4032]

Now that's funny. My folks stopped going down when DJT sold off.

[@alexharris2495]

🤣🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂😂😱

[@aubreynaarcher8916]

Lmao

[@lovelyheiferdev]

Did the State of New Jersey buy new engines yet? They can wear down anytime.

[@afcgeo882]

@@lovelyheiferdev No reason to. The line is barely ever used and operates at a loss. The engines are very reliable and the local mechanics know them in and out.

[@liammartin6636]

NJ Transit is very utilitarian. It gets you where you need to go, relatively on time, and in relative comfort. Don't ask for more because you won't get it.

[@wallinnb745]

The reason for the flipping seat backs is so that if one is traveling with a group, they can face one another for conversation.

[@DelcoImagery]

Yep!

[@DelcoImagery]

I do it all the time with me and my friends

[@Alan_900]

In Argentina, since mid-80s, we had the Japanese Toshiba EMU trains (in diff. lines) with the the same flipping seats, they were really comfortable (and solid) seats! 👍 They replaced them with modern CSR EMUs, they look much better but kinda plasticky 😐.

[@nelsonricardo3729]

I'm pretty sure it's from when the train switches directions at the terminal after a run.

[@Rollback_Productions_]

@@nelsonricardo3729 That is correct! In push pull service the conductor flips the seats to face the direction of travel. Nobody likes sitting backwards!

[@camdizzle]

Flashback time! Who remembers the ACES (Atlantic City Express Service) that went from NY Penn to Atlantic City stopping at just Newark Penn on the way?

[@paulw.woodring7304]

I worked it as a cafe attendant on the AC express for 3 1/2 years, from Nov. '91 when the Washington crew base took it over, to end of Amtrak service in April '95. The service actually ran between Springfield, MA and Richmond, VA. It took the attendant four days to make the cycle, including over a 24 hour layover in Springfield, MA - and then got four days off, which is why I liked it. The service did OK until the first Indian casino opened in Connecticut. That was the beginning of the end. When AC was the only place one could gamble in the East, it did fairly well, but there are now too many choices for places to lose your money. Many Americans don't like to ride backwards, so that is why the "walkover" seats.

[@jerlouwillcox7146]

ACES was different it ran from February 2009 until September 2011 between New York Penn and Atlantic City making one stop in Newaek using specially ordered multilevel cars purchased by the casinos

[@RalphQuidonePhotography]

Yes I Do, I am from South Jersey. I used to ride the ACES whenever we went to NYC, it was a great service and you couldn’t beat the $29 one way coach fares on most trips. I miss this service, it’s a shame they couldn’t keep it going.

[@mj1234321]

I rode ACES round trip once - it was a cool train, though ill-timed I guess given the economic challenges of AC. I always kind of wondered what they did with all those nice seats when they converted the ACES coaches to regular NJT commuter coaches.

[@1flyfire8]

Two ACES videos I shot. This is a test run of the ACES consist kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXWViqdreJuZj80 And this is with standard NJT equipment with electric and diesel kzbin.info/www/bejne/naCrYmuPa85oldU

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

Only 12 trips each way Philadelphia-Atlantic City, not 14. The last Atlantic City departure is 10:45 pm, and some complaints about not having a trip after 12 midnight because Atlantic City is still a late night or even a 24 hour town. Amtrak service early on included a couple middle of the night trips. From September to December 2020, a number of trips from morning to mid afternoon were replaced by buses that took far longer, due to trackwork. You were lucky to get a train all the way. The inside passage at Lindenwold between the NJT platform and PATCO has been closed and locked for many months, per the pandemic. The bridge over the Delaware River is the 100 plus year old Delair bridge, which is raised for boat traffic which supersedes rail traffic, both passengers and freight. Too often the bridge fails to close properly and severely disrupts rail service. THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS VIDEO.

[@philnaegely]

Closing that passage makes no sense especially in the winter

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

@@philnaegely may be because PATCO as much as the pandemic.

[@mattk9644]

Why you do mad

[@TomHoffman-uw7pf]

Why would a pedestrian tunnel be affected by the pandemic? You're either boarding or leaving a train, which is a much more enclosed space.

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

@@TomHoffman-uw7pf the PATCO Hi Speed Line closed the tunnel because PATCO Hi Speed Line. Same reason they closed the west head house at Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden. To this day.

[@jacksak]

In commuter trains, flipping the seats in opposite positions allows for commuters to face each other to play cards or discuss whatever. I used to see this on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) when I commuted to work each day from Huntington Long Island to New York City in the 1970's.

[@zebulonforchion1725]

this route was my childhood. My grandmother lived right next to the tracks in Hammonton NJ and we would take the train to Atlantic City for the beach and Phili for the Museums. I was pleasantly surprised when you took this trip. :)

[@philnaegely]

what station did you board at?

[@ultragoji3358]

The reason for the seats in the Coaches being able to flip, is to allow easier turn around of coaches in a terminal station. The 3 and 2 seating is quite unpopular, especially during rush hours, which led to them being done away in the newer double decker coaches.

[@cab4]

Its funny, when they bought the original Jersey Arrows they had 3/2 seating, and everyone freaked out. The bought the Comet Is and the Arrow IIs with 2/2 seating, only to go back to 3/2 seating on the Arrow IIIs and rebuild everything with 3/2 seating. I guess that technically increases the seats, but its been obvious for the last 50 years that its not a popular configuration.

[@TomHoffman-uw7pf]

I've seen people stand even when the middle seat is available. I was wondering if NJT had bathrooms. (are you reading this, SEPTIC, er, SEPTA?)

[@saywhat6250]

NJTRANSIT IS BY FAR THE ABSOLUTE WORST & MOST UNRELIABLE MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM IN THE ENTIRE U.S..ALWAYS HAVE BEEN ALWAYS WILL BE NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THEY HIKE UP THE FARES

[@bonez319]

13:48 was the site of the Amtrak derailment in 2015. Speeding train jumped the curve and struck several cat towers.

[@coolboss999]

Woah that's crazy seriously? Can I get like a link to an article about that. I am curious as to what happened

[@voidjavelin23]

​​@@coolboss999 its one of the acs 64 no. 188 serving the regional service IICR. But bros loco got too speedy and deral at the curve. All of that is the safety system failed him

[@UncommonElevators]

NJT looks like a train museum with all of the old stuff they run.

[@cab4]

Their average age is closer to 15-20 years. Its just this train and the Jersey Arrows that are actually old.

[@geoffreyguthe6623]

Oh often times it is. Still way better than local buses.

[@ridesharegold6659]

The AC line is the least used line so all the old stuff gets sent there. It's a huge system so you find stuff of all ages.

[@qjtvaddict]

@@geoffreyguthe6623 not really the buses are far more frequent

[@ProfessorPancakes420]

You should check out the living history museum known as the MBTA Commuter Rail. In fact, I would say any commuter rail agency in the US not under the MTA umbrella would fit that description...

[@evo7836]

When i was young I used to beg my dad to take me on this train and we rode it quite frequently simply for fun and my love of trains. It's been a while since I've ridden this line. Can't wait to see what you think of the Patco as I've ridden that's dozens of times over my life time. Great video!

[@Joe-kk6gf]

I used to ride PATCO every day pre pandemic. It definitely has its moments where things don't go as they planned but it is an overall reliable service.

[@mattk9644]

@@Joe-kk6gf same lmao we probably saw each other 😭

[@henryhuber8485]

I really just love 💝 NJ Transit trains so much. They are my favorite. My most favorite NJ transit lines are the Northeast corridor line from Trenton to New York City and the Atlantic City Line from Philadelphia to Atlantic City. If I had to choose one NJ transit train to ride or work on all the time it would be the Atlantic City Rail Line because it is the most relaxed and comfortable train ride to go on and the conductors and passengers are very nice and really like the GP40PH -2 locomotives and the single level comet v passenger cars . Very reliable so all of you should go ride it from Philadelphia to Atlantic City.

[@kevinjohnson3203]

Most versions of the Comet have power outlets at the ends of the car. I think they're there for cleaning, but they run off HEP, so you can use them to charge your phone or computer during travel if you know where to look.

[@rbjplay13]

Great video!! I was a little surprised you didn't mention the former ACES train (Atlantic City Express Service) operated by NJT from 2009-2011, which offered the newer multilevel coaches, a first class car, lounge, and food service onboard as it ran from New York Penn, Newark, NJ, nonstop to Atlantic City, bypassing Philadelphia. It was extremely unpopular and low ridership forced the end of ACES. That's unfortunately part of the reason why the Atlantic City NJT line suffers today, why give the newer equipment to a line so few people ride as opposed to say their Northeast Corridor line?

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

"Extremely unpopular" as in they tried it during the Great Recession, after housing and stock market bubbles burst. Not because it was disliked. Eight NJT multilevels were refurbished and total 4 P40 Genesis units were bought from Amtrak. Consists were dual mode push pull with an ALP44 electric unit at one end and a P40 at the other.

[@dukctape]

bypassing philly sounds silly, thats a massive connection hub. id imagine theyd get considerable ridership from PA for that line

[@ihpp8090]

Woahhh I haven't taken that particular train in years. Now I just drive the 45 mins from my area of NJ. The only time I'll take NJT trains is into NYC. Super cool to see a video that's local to me!

[@UnnDunn]

There are usually one or two power outlets at each end of the car. You may have to search for them under the seats, and Train staff might give you dirty looks if you use them, but they are there and they work in a pinch.

[@philnaegely]

i never got dirty looks when i used them

[@Trainfan1055Janathan]

8:32 I see NJ Transit cars still suffer from that flat wheel problem. I wonder if their coaches still make that horrible metallic grinding sound when they brake. (Also I love the way the GP40's sound) Atlantic City is also home to the Absecon Lighthouse, which was abandoned because it can no longer be clearly seen from the coast. (I still find it weird that there are no laws against building skyscrapers in front of lighthouses) I think the Coast Guard is okay with it because the ships can use the lights of the skyscrapers to guide them, so they no longer have to pay to keep the lighthouse in service. The lighthouse still turns on at night, but no one actually uses it. Another interesting thing about it is it used to be painted white and red, then yellow and blue before its current paint scheme of yellow and black.

[@joshbenton4080]

All rail cars develop "flat spots" on their wheels, it happens even to LRV train sets as well as locomotives. The sound that you here when the GP40-H2's are idle, is the head end power generator for providing "hotel power" to the train. I think that all New Jersey Transit diesel locomotives have "static" HEP generators now. (Separate from the prime mover) I remember the Amtrak F40PH diesels had a distinctively "deafening roar" to them, even whenever they were idle. Before the adoption of electric train heating (HEP), trains were steam heated with just batteries and generators to recharge the batteries with the movement of the train. No loud engine noises except when the locomotive would pull the trains.

[@karldammann]

It wasn't abandoned due to buildings being in the way, it was "deactivated" in the 30's because it was no longer needed, not because it couldn't be seen. As a matter of fact it can STILL be seen when on the water at night from anywhere around the mouth of the Absecon Inlet. The only tall building to be in the way is the Ocean Club and that wasn't built until 2012, even when it was closed in the 30's almost all of the tall hotels were down by the piers, not near that end of the city.

[@joezegers]

I think it’s just the comets are a little older than the multi levels.

[@rodrigoalvesdepaula5262]

For many years, NJ Transit operated a direct train from NY Penn Station to Atlantic City, called ACES. This train was formed with an ALP44 electric locomotive, four bilevel cars and an Alstom diesel engine. This was a weekend-only service. Unfortunately, ACES ceased its operations in 2012.

[@moeboogie4037]

The diesel was was an ex-Amtrak P40 locomotive. They only used the PL42 for a very short period of time in which the service only operated between Newark and Atlantic City requiring a transfer to/from NYP.

[@wolfgang548]

If you get a chance, ride NJ Transit's newer multilevel cars. They are very comfortable.

[@engineersdash7564]

It's a totally different ride than the single level coaches.

[@wolfgang548]

@@engineersdash7564 And a much better ride.

[@scottyerkes1867]

Love those bilevel cars!!

[@UncommonElevators]

He rode them on MARC already

[@wolfgang548]

@@UncommonElevators I wasn't aware of that.

[@ROTE]

You should ride the NJT/MNRR Port Jervis line, it is a long and fun ride with great scenery!

[@mr.conductorfromsts4204]

They had Alstom Comet V (whole set)

[@ROTE]

@@mr.conductorfromsts4204 I know

[@jeff7597]

Indeed, the long Viaduct near Salisbury Mills/Cornwall is quite neat alone.

[@ROTE]

@@jeff7597 yep

[@PhillyBagel]

Don’t forget the Otisville tunnel.

[@alimazimmer3819]

I enjoy travelling on this line. The scenery is beautiful. Part of the ride takes you through the Pine Barrens. The rail personnel are very professional This line has taken me to several locations during the past few years. While I am not particular about Atlantic City, I have been very successful reaching other locations. Thank you for your post.

[@TomHoffman-uw7pf]

The Pine Barrens are eerie. I drove to a place where there's some kind of memorial to a guy with a Spanish name. You;d never guess you were only 50 miles from Philly.

[@raymondmuench3266]

Some of us may be old enough to recall the Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore line which had this route when I was a kid. Another era.

[@cab4]

I take PATCO regularly to work from Lindenwold. Kind of neat seeing your channel on my local tracks. I think flip-back seats were standard on any US commuter train built prior to the 2000s. I think all the old Silverliners had them, as did the Arrows and other comets. I think they bolted them in place on SEPTA though.

[@stephenlaarkamp7344]

Not so much bolted them, but they wholesale replaced them with new seats that can't be flipped or even adjusted. That's of course only on the Silverliner 4s that they still use, the Silverliner 5s have never had them at all since they were made in the 2000s. I can imagine when the Silverliner 4s are replaced by Silverliner 6s (whatever they may be), they would go the 5s route or even do the 2+2 the way that modern NJT double-deckers do (especially since a double-deck design, whether it be from Bombardier or Stadler stands a chance of being the design of choice for SEPTA in the future.

[@cab4]

@@stephenlaarkamp7344 ah, i know on the Silverliner IIs and IIIs they were bolted in place, since i witnessed one being unbolted for a fan trip. Then again, they've been gone a while.

[@MrTommyboy68]

I grew up outside of Philly and remember when they refurbished the lines for the run to Atlantic City and the big fuss locals made about the trains "speeding through their towns" with all the at grade crossings. I believe that Amtrak redid the grade crossings with crossing gates and upgraded warning signals. I would take it from Philly to AC because if you drove and had PA tags on your car, New Jersey police departments would pick you off. I rode Amtrak from Plattsburg, NY to Philly in 1977 while stationed at the Air Force base up there. The first trip was in the "OLD CLASSY RAILCARS" and we had a FULL ORNATE DINING CAR. It was a treat taking that to New York and transferring to get to Philly. The next time I rode it, they switched to the "new" cars, no dining car, just a snack bar. I really missed the old time opulence of the old cars. I spent 3 years in Germany in the Air Force and boy, was I spoiled by their train service. You had the regular trains, the "S Bahn" (limited stops) and they went into the "U Bahn" (subway system, same trains just went underground). They were adding on building more subway tunnels when I left in 1982 and I wish I could go back and see how much more they completed. I used to get an Euro Pass and hop a train to see where it would take me when I had a couple of days off. I took the train to Amsterdam to see Pink Floyd and I always went first class (not a lot more money and usually you had the compartment to yourself.) When we got to the border, Customs came through and just glanced at my ID and went on. ALL of the guys I went with in coach got searched and checked. Same on the way back, got a quick look at my ID and off they went to coach and again, the guys in coach got a more thorough inspection. When we got back to our hospital, our commander was standing there, using his finger to call us over and we were escorted in for a "random" drug screen. He KNEW I didn't do anything stupid, but 6 of my fellow airmen tested positive and I knew he was pissed because I was cocky about it and he knew he would never get me. I would love to take the train across the upper US and watch the world go by in the observation car. I've seen pictures and it is beautiful.

[@TomHoffman-uw7pf]

"The next time I rode it, they switched to the "new" cars, no dining car, just a snack bar." That's what you get for "new." NY-Philly is tolerable, but be warned about the Maple Leaf, 12-hour ride New York-Toronto. Crummy snack bar for breakfast, lunch AND dinner. Not to mention standing in line at 100mph when each customer takes 5 minutes. McDonald's never looked so good.

[@bwcbiz]

NE Corridor gets most of the love from NJT, just like Amtrak. But because each line dates back to a different original railway, they each have unique character.

[@joezegers]

Morris & Essex Line (term used to describe both the Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch): Lackawanna Railroad Montclair-Boonton Line: Lackawanna Railroad Pascack Valley Line: New Jersey & New York Railroad Bergen County Line: Erie Railroad Main Line: Erie Railroad Northeast Corridor Line: Pennsylvania Railroad Raritan Valley Line: Central Railroad of New Jersey North Jersey Coast Line: New York & Long Branch Railroad Atlantic City Line: Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines

[@JV-nl7lh]

Thanks for sharing, especially the photo of the AC train station from 1989! Now at age 48 I was 16 years old at that time traveling to AC from South Carolina for the first time ever. I remember Amtrak promoting the renewed rail line when I got to 30th street station in Philly.

[@philnaegely]

So this line is usually more popular among Atlantic City workers and beach goers during normal times and also among those who work in Philly as well. The atco/lindenwold stops are usually busy with commuters to philly based on my experience.

[@AnthonyBrusca]

Those seats are great for when you're coming back from NYC sports game or concert and have a group of friends you can face each other.

[@karldammann]

I used to take this from Egg Harbor City to AC every day when I worked at the casinos, then later when I worked as a DJ on the Spirit of Philadelphia I would take it to 30th Street Station until I learned I could get off in Lindenwold, take a PATCO, and jump off like 8 blocks from where the ship was docked. That was right around 2000-2002 and the trains, seats, etc. look exactly the same except the bathroom was much cleaner on your trip lol. Those new seats look super nice! Thanks for sharing, it was cool seeing it after so many years.

[@AirchimeLTDproductions174]

My personal favorite NJT Rail Route, I film on here all the time and named my channel after one of the bigger signal interlockings on the route. I grew up next to these rails. :) So glad you could give the ACL some love. :)

[@AH-bm4ts]

A couple things you missed, the NJT Bus and train tickets are interchangeable between Philly and AC so you have the choice of the bus or train for convenience or a slightly lower price for a train ticket or monthly rail pass that I used to take the bus to Philly from AC for more flexibility when I used to commute. And at Pennsauken train station you can transfer onto the River line light rail running between Camden and Trenton.

[@pastorjerrykliner3162]

I am contemplating riding this line from Philly to AC... Thanks so much for covering it! Very helpful!!!

[@adammitry3543]

I rode that line for an occasional trip from Philly. Amtrak service was really nice. I wish they brought that back. Maybe with new funding (upcoming) they will. It was quicker and had a snack car.

[@moeboogie4037]

That's not gonna happen. AC isn't even a blip on Amtrak's expansion radar.

[@adammitry3543]

@@moeboogie4037 that depends..they are putting a plan in to restart rail svc in Allentown & Scranton. If AC does some type of turnaround and the funding is there, who knows? The ROW is there, plus it would seem like a good market.

[@moeboogie4037]

@@adammitry3543 unfortunately, Philadelphia’s casino’s have taken a huge amount of business from AC. I honestly don’t see it happening. I’m hopeful for the Allentown/Scranton service, but Norfolk Southern currently won’t budge on granting any access despite all the studies that have been done. Hopefully, they’ll (NS) will change their stubborn minds.

[@DelcoImagery]

I love this line so much, I use it to go to the shore in the summer all the time. Awesome video!

[@Kenny-en7wb]

That line had been dormant for years until Amtrak refurbished it in the mid-'80s and began exclusively running trains in the late '80s. The line was maintained and dispatched by Amtrak in Cetc at 30th street in Philadelphia. NJT started service on the line shortly after. Amtrak service was nonstop from 30th street station and was considered premium service over NJT"s since NJT made a couple local stops en route. Amtrak experimented over the years with non-stop service from NY and with single train service from Washington DC. Amtrak eventually stopped running on the line and turned everything over to NJT..

[@bryanjk1971]

Fun fact, when Amtrak took over the route, they gave you a $25 voucher for the casinos.

[@williamerazo3921]

When was this???

[@midnight_styx]

@@williamerazo3921 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@bryanjk1971]

@@williamerazo3921 Fall of 1992. I took the train from Harrisburg straight to AC and they gave me a $25 casino voucher.

[@deby5983]

I remember!! I Those were the days...

[@falconheavy809]

Ahh, classic simply railway. Glancing over avelia until it's almost out of sight.

[@mdasilva1563]

Glad you’ve finally made it to NJ! Let me know if you want some recs for good trains rides to take in the Philly, NJ, and NYC areas!

[@dannyboy34677]

I’ve been on this line a number of times over the years and it’s a nice ride coming into Atlantic City. I would ride it to the new Pennsauken Transfer station where I would get the light rail to Trenton and avoid Philadelphia entirely. Thanks for posting this

[@johnnyzeee5215]

Yes. Atlantic City Rail Line. Mostly using GE diesel - electric locomotives, and recycled Silverliner and Bombardier cars, from the 90's

[@dccavalier]

I've used that line often to go from Washington, DC to Philadelphia and on to the Atlantic City area, getting off at Absecon or Egg Harbor City. I think the $10 and under price is great value for the distance and there are enough daily trains to make a commute to work daily if needed. As for the reverse backs for the seats, makes sense to me as many people would rather sit in the direction they are traveling.

[@anthonydiruocco9586]

Simply railways is awesome site, I'm from Philly & it's good to see someone dedicated to rail travel, like you are.... 😀 💯👍

[@lawrencewestby9229]

I used to commute on NJT in the early '80s between Suffern, NY and Hoboken. There was a group of four men who would flip the seats to face each other and they would take down one of the cardboard ad placards from the end of the car and lay it across their laps and they would play cards the whole trip.

[@philnaegely]

Njt typically closes the first and last car when they have one one conductor or late at night due to number of people traveling

[@lindahurley-bruce7575]

Flopping seats is an older US east coast phenomenon. More recent cars had seats permanently facing each other and not floppable, but passengers didn't like facing strrangers. Most recently, seats in half the car permanently face one way. half the other.

[@wolfbyte3171]

Great vid! Back in 2019 I took the North Jersey Coast Line service to meet a friend in Red Bank. The coaches were really nice!

[@BDavinci06]

I'm glad you were doing in NJT on the Channel. You should do the Northeast Corridor line and SEPTA Trenton line combo from New York to Philly. I think that would be interesting for a video. About 10 years ago NJT ran the ACES (Atlantic City Express Service) Running between New York and Atlantic City. The ACES train had double decker cars and pretty upgraded equipment and seats from a regular commuter train. It was a seasonal train it ran maybe around the summer or so when more people went down to Atlantic City. It only lasted about maybe 1 or 2 years and then they ended that. Oh well if you were from Philly you can take the train to Atlantic City and if you're from NYC you always take the bus down from Port Authority. Great video as always!!

[@princesskittysnummies3951]

This was pretty neat I live along this line and though I don’t get to take the train much it’s always a treat to go to Philly on there. I love those locomotives they’re so sturdy😊

[@1970boobear]

Love your content... Totally binge watching your channel. Thank you & cheers! 😍🍺

[@FallingLotus]

Welcome to Philly, home to more diversity in rolling stock than any other US city. Bring on the PATCO Speedline review 🙌

[@YaoboyProd2K15]

From 2009 to 2012, there used to have an intercity train service called 'Atlantic City Express Service (ACES)', the only service not being operated by Amtrak, but NJ Transit. It provided a direct connectivity from Atlantic City to NYC Penn station. However, due to a low ridership led to it being withdrawn.

[@transitfanofthedel-val4912]

Before you entered the vestibule between the Comet IIM and Comet Iv, the power outlet was down to your immediate right by the vestibule door so actually you originally sat on the opposite end. The Comet IV's outlets are near the doors for the high level platforms. Look for me at Transit Fans of the Del-Val.....

[@christopherorourke6543]

I used to live in Elwood, New Jersey from 12/14/1963 to 6/21/1969. I remember the old Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines Budd RDC’s, & those old heavyweight cars on the Philadelphia-Atlantic City line. The line needs to be promoted a lot as the Alternative to the White Horse Pike(U.S.30), the Black Horse Pike(U.S.40/U.S.322, NJ 42 & the North-South Expressway-which is the North-South Parking Lot during rush hour traffic & weekend traffic & the Atlantic City Expressway.

[@Aiijuin]

I love this line. It’s local for me. Pick up the “dinky” in Atco and ride it to 30th Street Station, then transfer to the R2 or R4 for the Philly Airport when I travel. I love the fact that it’s an old diesel train. So much cooler than the usual box electric engines. I also take this for Amtrak as well. I wish they’d keep more hours in the winter months, instead of cutting them back at Atco.

[@TheTraveler976]

Lovely video I’m going to Atlantic City next week for my birthday 3 day stay. We’re gonna take the train this time as we always took greyhound.

[@Clodh87]

Great video, awesome channel

[@fermitthekrog6318]

All right! now your getting in to the trains I ride all the time. I usually take the RIVERLINE to Trenton but sometimes I take this one to Atlantic city. It's cool to see people experience the systems I ride with all the time. NJT had a very nice service called the ACES that ran here. They used multilevels and one was done up like a club car. It was pretty neat stuff. Great video as usual

[@DanielsUKT]

Great video on a old commuter train I like how the seats can shift direction to have everyone facing the same way

[@R3C0NPr0X]

Yay I'm happy first time using NJ Transit on KZbin

[@pilotnflyer]

I love how I just found this like this past week and now you have a video about it

[@UnnDunn]

A while ago, NJ Transit operated a service called Atlantic City Express Service (ACES) which ran from NYC to Philly along the Northeast Corridor line, then to Atlantic City along the Atlantic City line. The entire trip took about 2h30, and it had a premium class as well as a coach class. But it was too expensive and too slow (buses were faster and cheaper) and it got discontinued after a year or two.

[@EpicThe112]

If you are wondering on what is the bus route between the two places that's NJ Transit 319. Some of the trips are 4 hours 50 minutes since those start and end at Wildwood

[@UnnDunn]

@@EpicThe112 I’m thinking more about the dedicated Atlantic City bus operators that will take you from NYC to AC in about 2 hours for $30-40 (plus free casino slot credit) round trip. Even major operators like Greyhound offer a service like this. The ACES offering simply couldn’t compete with that.

[@kevanhubbard9673]

Macau use to have free casino buses by the ferry arrival incoming from Hong Kong and the PRC and if you knew where they where in relation to the city centre you could use them as a free way into town if you didn't feel like walking or it was raining (it rains a lot there!)

[@williamkeffer8234]

I see these trains all the time on my way to my home out side of philly from my house in Brigantine, the island to the north east of Atlantic City, right off of it

[@fordcontour]

Regarding the end doors, beside the Comet I (retired a while ago), they are for both low-level and hi-level platforms ; they have trap doors that the conductor flips as needed. Center is hi-platform only. And about the Comet V, nothing extraordinary about them, beside better AC; be glad you tried the older rolling stock before it is retired! Try to hop on a Arrow III on the NEC if you have a chance!

[@greyshadow9498]

I lived along the NE Corridor, and when I was a regular poker player, I'd head over to my local, take it to 30th street and take the AC line. All in all it was cheaper and quicker than driving and a lot more relaxing. Man it's got to be 15 years or more since my last trip and that train hasn't changed one bit! The reason for the flipping seats is because on lines that didn't have a loop, the return trip you'd be riding backwards, so they made them flippable. If you're close to the NE Corridor, it is STILL an effective way to travel. But you're right, they are in serious need of improvements if they want to get riders and pull AC out of the hole it dug itself into. At least purchase some equipment from this millennia. The PATCO line is fun, especially since there is a front seat, that's ways a trippy ride.

[@alanash5870]

In 2019 , I rode this train, and I toted along my bike, as I was going to ride over to Ocean City. There was adequate space to store the bike, and I was able to sit by it to keep it secure.

[@paulwisniewski8328]

I've done the same train/bike trip several times, getting off at Absecon and bicycling to Ocean City. Always remember to get on at a center door and secure the bike across from the toilet. I've also ridden the train from Cherry Hill to Hammonton and cycled back, just for fun. Combines my two favorite modes of travel! Very much enjoyed the review of "my" train, as well as all the comments. Can't wait to see the PATCO review.

[@CrystalSolvent]

A lot of NJT uses the comets. When I take the NJT Port Jervis line to the Secaucus it is these older trains. They recently put some heritage units on the line. They are a sight to be seen.

[@mattsmocs3281]

It might seem old but the GP40s are really good locos. Reliable, easy to get parts, efficent, and EPA voided meaning unlike new locos which once law changes means they are out of service, these vets (some were CNJ GP40P’s the heaviest 4 axel diesels ever built) will keep running when the new power fails.

[@mattsmocs3281]

Also as a commuter Agency. NJT is extremely poor. Don’t blame them but California told them every PL42 needs to be retired immediately and that just caused a multi million dollar loss because the locos are not even allowed to operate secondhand. Most European agency’s don’t have to face with other states telling them what they can and cant run. One must be willing to accept that the old cars must earn there keep to keep trains rolling at all cost.

[@_SP64_]

​@@mattsmocs3281 I don't think NJT would really miss the PL with how much of a headache they are which is a shame I really like the locomotive. The ALP-45s have been doing really well for them so they're just gonna be getting more.

[@johnchambers8528]

California train engine rules do not apply to NJT. These GP-40 engines are still the most common engines you see pulling the Atlantic City trains. I have seen some newer engines added lately but there has been no major change in engines powering these trains.

[@kathymccaul2637]

I live 10 mins from the Lindenwold Station that you stopped at. Have ridden the Atlantic City line many times!! Super convenient.

[@amfm889]

Kudos for the *bright platform lighting* at Phila 30th St. Station!

[@philnaegely]

As for power, there's one sometimes in the senior/handicap seating near the car door

[@Mombo53]

Nice 👍 job covering this! 😉 Look forward to your next trip!

[@nelsonbrandt7847]

I lived in Hammonton, NJ halfway between Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Used to commute to work on that train.

[@tommytube268]

Perfect place to put in high speed rail

[@mr.conductorfromsts4204]

Atlantic City Rail Terminal also used for Atlantic City Express Service with 2 Locomotives (Ex-Amtrak P40DC & ABB ALP-44), and 4 Multilevel Coaches. 2 train sets in total. It was operated in 2009 until 2011.

[@Stuffnsuch736]

I’d flip the seats so I can face forward to see the horizon

[@NewYorkRawVideos]

take the njtransit river line light rail, it's a diesel tram train. goes from camden to trenton. you can get the patco train at the broadway station (called the walter rand transportation center on the nj transit side)

[@MillerMeteor74]

I live in Mullica Township near the Atlantic City Line. On September 21, 1989 a friend took me on a round trip on the that line from Lindenwold to Atlantic City and back. To my knowledge Lindenwold was the end of the line, and from Lindenwold to Philadelphia you rode a PATCO train, which we never did. A few times in the 90s my family and I boarded in Egg Harbor City to take the train to AC for a huge antique show. Occasionally I shoot photos and/or video of the train as it stops at the Egg Harbor City station. Usually there are 4 cars, but on occasion I have seen trains with 5. I like the locomotives they use. 9:05 Wouldn't it make sense to flip the seats for when the train goes backward when going the opposite direction? Anyway, I enjoyed the ride. Thanks.

[@cats0182]

The flip-over seats served 2 purposes. At the end of the line the conductor would flip the seats so that everyoe would be facing in the direction the train would be going. A group of "friendly commuters could have "group interaction" if the seats were available. Remember them on the MP54s of the LIRR.

[@MIKES0029]

I once took a train from Boston to AC. Was a great trip!

[@Saxshoe]

As others have mentioned, you can flip the seat's facing direction to have groups face one another, (by design) flip the seats so that passengers face the direction of travel, or (my favorite) get more room for yourself on an uncrowded train.

[@thickernell]

The seats are reversible so at the end of the line, you can switch them and always keep them in the direction of travel. Many people get motion sick if they are seated in the reverse direction of travel. For a system like Metra here in Chicago, they do this at each terminus and then just switch from the engine cab to the cab in the last coach. No realignment of actual consists required.

[@marvwatkins7029]

Good things you took the 1st train back. Lotsa space.

[@unclephil9319]

Yeah I agree with you on the lack of marketing. Because I didn't know there's a single train route from philly to AC

[@Bob_Barkerson]

Local here, I'm fairly confident the lower ridership is mainly due to casinos that started to open up in Philadelphia. Why take a 1.5 hour train ride to gamble in AC when you can take a short bus ride to a local one? Atlantic City seems to be getting killed off.

[@athewilson]

I agree. The problem isn't the train line, it's Atlantic City. I'm a local as well and I'd argue the line is more for commuters to Philly than tourists to Atlantic City

[@johnchambers8528]

I agree, I have ridden the line since it first opened on both NJT and Amtrak. Amtrak abandoned their service due to the opening of casinos in other states around New Jersey and ridership dropped off. NJT experienced the same issues. I still ride occasionally but with plenty of casinos or racetrack/casinos nearby tend to stay local. The train is busier in the summer and when there is a big event at the convention center since that is right next to the train station.

[@alexharris2495]

Nice preview I'd say. IWill be in that general area for the holiday weekend. Will make a genuine effort to ride this train, Although I think I'll have a lot on my plate lol

[@chrispontani6059]

For as old as the Comets are, they’re a quiet ride. You’re not going to get much in amenities from a 30-40 year old commuter coach. Where stops are further apart, push-pull service is fine. It’s when the stations are close together is when EMU’s are needed more.

[@uncinarynin]

I know NJ Transit from back in 1999 when I visited New York City and commuted by NJT from Elizabeth/NJ where I was sleeping at a friend's place. Some of the trains were Arrow EMUs, others were Comet cars as seen here, but with ALP44 electric locomotives. The inside of the cars has not changed in any way in over twenty years, it all still looks very familiar. Then again NJT has introduced new "multilevel" cars and new locomotives on many of their lines, it seems that Atlantic City is where they use up their old rolling stock. I didn't even know the GPs still had a regular line.

[@arkitect156]

The flipping seats are on ornwere on most commuter lines but that bridge on the Delaware is the Betsy Ross Bridge, really fun to drive over

[@marcmercuri2003]

Hey I work at the RiverLINE and Ive always been curious about the ACL. Ive noticed that their fleet is ancient ever since I started here. When I get a chance I’ll definitely ride it, some of my coworkers told me the scenery is very beautiful

[@jeff7597]

There was actually one other service that ran to Atlantic city for a few years around the early 2010s, though it was seasonal and only a few days a week. ACES was operated by NJTransit under contract from a consortium of AC casinos, using modified NJT Multilevels (I know there was a bar car and first class sections). It ran from NYC to AC, switching from the NEC to the Atlantic City line at Frankford Jct. I assume it just unfortunately didn't get the ridership needed thus the short lifespan

[@helenblakovich1622]

I hope you get to do the PATCO train. We just call it the Speedline here. It's just a small commuter train, really, linking the suburbs in Southern NJ(Camden County) to Center City Philly. We locals use it constantly to have to avoid parking in the city. :D Plus of course, work and school, since you can access Rutgers University in Camden. The entire trip, if you aren't on an express, take about 30 minutes at most. Express is used during rush hour on work days, but not every train. It's a bit pricey when you consider the difference, but I'm willing to bet most companies pay part if not all for their employees.

[@RoadCone411]

I know you tend to like unique trains more than unique train journeys but if you happen to be in the NYC area, I recommend Metro-North Grand Central to Poughkeepsie. Great river views on the way- and you can walk across the Hudson on an old rail bridge there! Don’t expect much more than commuter grade trains though, likely old Comets similar to your NJT experience, but the views out are pretty good. There are also some single track branch lines in Connecticut to explore if you like that sort of thing. A VERY motley selection of equipment used once you get off the mainline - just a word of caution, the Waterbury branch can often subbed by buses, especially on weekends.

[@iplayClarinetthewrongway]

6:07 I can agree that not having the Comet V isn’t really cool. I often take the train from Point Pleasant Beach station up to Newark Penn, and on the PPB-Long Branch leg the Comet V car is never open, but on the Long Branch-NY Penn they are open. It’s odd since the V’s are way more comfy.

[@Mattanyahu]

what happened to the PATCO Speedline review? 🥺

[@philnaegely]

Also the one pennsauken train stop meets with transfer to the river line. That's one of the reasons there's to pennsauken stops

[@storm2k]

My personal thought is that the blue seats in the Comet III/IV are more comfortable than the red ones in the Comet V's. Maybe they look nicer and the ride's a bit better (better suspension I believe) but the seats in the older Comets are better. Also, the reason that the Comet V is there is that they don't let Comet IV's be cab cars anymore. So even if they're not using it, they'll keep it attached for the push end of the push/pull operation for cab operations. The cabs in the Comet IV's are permanently disabled. Also, push/pull is why the seats flip. It was typical for the conductors to flip all the seats so that they all faced the direction of travel when the train switched direction. The multi-levels (same ones as MARC, which used one of NJT's contracts to purchase) are the first cars in many years to have fixed seats that don't flip on NJT.

[@philnaegely]

The schedule isn't the most convenient for commuters; take a look at the time table some time during am/pm rush

[@RalphQuidonePhotography]

Agreed! I work in Atlantic City and used to rely on public transit. The schedule isn’t good for anyone who has an early 6-8 AM start or works til 11 or midnight, there’s no service during those times.

[@philnaegely]

@@RalphQuidonePhotography also it's not convenient for those who work in philly and get on the train around 7 then need to hightail it back to catch like a 3:47 pm train.

[@Pisca-kk5cs]

The AC line connects now with the NJT River Line...you should check that out...I think it’s fun to ride...using Stadler equipment... that line connects with PATCO, AC Line, Amtrak, Septa, and NJT...it starts by the Battle Ship New Jersey..

[@whooelse9444]

I just wish they would extend the tracks from point pleasant or bay head down to ac.