OTOL New York Area RailFest 2016

Created 10/31/15; Updated 4/14/20

OTOL New York Area RailFest 2016 was another return to the New York City/New Jersey area to ride trains. There was not much new to do, however with newer faces along our activities did not seem repetitive to everyone.

The Friday night activity was a short turn on NJ TRANSIT's Raritan Valley Line, including one train that runs through to New York not requiring a change at Newark. It was in the evening in total darkness as these through trains do not run during the rush hours.

We did NJ TRANSIT's Northeast Corridor Line and also its Princeton Branch, to explore the slightly shortened line in Princeton and see the new station. During the weekend event, there was a trip on the Long Island Railroad's Port Washington Branch, and Metro North's Harlem Line.

Several New York City Transit subway rides were planned as well, including a lunchtime round trip over 2 different routes between Manhattan and Coney Island. We also rode the newest segment of the line between Times Square and Hudson Yards.

Three Amtrak trip segments were also scheduled as part of this Fest, as this was the last week one could earn the 100-point minimum points under the older Amtrak Guest Rewards rules.

The intent was NOT to provide full coverage of particular rail lines, but to do a representative sampling throughout the area.