NJ Transit expands Quiet Commute program

The riders have spoken, and NJ Transit will expand its program that offers a 'Quiet Commute' to those who need one.

Effective Jan. 20, every train on every line will have at least one quiet car from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The special cars frown upon loud phone and in-person conversations, as well as blaring headphones and people who pound on their laptop keyboard.

"There has been a demand from people who are looking for a quiet time, whether it's just to relax or if it's to get work done quietly," said William Smith, NJ Transit's senior public information officer. "They're just looking for a little bit of peace and quiet."

The program launched with a test run in 2010, on Northeast Corridor trains only, and has been receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback ever since. In 2011, NJ Transit expanded the program to include other lines.

"This is just expanding it further, including Atlantic City, and some of our trains that aren't ending in Newark, New York or Hoboken," Smith said.

If anyone's not following the hush rules, Smith said, a conductor may remind them of where they are and what's expected on that car. Beyond that, the police can get involved.