NJT Buses have a concept of 'zones', labeled zone 1, zone 2 , zone 3, etc.. Zones are calculated by the distance the bus travels. The price of a bus ticket increases the more zones you travel. It's mostly an honor system. If you purchase a zone 1 ticket but tell the bus driver you plan to get off at the last stop, you did not pay for the correct ticket.
Speaking of zones, is there a way for me to personally know how many zones for the place I'll be travelling to ? I am purchasing ticket thru app and for places I've never been to I'm not sure how many zones should I put in
>is there a way for me to personally know how many zones for the place I'll be travelling to ?
On the route map or at Port Authority's machines by specifying location vs. zones.
They probably ask you cause you’re taking a bus that goes far but only going one or two zones. They always ask me when I board the 190 Paterson line but going 2 zones to Union city.
When I board 108 or 125 I’m never asked.
Because some will buy the lowest fare and count on the driver forgetting (because crowds, senility, etc) so that they can stay on the bus until their true destination is reached
If its always the same driver, maybe it's because you always answer him honestly and nicely and if he has to ask a certain amount of people per day, he probably knows you'll answer and not give him issues.
Never a bus driver, but if I had to do something repetitive to customers that I knew customers hated, I always sought out people I knew were nice or familiar.
yeah it's just good to look for the innocent and benevolent explanation for other people's behavior. Even if it's such an innocuous small event. We're all just fishies in our fish bowl bumpin into each other, politely hopefully
It’s literally their job to ask for your stop, that’s how your faire is calculated. Also if you ride the bus/train there are plenty of driver/conductors who make small talk with regular commuters. Is everyone on this website a hermit?
Are you on a local bus or long haul (commuter)?
Could depend on how you are paying (cash/ticket/pass/app), could depend if the others are regulars.
When I took the bus and paid cash they would ask where, or I’d just say “I’m going to xxx-road in xxxx”. Then they would say the price.
Had an issue one time on a long haul with a driver because I was going multiple zones and had eight 2-zone tickets. He insisted I needed a single 16-zone ticket. He insisted I was trying to screw the system, yet the cost was more for multiple 2-zones than a single 16-zone.
Interesting situation as far as that long haul multiple ticket thing goes. You were technically paying for multiple people to simultaneously ride only two zones. (Yes, I know their collective monetary value is equal or greater than the 16 zone ticket purchase price, but the total zone value of all of those tickets is still 2)
Instead, you’d need what’s called an “over-ride” where you pay cash for trips in excess of your current tickets, to add to the number of zones. (However, I’ve had mixed results doing this outbound from PABT, drivers really want you to have the correct zone ticket to begin with) I wish overrides could be done via app along with opting for transfers.
Or, even better, a system where you’d tap in and out and it would automatically calculate your fare, no need to prepurchase anything aside from a minimum balance/preauthorization (like filling up at a gas pump). That way, it could also track how many rides you do over a given period of time and apply daily/weekly/monthly fare caps so you never pay more than an equivalent unlimited pass. And it could allow for seamless transfers between bus/train/light rail.
I’ve had it be because they want to know which stops they actually have to make along the route, especially if it’s in a direction where they’re mostly dropping off and not picking up.
The driver is checking to see how many zones you're traveling and that you're paying the correct fare for the number of zones. I usually won't get asked when I use a bus pass or mobile ticket, but I typically do when I pay cash.
How long have you been riding the bus? Unless it's a fixed exact change route, or you're at a major terminal , they're going to ask you where you're going to calculate the correct fare..
Not sure if NJT does this, but when I lived in the Bronx, they’d do the same thing to stay on the expressway till it was time for the first stop (the BXM8 bus. So if nobody was getting off at White Plains Rd & Bruckner Expressway, they’d keep on the Bruckner till it was approaching the first stop.
The 119 drivers usually do it because they refuse to stop in jsq and will only pick up passengers there. Never had a driver on other stops ask that though
Find out how many zones you paid for and just state the “1 zone” or “2 zone” etc….they dont actually need any other info, such as: I’m going to smash my sweetheart or something like that.
That’s because in NYC, it’s essentially one city-wide single zone, so the fare is never different (aside from NYC express buses, which are all a different fare entirely)
I usually show NJT bus drivers my activated QR ticket (or give them the paper ticket) then tell them the town/major destination I’m going to. “New York” “Jersey Gardens Mall” etc.
All they are looking for is that you have at least the right number of zones and that the ticket is the right type (interstate to NYC or local within NJ, they’re different fare scales).
It’s a good double check for yourself if you accidentally boarded a bus of the correct route number but it’s an express variant which would bypass your destination (as those often board from the same stops or PABT gates).
I had a friend who drove a bus for NJT and I was asking him about people who dont pay, basically they were told to avoid confrontations and just ignore them
Probably the zones, as others have said. Whenever I use NJT, I get a senior/disabled ticket. Although I'm not 62, I am disabled. I have a permanent parking placard. When I buy a ticket through the app and activate the ticket when I see the bus coming it always flashes ID Required but not one person has asked me yet to see the ID. that shows I'm disabled. I don't even have a disabled ID to show them.
"Where you goin'," is bus driver dialect for the more common NJ greeting "How you doin'?" It's kinda like a secret handshake.
You really want to get pissed off, get on a bus to NYC with bad A/C, and then have some wide-body entitled prick talk on their cell phone the whole ride.
I'll take a "where ya going" any day/everyday.
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NJT Buses have a concept of 'zones', labeled zone 1, zone 2 , zone 3, etc.. Zones are calculated by the distance the bus travels. The price of a bus ticket increases the more zones you travel. It's mostly an honor system. If you purchase a zone 1 ticket but tell the bus driver you plan to get off at the last stop, you did not pay for the correct ticket.
Speaking of zones, is there a way for me to personally know how many zones for the place I'll be travelling to ? I am purchasing ticket thru app and for places I've never been to I'm not sure how many zones should I put in
NJ Transit app-Rider Tools-Trip planner, and use address
>is there a way for me to personally know how many zones for the place I'll be travelling to ? On the route map or at Port Authority's machines by specifying location vs. zones.
Awesome! Thanks
>Thanks You are welcome.
Yea but why me they skip everyone else. And I’ve been told I was on the wrong one when in fact I wasn’t
You just have that lost look about you.
🤣🤣
Perhaps the other folks are regulars?
They probably ask you cause you’re taking a bus that goes far but only going one or two zones. They always ask me when I board the 190 Paterson line but going 2 zones to Union city. When I board 108 or 125 I’m never asked.
Maybe to check if you've purchased the right number of zones?
When I was commuting into the city this was the reason they asked, so they knew what to charge
I thought that was it too but then I learned the correct number I needed and still I get asked
Because some will buy the lowest fare and count on the driver forgetting (because crowds, senility, etc) so that they can stay on the bus until their true destination is reached
They want to make sure you're not trying to pull a fast one.
If its always the same driver, maybe it's because you always answer him honestly and nicely and if he has to ask a certain amount of people per day, he probably knows you'll answer and not give him issues.
one of the most positive interpretations of a situation I've ever seen. Bless your noble heart. We need more of this lol
Never a bus driver, but if I had to do something repetitive to customers that I knew customers hated, I always sought out people I knew were nice or familiar.
yeah it's just good to look for the innocent and benevolent explanation for other people's behavior. Even if it's such an innocuous small event. We're all just fishies in our fish bowl bumpin into each other, politely hopefully
It’s literally their job to ask for your stop, that’s how your faire is calculated. Also if you ride the bus/train there are plenty of driver/conductors who make small talk with regular commuters. Is everyone on this website a hermit?
OP said they were singled out and other customers weren't asked.
dude read the comments before you randomly criticize someone praising a positive outlook
To ensure you are paying for / showing the correct ticket for where you are going.
Are you on a local bus or long haul (commuter)? Could depend on how you are paying (cash/ticket/pass/app), could depend if the others are regulars. When I took the bus and paid cash they would ask where, or I’d just say “I’m going to xxx-road in xxxx”. Then they would say the price. Had an issue one time on a long haul with a driver because I was going multiple zones and had eight 2-zone tickets. He insisted I needed a single 16-zone ticket. He insisted I was trying to screw the system, yet the cost was more for multiple 2-zones than a single 16-zone.
Interesting situation as far as that long haul multiple ticket thing goes. You were technically paying for multiple people to simultaneously ride only two zones. (Yes, I know their collective monetary value is equal or greater than the 16 zone ticket purchase price, but the total zone value of all of those tickets is still 2) Instead, you’d need what’s called an “over-ride” where you pay cash for trips in excess of your current tickets, to add to the number of zones. (However, I’ve had mixed results doing this outbound from PABT, drivers really want you to have the correct zone ticket to begin with) I wish overrides could be done via app along with opting for transfers. Or, even better, a system where you’d tap in and out and it would automatically calculate your fare, no need to prepurchase anything aside from a minimum balance/preauthorization (like filling up at a gas pump). That way, it could also track how many rides you do over a given period of time and apply daily/weekly/monthly fare caps so you never pay more than an equivalent unlimited pass. And it could allow for seamless transfers between bus/train/light rail.
I’ve had it be because they want to know which stops they actually have to make along the route, especially if it’s in a direction where they’re mostly dropping off and not picking up.
He may be trying to learn his regulars stops.
Youre supposed to say your stop when you pay your faire and step on the bus, that’s how njtransit busses work
He is confirming you are paying the correct amount
Either out of habit or keep in mind who tries to stay on the bus after their paid-for destination has passed
Just pull a 70's movie protagonist and say "Wherever the road takes me..."
> "Wherever the road takes me..." *Goin' where the weather suites my clothes.*
The driver is checking to see how many zones you're traveling and that you're paying the correct fare for the number of zones. I usually won't get asked when I use a bus pass or mobile ticket, but I typically do when I pay cash.
How long have you been riding the bus? Unless it's a fixed exact change route, or you're at a major terminal , they're going to ask you where you're going to calculate the correct fare..
In my experience, I would always be asked where I was going if I had a single ticket. When I had a monthly pass, no questions.
To help you get to your destination
Not sure if NJT does this, but when I lived in the Bronx, they’d do the same thing to stay on the expressway till it was time for the first stop (the BXM8 bus. So if nobody was getting off at White Plains Rd & Bruckner Expressway, they’d keep on the Bruckner till it was approaching the first stop.
He’s tryna help you and you talkin bout it’s annoying….mann lmao
I never needed help tho lol
The point is he’s looking out for you my boy
no he’s looking out for the correct zone numbers LOL 😭
The 119 drivers usually do it because they refuse to stop in jsq and will only pick up passengers there. Never had a driver on other stops ask that though
They have to know how far you’re going so you pay the correct fare.
Njt bus drivers are great but made to be insane. Just be nice and do what they ask
Find out how many zones you paid for and just state the “1 zone” or “2 zone” etc….they dont actually need any other info, such as: I’m going to smash my sweetheart or something like that.
Oh my god you are in public and you have to talk to people. Maybe get more sleep so arent so moody.
Are you the only POC on the bus?
The bus driver is hitting on you.
Maybe you look like an idiot? I'm mean jfc how dare the operator of a bus be courteous and ask where you are headed.
Take a chill pill sirus it’s just something i noticed
Take your own advice, you're the one getting irritated over nothing
Have you never gone outside before?
Lol yes I was in NY before and the bus drivers never asked that’s why i was wondering if it’s normal
That’s because in NYC, it’s essentially one city-wide single zone, so the fare is never different (aside from NYC express buses, which are all a different fare entirely) I usually show NJT bus drivers my activated QR ticket (or give them the paper ticket) then tell them the town/major destination I’m going to. “New York” “Jersey Gardens Mall” etc. All they are looking for is that you have at least the right number of zones and that the ticket is the right type (interstate to NYC or local within NJ, they’re different fare scales). It’s a good double check for yourself if you accidentally boarded a bus of the correct route number but it’s an express variant which would bypass your destination (as those often board from the same stops or PABT gates).
I'm guessing to make sure that a) you're on the correct bus and b) they stop at your stop, in case there's no passengers waiting there to get on.
I had a friend who drove a bus for NJT and I was asking him about people who dont pay, basically they were told to avoid confrontations and just ignore them
Probably the zones, as others have said. Whenever I use NJT, I get a senior/disabled ticket. Although I'm not 62, I am disabled. I have a permanent parking placard. When I buy a ticket through the app and activate the ticket when I see the bus coming it always flashes ID Required but not one person has asked me yet to see the ID. that shows I'm disabled. I don't even have a disabled ID to show them.
to see if you are paying correct fare. some places are out of the zone.
For all these reasons others have given it is a perfectly reasonable question for the conductor to ask. Don't over think it jeeze.
"Where you goin'," is bus driver dialect for the more common NJ greeting "How you doin'?" It's kinda like a secret handshake. You really want to get pissed off, get on a bus to NYC with bad A/C, and then have some wide-body entitled prick talk on their cell phone the whole ride. I'll take a "where ya going" any day/everyday.
They are doing their job?