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A Hudson-Bergen light rail train pulls into the Liberty State Park station.

(Reena Rose Sibayan/The Jersey Journal)

Those planning to use the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail for getting to and from Jersey City's Freedom and Fireworks Festival on Friday could face extensive wait times, officials said.

While light rail vehicles can transport a maximum of 3,000 customers every hour in each direction, delays could span in excess of several hours, particularly following the event, which could draw up to 100,000 people to Liberty State Park, the city announced in a press release.

The city is urging attendees to use public transportation, as parking will be limited.

A NJ Transit spokesman said the agency will be using all available cars for the event. NJ Transit will use single-car trains in the morning and then transition to two-car trains as demand increases following the fireworks.

Meanwhile, the light rail will be operating on a normal weekday schedule, with shuttle service available following the fireworks between Liberty State Park and Hoboken, every three minutes.

NJ Transit is advising attendees who are planning to use the light rail to build enough time into their travel plans or consider leaving the park before the end of the fireworks. Riders are also recommended to purchase round trip tickets from ticket vending machines before the festival.

The Liberty State Park Light Rail station is located just outside of the park on Communipaw Avenue, near Johnson Avenue.

While Tropical Storm Arthur is expected to dump rain on the region during the day on Friday, the festival will go on rain or shine, city officials said.

PATH is also providing extra trains to accommodate the Fourth of July services in Jersey City, including extending service at Exchange Place and the World Trade Center until 2 a.m.

Statue Cruises will have boats departing every half hour from Liberty State Park to Warren Street Jersey City and then to New York from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on July Fourth.

Those planning on attending the event from Downtown Jersey City can walk to the park along the Waterfront walkway to reach Liberty State Park.

Commercial parking will be available throughout the city. Visitors are advised to use only registered and licensed parking facilities. Check with lot operators for fees and hours of operation.