NJ Transit will offer six rush hour commuter trains which eliminate a transfer in Long Branch, using a dual mode locomotive, similar to this one seen at Newark Penn Station.

((Larry Higgs | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com))

NJ Transit officials were successful in getting federal funds to give commuters six one-seat rush hour trains between New York and Bay Head starting later this month.



The new service is a prelude to NJ Transit officials seeking funds to extend summer express service on the North Jersey Coast Line this year, said Nancy Snyder, an NJ Transit spokeswoman.

The six-new-rush-hour trains, announced Monday, lets passengers skip having to change trains in Long Branch to reach shore towns points in Southern Monmouth and Ocean counties. They also would offer tourists more options for additional direct rides to the shore.



"This is for weekday service which lasts until the end of the year," Snyder said.

The change affects a total of six rush hour Coast Line trains between New York and Bay Head,

eliminating the transfer at Long Branch starting May 18, NJ Transit officials said in an announcement Monday.

NJ Transit is using $910,000 in federal clean air funds to pay for the service. The service uses NJ Transit's dual mode locomotives, which can run under diesel or electric power.

Last year, NJ Transit offered a summer express service to shore destinations which eliminated the transfer and some intermediate stops. NJ Transit officials are waiting for approval of funding for that service by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, which could be decided on later this month, Snyder said.

"Our customers have always given us detailed feedback on what they would like to see implement in terms of new service, and we are thrilled to make it happen," said Veronique "Ronnie" Hakim," NJ Transit executive director.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.