NEWARK, NJ — NJ Transit’s “drunk train” will return to the North Jersey Coast Line just for the summer.

From June 25 through September 9, the train leaving New York City’s Penn Station at 1 a.m. will stop at Long Branch, where passengers will be able to switch trains and continue to Elberon, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach and Bay Head. The service will be offered daily and on weekends.

Citing low ridership, NJ Transit stopped offering the late service several years ago, making the 11:18 p.m. train out of the Big Apple the only option for riders traveling to the nine stops south of Long Branch.

Sign Up for Warren Newsletter Our newsletter delivers the local news that you can trust. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. You have successfully signed up for the TAPinto Warren Newsletter.

The move was met with opposition from area residents since many events in the city extend beyond that time, forcing riders to find another way to get home, wait until an early-morning train the next day or to find a different mode of transportation altogether.

Last summer was the first time late service was restored for the summer only.

The late-night train has been dubbed the “drunk train” because many of those who ride it are returning from a night out on the town in New York City, particularly concerts and sporting events.