Big Crowds Expected On NJ TRANSIT Trains For American Pharoah's Race On Jersey Shore
OCEANPORT, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- NJ TRANSIT will be adding extra trains this weekend for fans wishing to see American Pharoah run the Haskell Invitational.
As WCBS 880's Levon Putney reported, NJ TRANSIT officials warned that weekend travel down the Jersey Shore will be far from normal.
"This is not going to be a typical weekend travel experience -- whether you're in a car, or on one of our trains," said NJ TRANSIT executive director Ronnie Hakim.
Hakim is expecting thousands of people heading to and from the relatively small Monmouth Park station, with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah racing at the $1.75 million event in the small shore town of Oceanport on Sunday.
"So in addition to your picnic, we are asking our customers to pack their patience," Hakim said.
Hakim said extra trains will run every 15 minutes during the day, filling every car before leaving. Train riders are advised to buy tickets early and allow extra time.
All local North Jersey Coast Line trains will stop at the Monmouth Park station. After the race, four trains will be added heading north to Newark and one heading south to Bay Head.
American Pharoah's Haskell Invitational appearance will be his first start since becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner and first in 37 years.
The event usually draws between 35,000 and 40,000 fans, but Monmouth Park expects to see a record-breaking crowd this year.
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