Navigating Public Transportation from Staten Island to Elizabeth/Linden Area

Traveling from Staten Island to the Elizabeth/Linden area can be straightforward, yet it often requires a multi-step process due to the limited public transportation options available. The most common option is to use New Jersey Transit Bus 117, which provides connectivity between Staten Island and various locations in New Jersey, including Elizabeth and Linden.

The Route: Bus 117 and the Staten Island Ferry

To start your journey, you can take the Staten Island Ferry to Manhattan and then transfer to a New Jersey Transit bus or train. Alternatively, depending on your starting point on Staten Island, you might find a direct bus service from Staten Island to Elizabeth or Linden. It is always advisable to check the latest schedules and routes on the New Jersey Transit website or app for the most accurate information.

Limited Infrastructure and Public Transportation Challenges

Despite the transportation limitations, Staten Island, with its half a million residents and a high median income, could benefit greatly from improved infrastructure for inter-regional travel via mass transit. The Citizens for Mass Transit Statewide organization has advocated for better public transportation options to connect Staten Island more directly with other areas, such as Elizabeth and Linden.

Currently, the primary public transportation option from Staten Island to Elizabeth or Linden is the S89 limited run bus, which operates only during rush hours and crosses the Bayonne Bridge to the 34th Street Hudson Bergen Light Rail, which connects to Jersey City and beyond. This route poses challenges and is not as accessible to the general public as it should be.

While there are no direct bus services from Staten Island to Elizabeth or Linden, the S89 bus line remains a significant option for many residents working in surrounding areas. The MTA's opposition to establishing a more extensive bus line between Staten Island and Bergen County further highlights the need for better infrastructure and service.

Alternative Transportation Routes

For those willing to undertake a more complex journey, the options include:

Take the S89 bus to Bayonne, then transfer to the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, Jersey Transit bus, or a PATH train to reach Elizabeth or Linden. Alternatively, take the Staten Island Ferry to Manhattan and then an express bus, subway, or local bus to reach Manhattan. From there, you can catch a New Jersey Transit bus or train to Elizabeth or Linden. The most adventurous route could involve a combination of cross-borough travel using ferry, bus, and train options. While not the most practical, it can be worth trying for a unique transportation experience.

Looking ahead, a significant development is on the horizon: the Goethals Bridge. Soon, Staten Island residents will be able to walk or ride their bikes across the Goethals Bridge to Elizabeth, greatly reducing travel time and increasing accessibility. This will be a significant milestone for transportation in the area.

Conclusion

While the current public transportation options from Staten Island to Elizabeth and Linden are limited, the introduction of the Goethals Bridge pedestrian and bicycle access will significantly improve connectivity. In the meantime, residents and visitors can use a combination of ferry, bus, and train services to reach their destination, albeit with a bit more effort. For more detailed and up-to-date information, always check the schedules and routes available on the New Jersey Transit website or app.