Story and Photos by John Levai

In June 2024, I took advantage of ideal sun angles to photograph New Jersey Transit trains along the Pascack Valley Line. During the warmer months of the year, the longer days allow for better light on the locomotives (in the winter, it’s possible to get good light on the train, but only on the eastward-facing cab cars). With much of the right of way unobstructed by vegetation, there are several spots where you can photograph action on the Pascack Valley Line.

NJ Transit’s Pascack Valley Line runs from Hoboken Terminal in Hoboken N.J., to Spring Valley, N.Y., just over the state line. The route used to be owned by the New York & New Jersey Railroad, under the operation of the Erie. 

Equipment on the Pascack Valley Line consists of anything in the NJT diesel locomotive inventory, including GP40PH-2, PL42AC, ALP-45DP and ALP-45As. It’s not uncommon for these Metro North locomotives to ply the line as well. Coaches and Cab cars are almost always Comet Vs. On weekdays, at least one multilevel set will be on the line as well. 

  The Pascack Valley Line is primarily single-track with sidings at Wood-Ridge, Hackensack, and Nanuet, N.Y.. The sidings were finished in 2007, allowing for midday service in both directions. There is presently a proposal to build another siding at Oradell. While there is some local opposition to that siding, if built it would allow reverse service during peak hours. 

Riding or railfanning the Pascack Valley Line can be done in a number of ways. The communities along the route can be accessed by the train and area bus lines. For those driving, Route 17, the Garden State Parkway, and Kinderkamack Road all provide great access as well. 

Here’s a look at what I photographed in the summer of 2024 when the light conditions were best. Visiting railfans might be surprised to see just how interesting this oft-overlooked commuter line can be. 

NJ Transit Train 1625 being led by ALP-45DP 4516 at Hillsdale Station on June 13, 2024.

GP40PH-2B 4210 in the Erie colors is pushing Train 1620 across Central Avenue in Hackensack. Photo on June 12, 2024.

On June 12, 2024, NJT Train 1612 being pushed by the CNJ colored 4109 heritage GP40PH-2 in Hackensack a couple of blocks north of Anderson Street Station.

NJT Train 1631 at Westwood Station behind PL42AC 4030-photo taken on June 13, 2024.

NJT GP40PH-2B 4215 pushing eastbound NJT Train 1622 out of Montvale Station on June 21, 2024.