examples

Getaway Day Advice: Labor Day 2018

Getaway Day Advice: Labor Day 2018

by

As a service to commuters, we provide this getaway advice for those who are exiting NYC (via public transit) for Labor Day Weekend. Read on for:

  1. A look back at 2017: “What happened on the Friday before the holiday last year?“
  2. Clever Commute’s “FIVE T’s” – the key to a stress-free commute on get-away day.

(1) What happened on the Friday before Labor Day Weekend last year?

  • Before 1:00 PM – Things are generally OK
  • 1:00 – 2:00 PM – Some cancelled trains, equipment problems but not the worst of it
  • 2:00 PM – By this time, many reports of crowds, luggage and Standing Room Only
  • 3:35 PM – LIRR makes its first of several announcements of delays due to high passenger volume
  • Rest of the rush – Smattering of delays due to mechanical issues plus crowds from Yankee game
    (Yes – Yankees are at home this Friday, too)

(2) Here are Clever Commute’s “FIVE T’s” – the key to a stress-free commute on getaway day:

1. Tickets – tickets..Tickets…TICKETS. Get them early!
If you or your traveling companion will need a ticket, get it BEFORE Friday afternoon.
Lines are loooooong on getaway days.
Idea: LIRR, Metro North, NJ Transit and NY Waterway all have ticket apps!

2. Timing is crucial
Use the re-cap above as a guide…but add some padding to be safe.

3. Timetables and Schedule changes 
LIRR, Metro North and NJ Transit will provide (extra) getaway day service…but all 3 have date-specific trip planners on thier sites.

4. Terminal – Choose wisely

  • If it is at all within your control, avoid NY Penn Station.
  • NJT riders: consider Hoboken and/or Newark Penn
  • LIRR riders:  consider Atlantic Terminal or Hunterspoint Avenue

5. Other Tips: 

  • Dress in layers – the terminal or the trains can be warm
  • Bring water/snacks – save time…save money. Plan ahead.
  • “Baggage strategy” matters – There is going to be lots of luggage around on Friday.
  • Pick/Pack your bag early and lightly!
  • Make your plan now…Do NOT wait until Friday morning to start thinking about this.

Have a great holiday!

Bus commute may get bad. We took down the Clever paywall.

Bus commute may get bad. We took down the Clever paywall.

by

The Route 495 bridge replacement project has started. It runs until Summer 2021.

Two important headlines:

(1) There are links below to help you learn about it
(FYI: Transit reporter Larry Higgs has a good presence at NJ.com, Facebook, Twitter…and more. He’s been following all of this closely.)

(2) Clever Commute has taken down its Premium paywall

Now through Labor day September 9 so that all NJ users (train or bus) get free access to all information and features

More on (1) – Understanding what is Happening

More on (2) – All NJ Commuters get Free Premium services through Labor Day

The “Free” app and the “Premium” app are the same product…but you must be running the latest version in order to take advantage of the unlocked Premium features (how to tell).
If you are already on 3.2.3 (the latest), then logout/login to experience all features.

The easy way to check that you have activated Premium: There are no banner ads in the app!
Suggestion: Go to Settings => “Comms & Config” and change the value of “History – Alerts” to see more than just 2 hours of recent history.

Please use this opportunity to share info and help each other.
Please use the “Contact” feature of our web site if you have any questions.

Thanks,

–Conductor Josh

Sponsored “Kick off the Week” example

Sponsored “Kick off the Week” example

by

We provide innovative and effective ways to connect with commuters.
See the whole story at the Clever Commute sponsorship home page.
Our Monday morning communique, Kick off the Week, contains news and updates of interest to commuters.

Riders trust it and love it - a great way to connect with our audience!

 

Include your image, message/CTA, and a link to your landing page 

Most graphics formats and sizes supported. PNG preferred.

See this particular message live...as well as another example.

 

Sponsored Message Example – Inline Content

Who are the Clever Commuters? (Demographics)

Getaway Day Advice: Memorial Day 2018

Getaway Day Advice: Memorial Day 2018

by

As a service to commuters, we provide this getaway advice for those who are exiting NYC (via public transit) for Memorial Day Weekend. Read on for:

  1. A look back at 2017: “What happened on the Friday before the holiday last year?“
  2. Clever Commute’s “FIVE T’s” – the key to a stress-free commute on get-away day.

(1) What happened on the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend last year?

Trains

  • Before 1:00 PM – Things are generally OK
  • 1:00 – 2:00 PM – The stations fill with both commuters and tourists
  • 2:00 PM – By this time, many reports of crowds, luggage and Standing Room Only
  • 3:45 PM – LIRR officially announces delays due to high passenger volume
  • 6:00 PM – MetroNorth riders exasperated by delays on New Haven line…and even a cancelled 6:07 PM departure from GCT

Buses:

  • 12:30 PM – Reports of long lines at PABT
  • 2:30 PM – Consistent messages from the commuters regarding large crowds / long lines
  • 3:00 PM – A disabled outbound bus made things worse. A rider said PABT lines pretty bad

(2) Here are Clever Commute’s “FIVE T’s” – the key to a stress-free commute on getaway day:

1. Tickets – tickets..Tickets…TICKETS. Get them early!
If you or your traveling companion will need a ticket, get it BEFORE Friday afternoon.
Lines are loooooong on getaway days.
Idea: LIRR, Metro North, NJ Transit and NY Waterway all have ticket apps!

2. Timing is crucial
Use the re-cap above as a guide…but add some padding to be safe.

3. Timetables and Schedule changes 
LIRR, Metro North and NJ Transit will provide (extra) getaway day service…but all 3 have date-specific trip planners on thier sites.

4. Terminal – Choose wisely

  • If it is at all within your control, avoid NY Penn Station.
  • NJT riders: consider Hoboken and/or Newark Penn
  • LIRR riders:  consider Atlantic Terminal or Hunterspoint Avenue

5. Other Tips: 

  • Dress in layers – the terminal or the trains can be warm
  • Bring water/snacks – save time…save money. Plan ahead.
  • “Baggage strategy” matters – There is going to be lots of luggage around on Friday.
  • Pick/Pack your bag early and lightly!
  • Make your plan now…Do NOT wait until Friday morning to start thinking about this.

Have a great holiday!