NJ Transit told to consider picking up riders on streets of New York City

Passengers would be able to avoid the Port Authority terminal.

New Jersey Transit bus passengers might be able to avoid the Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.

New Jersey Transportation Commissioner Jim Simpson wants NJ Transit to explore picking up passengers on the streets of Manhattan and bypassing the congested terminal.

Simpson told NJ Transit's board on Wednesday passengers might be able to board on Manhattan's East Side or at Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street. Buses would make a series of stops before entering the Lincoln Tunnel and returning to New Jersey.

New York City Transportation Department spokesman Scott Gastel tells The Record newspaper the agency hasn't received a request from NJ Transit, but would closely review any.

NJ Transit pays $1.78 million a year to use the Port Authority and George Washington bridge bus terminals.