NJ Transit is free until Sept. 2. Here’s how to take advantage.

After a series of shutdowns that left thousands of NJ Transit customers flailing this summer, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced that relief was headed customers’ way.

Murphy announced on Thursday, Aug. 15, that NJ Transit would waive all transportation fares between Monday, Aug. 26, and Monday, Sept. 2. That means all NJ Transit buses, trains and light rail are free to use to and from any station.

Although NJ Transit doesn’t operate in Delaware, there are still ways to make the most of what’s left of this summer with this deal.

Here’s what to know.

Why is NJ Transit free?

This summer, a number of NJ Transit rides along the Northeast Corridor, which is run by Amtrak, were delayed or canceled due to service disruptions, extreme heat and other causes that are still being evaluated.

The Asbury Park Press reported that in June, 657 NJ Transit trains were canceled, a majority of which were overseen by Amtrak.

In July, the transit system announced that the extreme high temperatures were impacting the trains’ air conditioning units and other electric components. A 15% rate hike also was instituted in the same month.

NJ Transit and the state of New Jersey have begun to attempt to make amends to customers impacted by the delays and cancellations with refunds and discounts on future monthly passes.

As part of the “fare holiday” occurring this week, monthly NJ Transit pass holders who have purchased a pass for August will automatically receive a 25% discount on their September monthly pass.

“Understanding that our commuters have faced many disruptions this summer, we are providing a one-week fare holiday for NJ Transit riders,” said Governor Murphy. “As we work diligently with Amtrak to investigate and address the issues that have occurred this summer, especially on the Northeast Corridor, we hope this fare holiday offers our commuters some relief. We also encourage New Jerseyans to take advantage of this opportunity, and we continue to be thankful to the many New Jerseyans who depend on public transit.”

How to take advantage of the fare-free rides

NJ Transit is the largest statewide public transportation system in the nation and third-largest transit system in the country, with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops connecting New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

Although the NJ Transit system does not connect directly to Delaware, there are still easy ways to reach the right places and take advantage of the free transit. Maps of NJ Transit’s different rails are available on its website.

Some of the easiest routes to take are to Pennsauken Station and Cherry Hill Station, each are about 50 minutes from Wilmington with a direct route to Atlantic City, perfect for a long weekend ahead.

Navigating to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station from Wilmington is an easy ($8) one-hour train ride using SEPTA, or even shorter if you choose to pay for a higher-speed regional route. From there, NJ Transit departs with routes leading up to New York City’s Penn Station for a quick and cheap day trip.

Using NJ Transit also opens up possibilities to other deals and discounts.

More Labor Day travel deals: Still looking to fly away for Labor Day? Check Labor Day deals from Frontier, Spirit

Last gasp of summer: Labor Day weekend at the Delaware beaches: Have you completed our summer bucket list?

With the code NJTRAN, customers can save $3 on tickets for select shows at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall and Convention Center.

Even when the free fare period ends, there are other discounts available for NJ Transit customers.

On weekends and holidays, up to two children between the ages of 5 and 11 can ride free with a customer paying any valid fare between 7 p.m. on Fridays or the day before a holiday until 6 a.m. on Monday or the day after a holiday. Up to three children under the age of 4 always ride for free.

Customers also can save up to 25% on trains and up to 13% on light rail when a group trip is booked on www.njtransit.com/groupsales .

Military personnel and their dependents can receive one-way reduced tickets upon presenting a valid military ID. There are additional discounts always available for seniors aged 62 and up or full-time college students.

Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com . Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety .

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: NJ Transit is free until Sept. 2. Here’s how to take advantage.