The Raritan Valley Mayors’ Alliance is emphasizing the urgent need for reliable train service along the Raritan Valley Line, stating that it is a necessity for their communities.
With over 15,000 residents depending on NJ TRANSIT daily for work, school, and other essential destinations, the lack of convenient one-seat ride service into Manhattan during rush hours is particularly concerning.
Currently, riders of the Raritan Valley Line face transfers at Newark, which opens them up to potential delays, significantly prolonging their commute, sometimes by as much as 40 minutes, due to missed connections.
As these issues become more apparent, the Alliance believes a long-term solution is needed, prompting them to advocate for the full funding and construction of the Gateway Program.
The Gateway Program is hailed not just as a project aimed at Manhattan; it’s a crucial initiative for New Jersey, and significantly, for the Raritan Valley Line.
Expected to be the most important investment for the community’s future, the Gateway initiative focuses on constructing a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River and rehabilitating the 115-year-old tunnels that were damaged during Superstorm Sandy.
These tunnels represent the only rail connection between New Jersey and New York Penn Station, issues with which can lead to extensive delays across the NJ TRANSIT network.
Fortunately, funding for the tunnel work is already secured, and construction is in progress, which aims to prevent a complete system failure.
However, the Gateway Program is more expansive than just tunnel restoration.
It includes the addition of track upgrades between Newark and New York, along with an expansion of Penn Station’s capacity to support doubling the number of trains traveling through the new tunnel, thus addressing the region’s economic potential.
A critical component of this vision is the Hunter Flyover project, designed to separate Raritan Valley Line train traffic from the remainder of the Northeast Corridor. This will facilitate a smoother travel experience.
With the gubernatorial election upcoming, the Mayors’ Alliance is urging that the Gateway Program be prioritized by every candidate and voter.
It is essential for the next governor to champion the full Gateway program and critical projects like the Hunter Flyover to secure a reliable transportation future for the region.
The anticipated upgrades promise to provide the modern infrastructure necessary for both frequent and dependable service, extending benefits not just to Raritan Valley Line riders but to the entire region.
Momentum is building in the area; young families are moving in, small businesses are reinvesting, and transit-oriented developments are revitalizing local downtowns, all of which rely heavily on efficient access to jobs throughout the region.
A study by the Regional Plan Association has indicated that realizing the complete Gateway Program could generate approximately 50,000 jobs annually and produce an estimated $445 billion in economic activity by 2060.
The Alliance is highlighting this opportunity as one that should not be overlooked, emphasizing the necessity of fully constructed projects, as partial solutions will fail to address the underlying issues.
They assert that the full Gateway Program—including the new tunnels, bridges, expanded Penn Station capabilities, along with supporting initiatives like the Hunter Flyover—is crucial for the Northeast Corridor to operate efficiently.
The call to action is clear: it’s about securing a brighter future for commuters, bolstering the regional economy, and ensuring that sustainable development can continue.
Residents are encouraged to influence policy by reaching out to their elected representatives in the state Assembly or Senate.
For further details on how to contact your state Assemblymember and Senator, individuals can visit the New Jersey Legislature website’s Legislative Roster.
Mayor Shelley Brindle of Westfield, Mayor Colleen Mahr of Fanwood, and Cranford Commissioner Kathleen Prunty are the co-founders of the Raritan Valley Mayors’ Alliance.
Their leadership remains pivotal in advocating for these necessary changes to improve transportation infrastructure for the region.
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