Labor Day traffic info

PORT AUTHORITY READY FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Traffic volumes down at agency airports

The Port Authority is prepared to handle the nearly 3 million travelers moving through its airports, bridges, tunnels, terminals and PATH rail system during the Labor Day weekend - the unofficial end of the summer season. Although activity levels at the Port Authority's facilities are expected to be busier than normal, the agency anticipates that overall passenger volumes at its airports will be lower than previous years due to the national recession.

Airports
From Friday, September 4, through Tuesday, September 8, about 1.5 million travelers are expected to pass through the agency’s airports.
This year, 714,000 passengers are anticipated at John F. Kennedy International Airport. To ensure arriving at the airport on time and to ease highway congestion, passengers are urged to take advantage of AirTrain JFK, which links to the New York City subway system and the Long Island Rail Road. For those who are driving, call 718 244-4080 or listen to the airport’s radio at 1630 AM for parking information and updates.
Newark Liberty International Airport is expecting 490,000 travelers. Using AirTrain Newark, which links the airport to NJ Transit and Amtrak rail service, is the best way to reach the airport this weekend. Drivers should tune to 530 AM or call 888 EWR-INFO and press 22 for timely parking information.
More than 300,000 travelers will fly to their holiday destinations through LaGuardia Airport. Those arriving by car should call 718 533-3850 for parking information.
Approximately 6,000 passengers will use Stewart International Airport, the Port Authority’s newest airport, as their means of travel. For parking information, travelers can call 845 567-0048.
Visit http://www.panynj.info for parking rates, ground transportation information, flight delays, terminal maps and answers to frequently asked questions about Port Authority airports.
For alerts on airport weather delays, parking lot capacity and AirTrain service advisories, passengers are invited to sign up for Airport Info-Alerts at http://www.panynj.info. The free subscription service sends notifications straight to users’ PDAs, cell phones, pagers or PCs.
Passengers are also urged to check the latest federal rules and regulations before arriving at the airports to ensure pleasant and hassle-free travel. Numerous travel resources can be found at http://www.tsa.gov and http://www.cbp.gov.

Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals
The Port Authority projects approximately 1.4 million vehicles will cross its four interstate bridges and two tunnels from Sept. 4 through Sept. 7.
To ease the way for the high volume of travelers, the Port Authority will suspend all roadway construction projects for the holiday weekend.
To relieve congestion and reduce carbon emissions, commuters are encouraged to use mass transit whenever possible. Travelers using the Port Authority Bus Terminal or the George Washington Bridge Bus Station should allow extra time and anticipate longer lines than usual. Call 800 221-9903 for more information.
To receive alerts on bridge and tunnel incidents and delays, passengers are encouraged to sign up for Bridge and Tunnel Alerts at http://www.panynj.info. Travelers receive notifications through this free subscription service on their cell phones, PDAs, pagers or e-mail accounts and can customize the information they receive.

Port Authority Trans-Hudson
PATH will provide additional service as necessary on Friday, September 4, to accommodate passengers leaving work early for the holiday weekend.
On Monday, September 7, PATH will operate on a holiday schedule. For more information, call 800 234-PATH. To receive electronic notifications of train delays of 15 minutes or more and PATH-line service changes, visit http://www.panynj.info and sign up for PATH alerts.

Wittpenn Bridge repairs

TRENTON - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) announced on Aug. 7 the replacement of two barrier gates on the Route 7/Wittpenn Bridge in Jersey City and Kearny, Hudson County. The gates were damaged by a recent truck accident.
In order to replace the gates, NJDOT will close the Route 7/Wittpenn Bridge on Friday, August 7 at 9 p.m. and reopen it on Saturday, August 8 at 9 p.m.
During the closure, motorists traveling on Route 7 eastbound will take Fish House Road to Pennsylvania Avenue Central Avenue to Route 1&9T northbound and return to Route 7.
Motorists traveling on Route 7 westbound will take to Route 1&9T southbound to Central Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue to Fish House Road and return to Route 7.
Real time travel and construction information http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/commuter/trafficinfo/ is available online at www.nj511.info http://www.nj511.info/.

ARC Mass Transit Tunnel on its way

MANHATTAN- Work on the $8.7 billion ARC Mass Transit Tunnel has been cleared to start in Manhattan later this year, following approval today of the project’s land use plan by the New York City Council.
Council members voted unanimously 47-0 to approve the massive passenger rail project’s special permit application under the city’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP). The council’s vote will allow tunnel work to be ongoing on both sides of the Hudson River by year’s end. In June, ground was broken in New Jersey to start the project near Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen. Overall, the project will create approximately 6,000 construction-related jobs annually.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and its partner, NJ Transit, are working to complete the tunnel by 2017. The Port Authority has committed $3 billion to the project.
Agency officials voluntarily submitted the project for review by city representatives under the land-use process, seeking to encourage public participation and community support for the initiative. Today’s vote was the culmination of an extensive process to work with the City Planning Commission, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, city community boards and other local stakeholders on the project’s design and plans.
On the drawing board for decades, the ARC Mass Transit Tunnel will double commuter capacity between the Garden State and Midtown Manhattan, allowing a maximum of 48 trains per hour compared to 23 now through the existing, 100-year-old, two-track tunnel. The project is designed to help keep the region economically competitive during the 21st Century.
The work in Manhattan will include an expansion of Penn Station under 34th Street and provide underground connections for the first time to the Sixth Avenue subway lines.

No. 39 bus route splits

NJ TRANSIT MAKES MAJOR SERVICE CHANGE TO NO. 39 BUS ROUTE
Route will be split into two effective June 27 to improve reliability

NEWARK — As part of a broader effort to put seats where they are needed most, NJ TRANSIT’s No. 39 bus route will be split into two routes starting June 27, 2009, to provide more service for customers traveling to and from Newark Penn Station and to improve reliability. A new bus route—the No. 30—is being introduced to serve customers in North Arlington, Kearny, Harrison and Newark.
As a result of these changes, customers along the new No. 39 route will benefit from more direct service to Newark Penn Station, making it easier to make connections to other modes. In addition, by shortening the length of the route, buses will operate more reliably for all customers.
All customers will continue to have bus service from their regular bus stop to downtown Newark. However, customers who travel through downtown Newark (e.g. from Irvington through to North Arlington) will now have to transfer between the No. 30 and No. 39 routes on Broad Street or at Newark Penn Station.
Beginning June 27, the new No. 39 will operate between Irvington and Newark Penn Station, serving all of the same stops between these locations. However, No. 39 buses will no longer serve points north of Raymond Boulevard in Newark, Harrison, Kearny or North Arlington. Most No. 39 buses will begin and end their trips at Newark Penn Station. Certain trips, known as “39X” (EXPRESS), will continue to operate to and from Washington Park in Newark.
The new No. 30 bus route will serve bus stops previously served by No. 39 buses in North Arlington, Kearny, and Harrison, as well as selected stops along Broad Street in Newark. On weekdays until 6 p.m., buses will operate from North Arlington to/from Lincoln Park in Newark. Starting with the 6:20 p.m. departure from North Arlington on weekdays and all day on weekends, No. 30 buses will begin/end their trips at Newark Penn Station. (On weekdays, the first trip from Newark Penn Station to North Arlington departs at 7:05 p.m.)

Fares
The one-zone fare will continue to be $1.35, and the zone boundary for the new No. 39 will continue to be the border of Newark and Irvington, so most customers will not have to pay more than they do today. Customers who transfer between the new No. 39 and the No. 30 will need a 65¢ transfer (just like any other bus transfer). However, customers who travel one zone on the new No. 39 to connect to the No. 30 can pay less than they do today by purchasing a one-zone bus card.

Boarding locations at Newark Penn Station
No. 39 buses to Irvington will continue to board from Bus Lane 1A at Newark Penn Station. No. 30 buses to North Arlington will board from Bus Lane 3B until 10:00 p.m. After 10:01 p.m., No. 30 buses will board at Bus Lane 1B. (On weekdays, the first departure from Newark Penn Station is 7:05 p.m.)

Destination signs
Bus destination signs will read as follows for customers traveling from the points below:
Traveling from Irvington to Newark Penn Station: 39 NEWARK PENN STATION
Traveling from Irvington to Washington Park (express): 39X EXPRESS / WASH PARK
Traveling from Newark Penn Station to Irvington: 39 IRVINGTON
Traveling from Washington Park to Irvington (express): 39X EXPRESS / IRVINGTON
Traveling from Newark to North Arlington: 30 KEARNY / N ARLINGTON
Traveling from North Arlington to Newark: 30 NEWARK / (LINCOLN PARK or PENN STATION)
NJ TRANSIT is advising customers to carefully check bus schedules dated June 27, 2009, as many departure times have changed.
For schedules and fares, customers may visit njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.

Holland Tunnel Warning

HOLLAND TUNNEL TO HOST CHARITY MOTORCYCLE RUN

New York-bound Holland Tunnel motorists are advised to expect delays and use the Lincoln Tunnel or other alternate routes on Wednesday, June 17, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. due to a charity motorcycle event.
The 22nd Annual Gooch’s Garlic Run from Rockaway Town Square Mall in Morris County, N.J., anticipates 1,500 motorcyclists will pass through the Holland Tunnel on their way to Little Italy in Lower Manhattan.
Two left lanes of 12th Street in Jersey City will be closed from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. to accommodate participants entering the tunnel. The far left lane of the toll plaza and the left lane of the exit rotary in New York will be dedicated for benefit use.
The run, held by the New Jersey Chapter of the Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, raises money for children with catastrophic illnesses in New York and New Jersey. Since its inception, the Port Authority has worked closely with the organizers to make the event a success.
For additional information, customers can call the Port Authority at 800 221-9903.
Customers also are encouraged to visit www.panynj.info to sign up for Bridge and Tunnel Alerts. This free subscription service notifies customers of incidents or events at Port Authority bridges and tunnels that may delay their trip. Travelers receive alerts on their cellular phone, PDA, pager, or e-mail account and can customize the information they would like to receive.

CONTACT:
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
212 435-7777

Stimulus dollars at work - the PR

EDITOR's NOTE: Notice that the end date of construction is not given. As far as I'm concerned a bird in the hand in worth more than two in the Bush, I mean bush. Aren't you happy all these politicians are working so hard to make your cattle car existence better? And what sorts of jobs will be generated? Construction, transit workers, service industry or whatever new forms of low-end labor Jay Oh Bees.

NEW JERSEY BREAKS GROUND ON NATION’S LARGEST TRANSIT PROJECT
Federal Funding Agreement Announced for Tunnel Construction

Building upon the region’s rich legacy of major public transportation assets, Governor Jon S. Corzine, Senators Frank R. Lautenberg and Robert Menendez, FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff and a group of other federal, state and local officials broke ground yesterday on the Mass Transit Tunnel project, the largest transit public works project in America.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents an historic $8.7 billion dollar transit infrastructure project, the largest in the nation,” Governor Corzine said. “It will create thousands of jobs for hardworking families across the region, promote better mobility and provide enormous environmental benefits. Thanks to Senators Frank Lautenberg and Bob Menendez, New Jersey’s champions of mass-transit and infrastructure, for securing this funding that is a transportation imperative for the state, the region and the nation.”
The $8.7 billion Mass Transit Tunnel (MTT) project, being built in partnership with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, is expected to generate and sustain 6,000 jobs through the construction phase of two new rail tunnels under the Hudson River, an expanded New York Penn Station and other key elements, reinvigorating the link between New Jersey and New York and benefiting the regional economy with improved mobility. It is expected to create 44,000 permanent jobs.
U.S. Senators Lautenberg, Menendez and Governor Corzine also announced a major funding agreement with the Obama Administration that enables the initial phases of the project to advance with federal funding support. The Early Systems Work Agreement (ESWA) provides $1.35 billion in funding for the early phases of the project, about half of which is from federal sources including the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
“The Obama Administration is thrilled to partner with New Jersey to build this truly transformational investment,” Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff said. “It will improve the lives of thousands by shortening their commute. And best of all, it will create jobs now! The Obama Administration is committed to seeing this project through to its completion.”
“With today’s ground breaking, it’s not just show time – it's go time,” Senator Frank R. Lautenberg said. “People are fed up with traffic and congestion and this new tunnel will bring relief. President Obama has agreed to be our partner in this critical effort because he understands that this tunnel is not just important to our region, but to the whole nation. I’m proud we secured the federal funding to make this project a reality and I will keep fighting for the resources we need to get the job done.”
The $1.35 billion agreement includes a down payment of $400 million of funding from the Federal Transit Administration (towards a $3 billion FTA commitment), $130 million in federal stimulus funds, and $125 million in Federal Highway congestion mitigation funds. Senator Robert Menendez said, “As we start digging this tunnel, we’re helping to dig out of our economic crisis. As we’re getting underway, we’re seeing the Recovery Act pay dividends right now—and we’re literally laying the groundwork for recovery. The tunnel is a prime example of a mass transit project that we can get going immediately, bringing money back to our state, making our commutes faster and our air cleaner—and most importantly, creating tens of thousands of jobs.”
“The awarding of $130 million in stimulus dollars highlights how important the ARC Mass Transit Tunnel project is not just to New Jersey, but to our nation’s leaders in Washington,” Congressman Albio Sires, District 13 said. “Construction of the project could not come at a better time; the project will put thousands of people back to work and will jump start the region’s economy.”
The Mass Transit Tunnel project will double trans-Hudson River rail capacity by adding two new single-track tunnels – supplementing the existing two tracks that opened for service in 1910 and now are pushed to their functional limits each commuting day – as well as expand New York Penn Station with a new facility specifically designed to meet the high-ridership needs of a modern commuter rail system.
New York Governor David Paterson said, “This tunnel is great news for New York commuters and equally good news for the state's and the region's economy. At a time when we're struggling through an economic slowdown, this project will provide a timely boost by creating thousands of good-paying construction jobs, while ensuring that workers will have convenient access to our substantial job and entertainment markets for years to come.”
Doubling the number of tracks for trains operating between New Jersey and New York will increase service capacity to 48 trains per hour during peak periods from the current 23 trains. Twice as many passengers will be able to be accommodated, from 46,000 each morning peak period now to 90,000 in the future.
“The start of work on the Mass Transit Tunnel is a testament to cooperation among New Jersey, New York, and federal officials working together, we are putting shovels into the ground to create jobs now and support the bi-state region’s economic growth in the future,” Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said.
“Today this project finally moves from the drawing board to construction,” Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward said. “The Port Authority is proud to be part of a project that will allow tens of thousands of people to move more easily around the region.”
“Transit is a crucial part of our transportation network and this project will reduce roadway congestion, taking 22,000 cars off our roadways and prevent 67,000 tons of greenhouse gases from polluting our environment,” Transportation Commissioner Stephen Dilts said.
“The Mass Transit Tunnel will give more access across the state to our rail system with better capacity, enhanced reliability and fewer transfers to major destinations in New Jersey and New York,” NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard R. Sarles said. “It delivers better rail service for more and improves the quality of life for our travelers.
Fifteen years of study starting with 137 project alternatives, numerous public meetings and input in conformance with federal regulations, produced the finished plan. The project has been designed to allow for expansion in Manhattan to the east in the future as conditions and funding permit.

New NJTransit Bus Schedules

NEW BUS SCHEDULES TAKE EFFECT APRIL 11
Systemwide changes include additional trips to help meet demand and adjustments to improve on-time performance

NEWARK – NJ TRANSIT is adding trips to four bus routes to help meet demand and reduce wait times between trips, and is making adjustments to numerous other routes to improve reliability and convenience for customers as part of a systemwide bus timetable change that takes effect April 11, 2009.
“This schedule change follows a comprehensive review of ridership trends on our bus service around the state," NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles said. “These adjustments will help to improve service for our bus customers within the confines of a challenging fiscal environment.”
A significant change in the No. 413 route is designed to improve on-time performance for customers in Burlington and Camden counties. The 413 will no longer operate into Philadelphia, where traffic congestion often creates significant delays for our buses navigating through the city street, in turn impacting customers in Camden and Burlington counties.
No. 413 trips will originate and end at the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden where connecting NJ TRANSIT bus and PATCO rail service is available for customers continuing to Philadelphia. Additionally, buses will operate within Cherry Hill Mall and the Mount Laurel campus of Burlington County College to provide customers with more convenient service to those destinations. The route will be renamed Camden-Mt. Holly-Burlington.
Other changes include the addition of four weekday afternoon outbound trips on the No. 324 line to offset changes to the No. 194 route, where selected p.m. peak trips will bypass Wayne/Route 23 Transit Center and Mother’s Park & Ride to provide improved express service to farther destinations.
An additional weekday evening trip on the No. 137 route will depart Toms River to reduce intervals between trips to New York, and a weekday afternoon trip will be added to the No. 85 route (Hoboken-Harmon Meadow-Mill Creek) to help alleviate overcrowding.
Atlantic City casino employees will benefit from a later weekday trip on the No. 508 route (Atlantic City-Richard Stockton College-Hamilton Mall) which at the request of customers will depart from Atlantic and South Carolina avenues in Atlantic City at 12:45 a.m., replacing a 12:05 a.m. departure.
Seasonal service to Six Flags Great Adventure from New York and Newark on the No. 308 route and from Freehold on the No. 307 route begins April 4, with service on days the park is open to the public. Weekend service to the theme park from Philadelphia and Camden on the No. 318 route begins April 18.
Customers are encouraged to review new timetables available on their buses, at
NJ TRANSIT customer service offices at major terminals or online at www.njtransit.com

$894 million for transportation projects

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will improve infrastructure, create jobs

TRENTON – Governor Jon S. Corzine today announced the State of New Jersey will invest $894 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds for critical highway and transit projects statewide.
“The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will enable New Jersey to accelerate long-needed infrastructure projects, providing jobs for thousands of residents and improving commerce, safety, and quality of life,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine. “Through the flow of funds to projects that can start in a matter of weeks, the federal stimulus package will reinvigorate New Jersey’s economy and mitigate the impacts of the national recession.”
The ARRA will stimulate New Jersey's economy by creating or supporting thousands of transportation-related jobs and making long-term improvements to roads, bridges and the transit system. New Jersey’s transportation allocation includes $652 million for highways and bridges and approximately $425 million for transit. That total includes approximately $162 million for county and local transportation priorities and approximately $19.5 million for transportation enhancement projects.
“New Jersey’s economy depends on transportation and these new funds we provided in the recovery package will create good-paying jobs, expand our railways, repair our roads and break ground on major public works projects, such as the new Hudson River rail tunnel,” said Senator Frank R. Lautenberg. “Not only does this package serve as an engine for job creation, but these investments will pay off in the years to come by reducing congestion on our roads and providing new, energy-efficient options for travelers. Together, these investments will help jumpstart New Jersey’s economy and help create a 21st-century transportation system.”
“The economic recovery package is more than a theory, it’s a package of very real projects and programs with the capability to make a real difference in people’s lives,” said Senator Robert Menendez. “These projects represent the first wave of measures we are delivering to the state to stimulate the economy. They will get under way quickly, putting people to work, constructing necessary upgrades to our infrastructure, allowing people to commute more efficiently and helping break the shackles of foreign oil.
“We will continue working with President Obama to help lay the foundation for a new economy in which middle class families are able to thrive.”
The New Jersey Department of Transportation’s (NJDOT) $469 million in ARRA funding will address the needs of aging bridges by replacing movable bridges, rehabilitating bridge decks and beams, and other bridge maintenance. In addition, NJDOT will use federal stimulus funding to reconstruct and resurface highways and improve drainage systems and highway safety.
NJDOT selected these projects based on regional balance as well as each project's readiness to start construction, design or right-of-way acquisition, and were required to be within the federal highway aid system. NJDOT plans to obligate all of this funding in the next 120 days and to complete most of its stimulus-funded work within one year.
NJ TRANSIT is prepared to advance or accelerate $424 million in key capital projects throughout the state with ARRA funding. These projects include key maintenance initiatives as well as long-term improvements. Stimulus funds will be devoted to signal and track improvement projects, park and rides and station facilities, and the Mass Transit Tunnel.
New Jersey will receive an estimated $17.4 billion in total benefit from the federal stimulus program, including $7.2 billion in tax cuts that will provide relief to more than 3.5 million taxpayers in New Jersey. The stimulus package also contains much-needed assistance for the growing burden on state Unemployment Insurance funds as well as other social safety net programs. In order to ensure accountability and transparency in the allocation of the federal stimulus, Governor Corzine recently created a group that will oversee the execution and implementation of the $787 billion in ARRA funds in New Jersey.
For a complete list of NJDOT projects selected for ARRA funding, please view the following link:
http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/capital/stimulus/pdf/NJDOTARRAprojects.pdf
For a complete list of NJ TRANSIT projects selected for ARRA funding, please view the following link:
http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/capital/stimulus/pdf/NJTRANSITARRAprojects.pdf
For additional information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit the following sites:
http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/capital/stimulus/faq.shtm
https://webmail.hmc1.comcast.net/OWA/redir.aspx?URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.recovery.gov

NJ Transit storm info

FULL SYSTEMWIDE CROSS-HONORING TODAY DUE TO EXPECTED WINTER STORM

NEWARK — As winter weather moves into the region, NJ TRANSIT operations, customer service and police personnel across the state are preparing to keep the system running smoothly and minimize delays.
To give customers additional travel options during expected winter weather conditions, NJ TRANSIT will offer full systemwide cross-honoring on Monday, March 2, 2009. Customers holding any NJ TRANSIT ticket or pass will be able to use it on any mode—rail, bus or light rail. For example, customers who normally take the bus from Rutherford to the Port Authority Bus Terminal will be able to use their bus tickets on the train from Rutherford to New York Penn Station.
NJ TRANSIT asks its customers to follow these winter travel tips:
Before starting your trip, visit the Travel Alerts page at www.njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information. This information is also available by calling 973-275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
Allow extra time getting to and from your destination. Use extreme caution when walking on exposed sidewalks or station platforms and when boarding trains and buses.
Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews orNJ TRANSIT staff.
Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.

Free rides on NJ Transit

SERVICE SET FOR PRESIDENTS’ DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Kids ride free on NJ TRANSIT all holiday weekend

NEWARK — NJ TRANSIT will add extra trains for the Presidents’ Day holiday, including “early getaway” rail service on Friday, February 13 for the benefit of customers leaving work early for the holiday weekend, as well as enhanced holiday service on Monday, February 16 with additional trains on select lines.
On Friday, Feb. 13, buses, light rail lines and trains will operate on a weekday schedule. In addition, “early getaway” rail service will operate from New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station starting at noon on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast and Morris & Essex Lines. For details, customers are advised to check their timetables or visit www.njtransit.com .
On Monday, Feb. 16, bus schedules vary by route—customers are advised to check their timetables or visit www.njtransit.com . Newark Light Rail and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule; River LINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Trains will operate as follows (see a timetable or visit www.njtransit.com for details):
Montclair-Boonton Line will operate a special schedule during the morning and afternoon peak period times between Montclair State University and New York, and between Lake Hopatcong and Hoboken.
Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Raritan Valley, and Port Jervis lines will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule with additional service during morning and afternoon peak periods.
Main, Bergen County, Pascack Valley, and Morris & Essex lines will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule.
Atlantic City Rail Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.
On weekends, kids ride free on NJT
For Presidents’ Day, NJ TRANSIT’s Family Super Saver Fare, which allows up to two children 11 and younger to travel free with each fare-paying adult, will be in effect from 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 until 6 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17.
For schedule and fare information, visit http://www.njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.

NJ Transit signs fundingagreements with Tunnel Partners

Agreements create framework for cooperation during construction and beyond

NEWARK — Momentum continued to build toward construction of the Mass Transit Tunnel today with the NJ TRANSIT Board approving key agreements with partner agencies.
The agreements—with Amtrak and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey—establish frameworks to ensure coordination and efficiency during the multi-year construction phase and come just one month after the Federal Transit Administration issued a Record of Decision completing the environmental review process and clearing the project for federal funding and final design.
The agreement with the Port Authority formalizes the agency’s $3 billion investment in the project.
“We are pleased with these steps which allow us to build this project on budget and on schedule,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Chairman Stephen Dilts.
NJ TRANSIT’s agreement with Amtrak sets forth the terms to reimburse Amtrak for support and services required, and expands passenger rail benefits from the project after construction by creating additional NY Penn Station capacity for Amtrak service when the Mass Transit Tunnel opens in 2017.
“These agreements demonstrate how far we have come with this project and how close we are to putting shovel in the ground,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles.
The Port Authority and NJ TRANSIT have been partners in advancing the Mass Transit Tunnel project for more than a decade. A General Project Agreement approved today formalizes each agency’s role and responsibilities and includes the creation of a joint project oversight team, with NJ TRANSIT continuing as the lead agency for procurement and administration of design and construction contracts.
"Cooperation between NJ Transit and the Port Authority in recent years has brought the ARC tunnel to the brink of reality,'' said Port Authority Chairman Anthony Coscia. "Formalizing our relationship will make the process even smoother and help ensure we get shovels in the ground and create needed construction jobs faster, once we secure the project's necessary federal funding."
“Ours is an example of a shovel-ready project that will yield immediate benefits, as well as pay dividends to future generations,” Dilts said. “These important partner agreements only bolster our position.”
The project will boost the regional economy during the construction phase by generating and maintaining 6,000 jobs each year through 2017 and by creating 44,000 permanent jobs thereafter.
"The ARC mass-transit tunnel is critical to the short-term and long-term economic health of the New York/New Jersey region and this cooperative agreement will help futher that goal,'' said Christopher O. Ward, the Port Authority's executive director.
"Our two agencies are demonstrating that significant progress can be made on a major project by working cooperatively,'' said Susan Bass Levin, the Port Authority's deputy executive director. "The result will be a legacy of improved access between New Jersey and Midtown Manhattan for future generations of commuters."
The Mass Transit Tunnel project (also known as Access to the Region’s Core), includes construction of two new single-track tunnels under the Hudson River to supplement the two century-old tracks that exist today. Because the current tunnel offers only “one track in and one track out,” it has long been a chokepoint for NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak trains operating into and out of New York.
The new tunnel will allow NJ TRANSIT to double the number of trains during each peak hour—23 trains today to 48 when the tunnel opens—creating faster trips, and new one-seat (direct) rides for thousands of customers on all NJ TRANSIT commuter rail lines that now require mid-trip transfers.
Other key elements include a six-track station under 34th Street in Manhattan, connections from several rail lines and midday train storage facilities.

NJ TRANSIT PREPARESFOR WINTER STORM

Full systemwide cross-honoring in effect January 28 to give customers additional travel options

NEWARK — As winter weather moves into the region, NJ TRANSIT operations, customer service and police personnel across the state are preparing to keep the system running smoothly and minimize delays.
To give customers additional travel options during expected winter weather conditions, NJ TRANSIT will offer full systemwide cross-honoring on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. Customers holding any NJ TRANSIT ticket or pass will be able to use it on any mode—rail, bus or light rail. For example, customers who normally take the bus from Rutherford to the Port Authority Bus Terminal will be able to use their bus tickets on the train from Rutherford to New York Penn Station.
NJ TRANSIT asks its customers to follow these winter travel tips:
• Before starting your trip, visit the Travel Alerts page at www.njtransit.com for up-to-the-minute service information. This information is also available by calling (973) 275-5555 or from broadcast traffic reports.
• Allow extra time getting to and from your destination. Use extreme caution when walking on exposed sidewalks or station platforms and when boarding trains and buses.
• Report slippery or unsafe conditions to bus operators, train crews or NJ TRANSIT staff.
• Listen closely to public address announcements at stations for late-breaking service information.
NJ TRANSIT’s bus, rail and light rail departments have spent months preparing for winter weather, as follows:
Rail Operations
• Hundreds of rail cars and locomotives have been “winterized,” a process that includes checking onboard heating systems, ventilation, thermostats, weather stripping and electronic components, as well as changing locomotive filters and fuel from a summer blend to a winter blend.
• NJ TRANSIT’s preventative maintenance program also includes the inspection and winter maintenance of more than 750 switches and switch heaters, overhead wire systems, 12 moveable bridges and wayside power at storage yards and terminals.
• Two jet-engine-powered snow blowers are available to remove ice and snow from tracks and critical switching areas. In addition, all locomotives are equipped with snowplows to clear snow from the rails.
• NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations has 20,000 pounds of salt on hand with the ability to obtain an additional 100,000 pounds, if needed.
Bus Operations
• Bus maintenance personnel have checked the heating systems, engine fluids, tires, windshield wipers, doors and airbrake systems on NJ TRANSIT's 2,000 buses.
• Bus snow-fighting equipment has been readied and ice/snow-inhibiting supplies have been restocked for winter to keep 52 bus loops, terminals and lots cleared throughout the state.
• NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations has 500 tons of bulk salt on standby statewide, with each of its 16 garages stocked with bag salt.
• Vendor contracts have been finalized to perform plowing of larger park/ride facilities.
Light Rail Operations
• Snowplows are ready to clear station platforms and park/ride lots.
• All switch heaters have been tested.
• Additional operations and maintenance employees have been placed on alert.
Stations and Terminals
• All rail stations equipped with heaters have been inspected to ensure that they are in proper working order.
• All public address systems at rail stations and bus terminals have been inspected.

Feds ok mass transit tunnel

NEWARK – The Mass Transit Tunnel, centerpiece of the Access to the Region’s Core (ARC) project, reached a major milestone that clears the way for federal funding and will allow construction to begin this year.
The release of a “Record of Decision” by the Federal Transit Administration officially completes the project’s exhaustive environmental review process. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg and Robert Menendez worked extensively to secure this approval from the FTA.
The local financing share of $5.7 billion is already committed, including $3 billion from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. New Jersey is now looking for a federal funding commitment from the new administration in Washington, D.C.
With train traffic into New York at maximum capacity, the tunnel project will double commuter rail capacity between New Jersey and New York and also allow improved rail service within New Jersey itself. These improvements will reduce roadway congestion with tens of thousands of additional transfer-free passenger trips each day and generate 6,000 jobs annually during construction until project completion in 2017. The mobility benefits of the MTT will also result in 44,000 permanent jobs being created once the tunnel is in service. Construction will create $4 billion in new personal income, and $10 billion in gross regional product.
“We welcome today’s action by the FTA, as the Mass Transit Tunnel project is a major component of New Jersey’s economic stimulus strategy,” Governor Corzine said. “By putting boots on the pavement and shovels in the dirt, this project will employ thousands of workers and help jumpstart the economy in the present, and will pay dividends toward regional economic growth for decades to come.”
About $600 million in design and construction contracts will be ready for construction bidding as soon as a federal funding agreement is reached Several other contracts, and other work, totaling about $3 billion, will be ready to go to construction soon after.
“We fought hard to secure this approval because the new tunnel will be critical to our region's future. This new tunnel will help ensure that New Jersey commuters have reliable, convenient and energy-efficient transit options for years to come,” Senator Lautenberg said. “We will keep fighting to reduce congestion and modernize public transit. Our work to secure this approval is a significant step in the right direction.”
With the tunnel project creating capacity to serve thousands of additional customers, the NJ TRANSIT commuter rail system will provide more than 254,000 trips each weekday to and from New York in the year 2030, an increase of 46 percent above current levels. This added capacity is expected to eliminate more than 22,000 automobile trips each day, reducing automobile usage by nearly 600,000 vehicle miles each day and relieving pressure on congested roadways, bridges and tunnels.
"I am working for federal funding for the Mass Transit Tunnel project because it provides a path to short- and long-term economic benefits and helps us advance toward our national objective of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. The tunnel is central to our region's strategy to create jobs, reduce traffic and lower emissions," Senator Menendez said.
Federal approval marks a giant step forward for this transit project of regional and national significance, according to Anthony Coscia, chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “With this approval in place we now look forward to receiving the federal funds necessary for putting shovels in the ground in 2009 and helping our regional economy in this critical time."
New York and New Jersey's cooperative efforts brought the ARC mass-transit rail tunnel closer to construction.
Christopher Ward, the Port Authority's executive director, said. "The federal government's approval will help bring jobs to our region and ease a major rail bottleneck. With $3 billion of Port Authority investment combined with the local share from New Jersey, we look forward now to gaining the needed federal funding that will allow us to begin construction."
The Record of Decision culminates a comprehensive process of planning, public input and preliminary engineering that puts us in position to advance a project that is crucial to meet the long-term commitment of providing convenient public transportation to the residents of New Jersey.
More than doubling train capacity to and from New York in peak periods translates into time-savings, increased service reliability, more travel options and convenience. And not just for those traveling to New York. Those taking the trains within New Jersey will share in the benefits of more trains, more express trains and enhanced reliability.
The existing 100-year-old commuter rail tunnel under the Hudson River has only two tracks that are pushed to their functional limits each rush hour with NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak trains. The Mass Transit Tunnel will more than double peak capacity from 23 trains per hour to 48. In addition to two new side-by-side single-track tunnels, the project will create new station capacity in Manhattan designed specifically for commuter rail service with wider platforms and more escalators. The new tracks will provide direct access to NYC subway lines, PATH trains and existing Penn Station services.The project will also create one-seat (direct) commutes to New York for NJ TRANSIT customers on seven commuter rail lines – Main/Bergen County, Port Jervis, Pascack Valley, Montclair-Boonton west of Montclair State University, Morris & Essex west of Dover, Raritan Valley, and North Jersey Coast south of Long Branch, as well as future rail expansion lines.

Inching toward effectivenortheast corridor transportation

WASHINGTON D.C. - The Federal Railroad Administration has issued a Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Portal Bridge Capacity Enhancement Project over the Hackensack River, between Secaucus and Kearny. The Portal Bridge is a two-track, moveable swing-span Rail Bridge over the Hackensack River between the two municipalities. The 961-foot span bridge is no longer functionally suitable for efficient rail operations in the Northeast Corridor.
Since it has only 23 feet of clearance between high water and its lowest beams, bridge openings are required to allow marine vessels 24-feet tall or more the Hackensack River to pass through. The amount of time required to open and close the bridge for marine traffic interferes with rail operations on a regular basis.
The frequent bridge openings also increase the likelihood of mechanical malfunctions, which have caused the bridge to remain in the open position for what seems like an eternity to commuters, causing system-wide delays in train service. That's an increasingly frustrating reality for the 150,000-plus passengers who travel back and forth on Amtrak or NJ Transit each day.
The FRA has decided to proceed with the a three-track fixed northern bridge, a two-track moveable southern bridge built on a new southern alignment, and a track over track grade separation to eliminate crossover movements.
This project is expected to cost $1.344 billion in 2008 dollars and take 66 months to complete. Replacing the bridge with additional tracks will result in enhanced capacity, improved service, and operational flexibility.
The existing Portal Bridge is a two-track, moveable swing-span bridge that was constructed by the Pennsylvania Railroad and began operation in 1910. The bridge, owned by Amtrak, is a bottleneck along the Northeast Corridor that conflicts with marine traffic and impedes efficient and reliable passenger rail service. Nearly 500 trains utilize the bridge every weekday, and both Amtrak and NJ Transit anticipate additional growth in the future.
Better yet is that once the Access to the Region's Core - the new $9 billion rail tunnel project that will run under the Hudson River and is being orchestrated by the Transit and Port Authority of NY/NJ - we'll be able to zap over to Manhattan via the Transit station we've been hearing will be built on Bergen and Schuyler Avenue. But then a lot of us will be retired by the time this big money, long-term project comes to fruition. Just thought you'd like to mull that information over for the new year, or at least start to think about living where you work. It's the sustainable, Green thing to do.

9/11 signature ramp at WTC to be removed

PA AND NATIONAL SEPT. 11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM
WILL MAKE WAY FOR CONTINUED MEMORIAL REBUILDING

NEW YORK – The 460-foot-long ramp that has served as the conduit for thousands of 9/11 victims family members and notable leaders to go from street level to bedrock at the World Trade Center site will be removed beginning this weekend to make way for continued rebuilding of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Starting Saturday, Dec. 13, the Port Authority will begin to dismantle the ramp to allow the steel installation for the Memorial and Museum to progress. The ramp must be removed since it sits in the middle of the Memorial quadrant, a critical location required for the cranes erecting steel. The steel for the northeast section of the Memorial has already reached street level.
It will take approximately a month for the ramp to be completely removed.
Because of the ramp’s historical significance to the World Trade Center clean-up effort, the rebuilding, and 9/11 anniversary commemorations, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum intends to preserve a section of the ramp as part of the Museum’s permanent collection.
The ramp was completed in March 2002 following the removal of debris from the 80-foot-deep World Trade Center basement resulting from the collapse of the Twin Towers on 9/11. Prior to the ramp’s construction, crews used muddy roads supported by packed debris to access the subgrade levels.
Installation of the ramp, which is composed of five spans supported by five concrete piers, allowed recovery workers and construction crews and vehicles to easily access the below-grade areas of the site during the final recovery efforts, the subsequent rebuilding of the temporary World Trade Center PATH Station, and the initial construction work on the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. The ramp was designed with a loading capacity to accommodate construction equipment in excess of 90,000 pounds.
Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, "This ramp is a link to the site's past, but now we're rapidly moving to the future and building a project we believe will make all of us proud, and honor the memories of those who were lost. We will remain focused on the construction work that remains to fulfill our commitment to have the Memorial's plaza finished by the 10th anniversary of 9/11."
Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward said, “The removal of the ramp is a sign that we are quickly moving the Memorial from bedrock to street level. It will allow for the continued installation of steel needed to complete this signature project by the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.”
“Since 2002, the ramp has provided access to the site for recovery, clean-up and construction,” National September 11 Memorial & Museum President Joe Daniels said. “Its use, in particular, on 9/11 anniversaries to bring people to bedrock has been an important part of personal and collective commemoration. The removal is a major step forward in constructing the Memorial and it reminds us of the sacrifices of thousands, united in their efforts to assist in the aftermath of the attacks. Given the historical importance of the ramp, we are planning to incorporate a portion of it in the Memorial Museum’s permanent collection.”
In early September, the first pieces of steel were erected for the Memorial project, and since that time, more than 600 tons of steel have been installed.
As the Memorial rises to street level, workers will access the below-ground area via staircases, and equipment and materials will be delivered via cranes.

PATH at Hoboken closed on Sunday morning

The Port Authority will conduct an emergency response drill at PATH’s Hoboken Station from 7 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 5. The station will be closed to customers during the drill.
NJ Transit will cross-honor PATH tickets and fare cards at its Hoboken and Pavonia Newport Light Rail stations. Alternate transportation also will be available via NJ Transit’s No. 126 bus to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, or New York Waterway’s ferry service from Hoboken to midtown Manhattan. PATH personnel will be available to assist and redirect PATH customers. PATH also will provide a handicapped-accessible shuttle bus to PATH’s Pavonia Newport Station upon request.
Passengers should allow extra time to arrive at their destinations. All other PATH service will operate normally during the drill.

Holland Tunnel closed this w/e

HOLLAND TUNNEL REPAVING PROJECT TO BEGIN THIS WEEKEND
The New York-bound Holland Tunnel will be closed Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 8 a.m. beginning October 4, until the scheduled project completion in winter. The repaving of the New Jersey-bound tunnel will begin in spring 2009, and is scheduled for completion in fall 2009.
Work will be suspended for holiday weekends and also may be cancelled in the event of unfavorable weather conditions.
This $5.5 million capital improvement project to repave the north and south tubes, which includes approach ramps and the replacement of drains, will keep the Holland Tunnel in a state of good repair.
During the work, traffic will be diverted to the Lincoln Tunnel.
For additional information, customers can consult the Weekly Traffic Advisory at www.panynj.info <http://www.panynj.info> for updates or call 201 360-5000 in case of an emergency.
Customers also are encouraged to visit <http://www.panynj.inof>www.panynj.info <http://www.panynj.inof> to sign up for Bridge and Tunnel Alerts. This free subscription service notifies customers of incidents or events that may delay the trip across Port Authority bridges and tunnels. Travelers receive alerts on their cellular phone, PDA, pager, or e-mail account, and can customize the information they would like to receive.

Bicyclists beware

This report for the Tri-State Campaign Web site:

In 2007, 162 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed in New Jersey, 9 percent fewer than in 2006. But the good news is overshadowed by the devastating toll of those tragic deaths, and New Jersey’s inability to make sustained progress on reducing bicyclist and pedestrian fatalities. In 1998, then-Gov. Whitman pledged to halve New Jersey’s pedestrian fatalities from the 145 killed in 1997 by 2010. As a new TSTC report, Skimping on Sidewalks 2008, points out, the state is nowhere near meeting that goal.Within the state, Middlesex, Essex and Bergen counties were the most dangerous places to walk or bicycle, with 19, 18 and 15 fatalities respectively in 2007. Hudson, Bergen, Essex and Passaic counties had the highest share of total traffic fatalities who were pedestrians or cyclists. (Fact sheets breaking out bike/ped fatality and funding data are available at TSTC’s reports page.)
Older New Jersey residents were more than twice as likely to be killed as a pedestrian in a traffic collision than the population as whole. The statewide pedestrian fatality rate is 1.79 per 100,000 persons. But for New Jersey residents aged 65 and older, the fatality rate is 3.72 - and the rate is 4.62 for those aged 75 and older.
New Jersey deserves credit for making bicycle and pedestrian projects a statewide transportation investment priority. NJDOT has more than doubled bicycle and pedestrian spending over fiscal year 2005 levels. Perhaps because of this investment, and high gas prices, the state is enjoying an increase in walking rates as measured by U.S. Census figures on commuting. The share of New Jersey commuters walking to work grew 26 percent from 2000 to 2006, compared to a 7 percent increase nationwide.
Unfortunately, in the state’s most recent capital program, funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects has fallen more than 14 percent from the previous year, and the share of total funding slated for sidewalks, bicycle lanes and paths, and other bike and pedestrian improvements has dropped 12 percent.
Even in the best years, municipal demand for bicycle and pedestrian funding has far exceeded the state’s ability to support those types of projects. Our analysis of recent applications and awards shows the number of applications outstripping awards by a margin of almost 10-to-1. New Jersey awarded just 6.4 percent of the total dollar amount requested by municipalities and other entities.
Furthermore, the state’s process for distributing its limited bicycle and pedestrian funds challenges municipalities without the ability to provide local matching funds or the staff to submit the time-consuming paperwork. As a consequence, most of the pedestrian and bicycle funding that New Jersey administers (including federal funds) goes to projects in suburban areas. New Jersey’s cash-strapped urban municipalities, with transportation and planning staffs stretched thin meeting other obligations, have little time to devote to chasing down funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects, even as they tend to have the highest concentration of pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and deaths.

Report Recommendations:
Use the next reauthorization of the Transportation Trust Fund as an opportunity to increase funding for NJDOT pedestrian and bicycle programs.

Develop a new “Safe Streets for Seniors” funding program aimed at improving pedestrian safety in places with high numbers of older adults.

Target all bicycle and pedestrian funding to places with the highest number of pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and deaths.

For more information see the Web site http://legalcatch.wordpress.com/2008/03/18/pedestrian-accident-statistics/

Rail station cooperative at Kearny library

LYNDHURST – The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission took part in a Community Design Workshop on Saturday, June 28 to assist Kearny in creating transit-oriented development around the planned future site of an NJ Transit rail station. The discussion, which is open to the public, was scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kearny Public Library, 318 Kearny Ave.
“This workshop allows Kearny residents to have a voice in the future development of their town,” Executive Director of the NJMC Robert Ceberio said. “The Commission is excited to lend its professional planning expertise to the process and we thank Mayor Santos for inviting us to the table.”
The workshop is the first step in a long-term “visioning process” with the goal of developing a community-based plan for the passenger rail station and the surrounding Schuyler Avenue redevelopment area. The NJMC has a seat on Mayor Alberto Santos’ Advisory Committee for the project, which is being run by the non-profit Regional Planning Association and funded by NJ Transit.
The rail station would open in conjunction with a planned new tunnel under the Hudson River and offer passenger service connections to Manhattan and other destinations.
The station would be located where Bergen Avenue crosses the Hudson-Kingsland Line, in the heart of the redevelopment area. Residents will be asked for their input on how the area around the new station should be developed to best advance the town’s goals.
In keeping with its commitment to improving the quality of life in the Meadowlands District, the NJMC offers it professional expertise free of charge to District municipalities through several programs. These include the Commission’s Sustainable Communities Planning Service, through which NJMC planners can assist towns with the preparation of their affordable housing and downtown revitalization plans, and the Municipal Solar Assistance Program, in which Commission staff and consultants assist towns with the development of solar facilities.
See the July 9 issue of The Observer for how the meeting went.