The Trust Fund is the main state source of transportation capital spending - it needs to have new revenue sources dedicated to it by the end of June to keep state construction dollars flowing.

Currently, about 40% of trust fund spending is going to transit projects, but that high level is an anomaly due to a heavy infusion of state funds for construction the Trenton-Camden light rail line (the project is not receiving any federal funding).

Trust Fund reauthorization should make 40% for transit the annual rule, so that important transit projects like those mentioned above can get off the ground and into service within a reasonable time frame. Hudson-Bergen's first phase took too long. On the other hand, NJ DOT seems able to accelerate highway projects and get them into construction when political powers apply the requisite pressure.

More Trust Fund spending, plus a clear message from the Governor and Legislature that they expect to see the next generation of projects up and running during their political lifetimes could ensure a 21st Century mass transit renaissance in New Jersey.