| Issue 268 | May 5, 2000 |
On
Tuesday, representatives of transit groups called for NJ Trust Fund renewal
legislation that would ensure transportation spending is directed towards
advancing NJTransit capital projects. Members of the NJ Association
of Rail Passengers and the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition, along
with representatives from the United Transportation Union and the
Tri-State Transportation Campaign, asked for bill language that would prioritize
funding for designated "Circle of Mobility" projects and upgrades to the
Raritan Valley and Pascack Valley lines, as well as work towards a new
Hudson River rail tunnel.
"NJTransit has at least 20 projects lined up over the next 20 years," said Janine Bauer, Executive Director of the Tri-State Campaign. "To build them requires more Trust Fund money dedicated to transit, at least 40%."
These expansions are necessary in order to meet growing demand for rail transit across the state. NJTransit rail ridership increased by a record 7% last year, and by more than 36% over the last eight years. 35% more passengers are expected on lines in north Jersey by 2005.
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