South Jersey Light Rail's Funding Lesson
Construction began last week on a light rail line that will parallel the Delaware River between Trenton and Camden, utilizing Conrail tracks for most of its 34-mile route. Observers speculate the state is footing the bill for the entire $603 million project for two reasons. The 4,150 person projected daily ridership was unlikely to be enough to pass federal cost-efficiency standards (capital and operations cost per ridership mile). Also, NJTransit is vying for TEA-21 'New Starts' money for high-ridership projects like the second and third sections of the $1.1 billion Hudson-Bergen light rail, expected when finished to draw 48,000 passengers per day. New Jersey's decision provides an example for the region of the problems of funding transit in low-density areas. For example, in New York State, while high-rider projects like the 2nd Avenue Subway and LIRR East Side Access project remain in need, it will probably be very difficult to get federal funding for the proposed $3 billion commuter rail system connecting Orange, Rockland and Westchester counties across a new Tappan Zee bridge.
