In The News:
Regional Roundup of the News The following are links to a selection of transportation-related articles published recently by newspapers in the northern New Jersey region. This page is updated on at least a bi-weekly basis. Please note that links on this page may expire or be unreliable due to changes made by host newspapers.
West Orange will receive complete streets assistance NJTPA Mention
EssexNewsDaily, 3/15/2020- EWING, NJ — Eight municipalities will receive up to $10,000 in technical assistance for complete streets projects ranging from workshops on walkability to bicycle network plans, conceptual designs and safety assessments, the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority recently announced..
Commuters seeing empty trains as ridership drops amid coronavirus spread NJ.com, 3/12/20 - Commuter buses, trains and parking lots are starting to empty this week as fears of being exposed to the coronavirus have prompted employers to encourage workers to work from home, and colleges have moved classes online so people can avoid crowds and possible exposure.
Newark Council OKs Transit Village Proposal For 'Four Corners' Patch, 3/12/20 - The intersection of Broad and Market Street, also known as the "Four Corners," is one of the busiest in Newark. Early maps of Newark from the 1660s show that the city was founded around the intersection. In more recent times, it's been the setting for major motion pictures like "Joker."
FRA issues environmental assessment for Sawtooth Bridge replacement project NJBiz.com, 3/5/2020 - The Federal Railroad Administration released an Environmental Assessment on Wednesday for the Sawtooth Bridge Replacement Project in New Jersey, advancing a key Gateway Program project that will increase capacity and reliability for Amtrak passengers and New Jersey Transit commuters on the Northeast Corridor.
Administration deals another blow to Gateway Tunnel NJ.com, 3/5/2020 - WASHINGTON — The Trump administration placed a new roadblock in front of the Gateway Tunnel Wednesday when Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said that a required environmental impact statement won’t be coming any time soon.
Technical Assistance Award Received for ART Walk NJTPA Mention
Patch.com, 3/2/2020 - The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) is partnering with the City of Hackensack and the Together New Jersey (TNJ) consortium to develop a plan for converting the downtown Demarest Place pedestrian walkway into an ART Walk.
I-80 ‘cave’ poses no short-term safety concerns New Jersery Herald, 2/28/20 - The “cave” under part of Interstate 80 in the Delaware Water Gap “poses no short-term safety concerns at this time, but the condition does need repair,” according to the New Jersey Department of Transportation.
Here's how much this mild winter is saving NJ in snow removal NJ.com, 2/24/2020 - The lack of major snow and ice storms this winter is translating to a big fat “ka-ching” for agencies such as the state Department of Transportation and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority when compared to the same period in 2019.
$144M in federal funding to revitalize NJ neighborhoods NJBIZ.com, 2/18/20 - U.S. Sens. Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, both Democrats, on Tuesday announced the awarding of more than $144 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Community Planning and Development to support the revitalization of communities across New Jersey.
New faces on NJ Transit board confront commuter outrage NJTV, 2/13/20 - In its first monthly meeting since being reinforced with new members, the board that oversees NJ Transit received a warm welcome and a cold reminder of the magnitude of the task that lies ahead in reforming the state’s troubled mass transit system.
Murphy clarifies electric vehicle rebate eligibility NJBiz.com, 2/11/2020 - The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has engaged the Center for Sustainable Energy to assist in developing and administering New Jersey’s electric vehicle incentive program, including full application details. Additional information regarding how to receive the rebate will be provided as the program is developed.
Sweeney to introduce amendment guaranteeing NJ Transit funding NJBiz.com, 2/11/2020 - Senate President Stephen Sweeney said he plans to unveil a constitutionally dedicated source of funding for New Jersey Transit, one of the first major proposals from legislative leadership under the Murphy administration to bolster the agency’s finances.
Hillsborough Lawmaker Proposes Immediate EZ-Pass Receipts TapINto.net, 3/3/2020 - TRENTON, NJ – Thousands of commuters travel through E-ZPass toll booths daily. Aiming to ensure residents are notified expeditiously of an overcharge on their account, Assemblymen Roy Freiman, a Hillsborough resident, and Daniel Benson are sponsors of legislation that would immediately notify customers of a toll fee.
Bergenfield and Fair Lawn boosting pedestrian safety NJTPA Mention
NorthJersey.com, 2/3/20 - Flashing beacons, speed radars and striped crosswalks are some of the improvements coming to Fair Lawn and Bergenfield, a result of $50,000 pedestrian safety grants the two towns received.
State Auditor Issues Report Sharply Critical of NJ Transit NJSpotlight.com, 2/3/20 - A new audit of NJ Transit’s rail operations echoes previous dim assessments of the state’s chief mass transit system, showing it to be behind schedule and over budget on an important safety initiative and beset by delayed and canceled trains, many of them due to preventable causes.
Murphy PACT looks to energize state’s response to climate change NJBIZ.com, 1/27/20 - On Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 100, directing the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to make sweeping regulatory reforms, branded as Protecting Against Climate Threats (PACT), to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
United Airlines, PANYNJ plan upgrades for Newark Airport restrooms United Airlines, PANYNJ plan upgrades for Newark Airport restrooms
NJBiz.com, 1/23/2020 - The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey is investing $19 million and United Airlines is ponying up another $25 million to modernize restroom facilities at Newark Liberty International Airport.
Murphy cool on permanent revenue source for NJ Transit NJBiz.com, 1/23/2020 - While legislative leaders and public transportation advocates have lined up behind an effort to establish a dedicated and recurring source of revenue for New Jersey Transit, Gov. Phil Murphy playing it close to the vest on the concept.
Sarnoski Joins NJTPA Executive Board NJTPA Mention
Inside Warren, 1/21/20 - Warren County Freeholder Jason J. Sarnoski was elected Secretary of the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), a key post on the Executive Board, at its January 13 Board of Trustees meeting.
United introduces hourly shuttle service from Newark to DC NJBiz.com, 1/17/20 - United says it will operate the world’s only two-cabin, 50-seat regional aircraft – the Bombardier CRJ-550 – on most flights. The airline says tickets for the 13 daily flights will be available for purchase beginning Jan. 18 and that service starts on March 29.
Hillsborough Gets $500,000 to Help Ease Route 206 Truck Traffic Tapinto.net, 1/16/20 - TRENTON, NJ - State Assemblyman Roy Freiman (D-Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon) announced Thursday that Hillsborough will be receiving $500,000 from the state after Gov. Phil Murphy released $121 million in earmarked state funds that had been frozen in the summer, as a safeguard against tax collections falling short.
The Bridge to and From Paradise: LBI, That Is Tapinto.net - 1/16/20 - Depending on who you talk to, the bridge going from the mainland to LBI has a few names. Some call it the Causeway, although it is formally known as the Dorland J. Henderson Memorial Bridge. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has another label for the seemingly endless bridge construction. The various aspects of the Route 72 Manahawkin Bay Bridges Project aren’t scheduled to conclude until 2024.
Top transit expert nominated to NJ Transit’s board of directors NJ.com, 1/15/20 - Gov. Phil Murphy made two more nominations to NJ Transit’s board of directors this week, NJ Advance Media has learned. One would seat a transit expert and Raritan Valley Line rider and the other repeats an earlier nomination of a Democratic official who worked on his campaign.
NJ Transit to conduct study on Raritan Valley/NYC one-seat rail service NJBiz.com, 1/13/20 - The report will be required to include findings concerning why service was initially suspended, historical and expected ridership for the direct rail service to New York City; action that NJ Transit would be required to take in order to provide the service; the amount of time those actions are expected to take; the cost to provide the service; and any factors that may delay or increase the cost of providing the service.
NJ Congressman's Plans for a 'Clean Economoy' by 2050 NJ 101.5, 1/13/20 - The window for limiting catastrophic climate-related disasters is closing, federal lawmakers say. So members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, chaired by New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone, have a plan to get the United States to a "100% clean economy" in the next 30 years.
Route 18 Signs Now Point To Paul Robeson Boulevard Tapinto.net, 1/10/20 - The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has replaced signage along Route 18 to reflect the city's renaming of Commercial Avenue in honor of actor/singer/activist Paul Robeson.
NY Waterway rents boats to bring ferry service back to normal NJ.com, 1/10/20 - NY Waterway officials said they have enough vessels operating to run regularly scheduled ferry service after a week’s work of mechanical problems and other issues that resulted in fewer boats to provide regularly scheduled service.
NJDOT commissioner elected to IBTTA board NJBIZ, 1/8/2020 — The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association elected New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti as its second vice president, the organization announced Wednesday.
NJ May Require High-Hazard Trains to Disclose Routes, Contents NJ 101.5, 1/8/20 - Legislation imposing new requirements on high-hazard trains traveling through New Jersey, including online disclosure of their routes and contents and consequences of a possible spill, is scheduled for final approval in a Monday vote.
Amtrak, NJ Transit invest $7.2M to upgrade NY Penn Station NJBiz.com, 1/7/20 - Amtrak and New Jersey Transit are investing $7.2 million in a project that began Jan. 7 with a refresh of the Amtrak Concourse ticketed waiting area at New York Penn Station on the Upper Level and 8th Avenue side
Route 206 Bypass Project on Schedule for Completion in 2020 TapInto.net, 1/5/20 - HILLSBOROUGH, NJ - Mayor Doug Tomson, township residents and motorists who have to wrestle with chronic the congestion on Route 206 are looking forward to the end of the year, by which time the long-awaited 4-mile Route 206 Bypass is expected to open...
Port Authority breaks passenger, cargo records in November 2019 NJBiz.com, 1/3/20 - The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates Newark Liberty International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York Stewart International Airport, and bridges and tunnels in both states, broke records on the number of passengers and cargo shipments it saw in November 2019.
Bayonne Bridge toll increases in 2020 Hudson Reporter.com, 12/31/19 - Commuters who use the Bayonne Bridge as well as other bridges and tunnels from New Jersey to New York will experience an increase in toll rates starting Jan. 5, 2020.
511NJ information now available with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant NJBiz.com, 12/23/19 - New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti announced Dec. 20 that NJDOT is the first department in the country to provide hands-free, real-time, statewide, traffic and traveler information using both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices.
511NJ information now available with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant NJBiz.com, 12/23/19 - New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti announced Dec. 20 that NJDOT is the first department in the country to provide hands-free, real-time, statewide, traffic and traveler information using both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices.
Sunday Bus Service to Manhattan Comes to Bayonne Tapinto.net, 12/22/19 - BAYONNE, NJ - An experiment by NJ Transit to expand bus service between Bayonne, Jersey City, and Midtown Manhattan to seven days a week has been made permanent, Mayor Jimmy Davis recently announced.
Federal budget package includes $700M for Hudson River tunnel project NJBiz.com, 12/20/19 - The U.S. Senate approved legislation Dec. 19 that includes $700 million in the fiscal year 2020 budget toward the replacement of Hudson River railroad tunnels that connect New Jersey and Manhattan.
https://njbiz.com/federal-budget-package-includes-700m-hudson-river-tunnel-project/\
Red Bank: Sun to rise again on street NJTPA Mention
Red Bank Green, 12/20/19 — The sun won’t go down on a “tactical urbanist” experiment undertaken to improve traffic safety at a tricky Red Bank intersection earlier this year, redbankgreen has learned.
Podcast: What's next with electric vehicles? NJ Spotlight, 12/20/19 — There is widespread agreement that New Jersey will not achieve its clean-energy goals unless it moves rapidly toward electrifying its transportation sector, the biggest single source of greenhouse gas emissions.
NYC subway gives N.J. commuters a peek of how they could pay fare in the future NJ.com, 12/19/19 - New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority expanded the OMNY pilot program that allows commuters to tap a contactless debit or credit card or a smart device to pay fares in Penn Station New York. That tap-and-go system puts riders a step closer to the end of buying fare cards and replenishing them with money.
NY-NJ state of freight: better warehouses and roads needed NJTPA Mention
FreightWaves, 12/19/19 — After becoming the No. 2 gateway for seaborne containers in the U.S., New York and New Jersey need to pay more attention to landside issues that impact freight movements, including more innovative warehouse designs and locations and much-needed improvements to aging roadways and a major air cargo hub.
Red Bank: Sun to rise again on street NJTPA Mention
Red Bank Green, 12/20/19 — The sun won’t go down on a “tactical urbanist” experiment undertaken to improve traffic safety at a tricky Red Bank intersection earlier this year, redbankgreen has learned.
Podcast: What's next with electric vehicles? NJ Spotlight, 12/20/19 — There is widespread agreement that New Jersey will not achieve its clean-energy goals unless it moves rapidly toward electrifying its transportation sector, the biggest single source of greenhouse gas emissions.
NYC subway gives N.J. commuters a peek of how they could pay fare in the future NJ.com, 12/19/19 - New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority expanded the OMNY pilot program that allows commuters to tap a contactless debit or credit card or a smart device to pay fares in Penn Station New York. That tap-and-go system puts riders a step closer to the end of buying fare cards and replenishing them with money.
NY-NJ state of freight: better warehouses and roads needed NJTPA Mention
FreightWaves, 12/19/19 — After becoming the No. 2 gateway for seaborne containers in the U.S., New York and New Jersey need to pay more attention to landside issues that impact freight movements, including more innovative warehouse designs and locations and much-needed improvements to aging roadways and a major air cargo hub.