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Warren County's Transportation Study NJTPA Mention —Patch.com, 6/25/2020 - Warren County, in partnership with the NJTPA, wants your help developing a transportation plan to provide a vision for the future of the County's transportation network through 2045.

Amazon to open 14 Garden State delivery stations in 2020 NJBIZ, 6/25/2020 — Amazon delivery stations power the last mile of its order fulfillment process. Packages are transported to delivery stations from Amazon fulfillment centers, sorted, and then loaded into vehicles for delivery to customers.

Long Beach Township Lowering Speed Limit on Ocean Roads 6/25/2020 - Ocean Boulevard, Beach Avenue and Atlantic Avenue – the ocean roads that run through Long Beach Township – will have a speed limit of 15 mph as of next Tuesday.
 

NJ Transit train, light rail service to resume normal schedule on July 6 NorthJersey.com, 6/24/20 - Full service on trains and light rail will resume at NJ Transit on July 6, the governor announced Wednesday.

NJ Transit receives $13M from feds to help riders in 14 rural counties NJ.com, 6/24/20 - Public transit will keep rolling in the states 14 rural counties with an additional $13.3 million in federal CARES act funding secured by the state’s congressional delegation.

Jersey City announces Slow Streets Pilot Program Hudson County View, 6/24/2020 — The City of Jersey City has announced a Slow Street Pilot Program, which will open up certain roadways for pedestrians in order to walk, jog, bike, and perform other outdoor activities while still adhering to social distancing.

A freeholder nominated to NJ Transit’s board could represent a voiceless bus commuter group NJ.com, 6/23/2020 — Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin nominated a Middlesex County freeholder who commutes by bus to NJ Transit’s board of directors on Monday, while two of Gov. Phil Murphy’s nominations still remain open.

NJ Transit, Rutgers study UV light to rid buses of coronavirus NJ.com, 6/22/2020 — NJ Transit is the latest agency to experiment with ultra-violet-c light as a more effective way to sanitize equipment from the coronavirus.

Flying out of Newark airport any time soon? Here’s what you can expect post-coronavirus NJ.com, 6/22/2020 — Life was slowly returning to Newark Liberty airport on Monday, where travelers were seen in the terminals that had almost emptied of fliers a month ago, due to the coronavirus. But they have new precautions and a new routine to learn.

E-ZPass only: No cash being accepted for New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway tolls NorthJersey.com 6/22/2020 - Drivers on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway are now being directed to E-ZPass lanes instead of paying cash for tolls.

Coughlin names NJ Transit board pick; Weinberg proposes expanding board's powers NorthJersey.com, 6/22/2020 — Shanti Narra, a Middlesex County freeholder, was named by Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin on Monday morning as his pick to join the agency's board of directors.

N.J.‘s opening and we’re driving more. Here’s how to keep your car clean of coronavirus. NJ.com, 6/22/2020 - Face it — even if you keep the inside of your vehicle as clean as the day it rolled out of the dealership, it can still be still a virus-ridden vehicle.

Freehold Borough officials OK contract to buy building for use as town hall NJTPA Mention - CentralJersey.com, 6/17/2020 - FREEHOLD – Members of the Borough Council in Freehold Borough have authorized a $3.33 million contract to purchase a building on Mechanic Street...

NJ Transit issues guidelines to protect customers, employees during travel as N.J. reopens WHYY.org, 6/17/20 - NJ Transit released guidelines Tuesday detailing the critical steps being taken to protect its customers and employees during the reopening of New Jersey and the region, in anticipation of more riders returning to the transit system.

Will transit systems convince you it’s safe to ride? The answer is in this European city. NJ.com, 6/17/20 - Transit agencies seem to be in the role of dentists trying to convince children to come in for a check-up, when it come to getting them on trains and buses in post coronavirus world.

The price of gas is climbing in N.J. Will it ruin the summer road trip? NJ.com, 6/16/2020 - After some joyous months, when the few people still driving saw gas prices hit $2 and then drop, the last several weeks have been a let down.

After dining with Murphy, Trump announces key N.J. rail project can move ahead NJ.com, 6/13/20 - Shortly after dining with Gov. Phil Murphy at his Bedminster golf club, President Donald Trump announced late Friday night he has “given authorization to proceed” on replacing the 110-year-old Portal Bridge, a long-sought and long-stalled New Jersey rail project.

PATH service will soon return to near pre-coronavirus levels with safeguards NJ.com, 6/12/2020 - Service on the bi-state PATH rail system between New Jersey and New York will increase to 96% of the agency’s pre-coronavirus frequency on Monday June 15 — the day New Jersey eases restrictions and moves to a phase two reopening.

Need an N.J. driver’s license road test? MVC to start taking appointments later this month NJ.com, 6/12/2020 - As the state reopens from coronavirus restrictions, the legions of people waiting to take road tests and get their vehicle inspected want to know, “what about us?”

After dining with Murphy, Trump announces key N.J. rail project can move ahead NJ.com, 6/13/20 - Shortly after dining with Gov. Phil Murphy at his Bedminster golf club, President Donald Trump announced late Friday night he has “given authorization to proceed” on replacing the 110-year-old Portal Bridge, a long-sought and long-stalled New Jersey rail project.

PATH service will soon return to near pre-coronavirus levels with safeguards NJ.com, 6/12/2020 - Service on the bi-state PATH rail system between New Jersey and New York will increase to 96% of the agency’s pre-coronavirus frequency on Monday June 15 — the day New Jersey eases restrictions and moves to a phase two reopening.

Need an N.J. driver’s license road test? MVC to start taking appointments later this month NJ.com, 6/12/2020 - As the state reopens from coronavirus restrictions, the legions of people waiting to take road tests and get their vehicle inspected want to know, “what about us?”

Ex-senator who co-wrote NJ Transit reform law finally gets his vote NJ.com, 6/11/2020- A former state senator, who co-authored the NJ Transit reform bill that put commuters on the agency’s board of directors, will finally get to vote as a board member after Gov. Murphy removed a century-old legal roadblock.

Jersey City and Hoboken to merge bike-share programs, mayors say NJ.com, 6/11/20 - Biking between Hoboken and Jersey City has long been overly complicated.

It’s official. Murphy approves toll hikes on three major N.J. highways NJ.com, 6/10/20 - It’s a done deal. Tolls on the states three major toll highways are going up in September, after Gov. Phil Murphy gave a final approval of the increases and the multi-billion dollar construction plans they fund.

Surveys say we want to be back at our workplaces, and we’ll get on a bus, train or ferry to do it NJ.com, 6/10/2020 - ...The Tri-State Transportation Campaign cast a wider net, and found 92% of riders surveyed in a four-state region said they’d return to riding public transit, if proper safety measures are in place. That survey included the New York and Philadelphia metro regions of New Jersey,

As pandemic slows, NJ Transit resumes full bus service NJBiz.com, 6/9/2020 - With the regional economy slowly reopening and moving away from the COVID-19 shutdown as the pandemic slows down, New Jersey Transit said it is resuming full bus service as of Monday, and providing more train service.

Coronavirus shut down going to the MVC. Now, the agency tells us how to navigate the reopening. NJ.com, 6/9/2020 - State Motor Vehicle Commission agencies are reopening on June 29 for business that has to be done in-person, but like everything else in the new coronavirus world, this will not be the same process as it was in early March.

Murphy unveils 2 sweeping plans to get NJ Transit back on the right track NJ.com, 6/8/2020 - Gov. Phil Murphy unveiled two long-awaited plans Monday to fix NJ Transit by guiding the spending of billions of dollars on major projects and purchasing new trains and buses that was recommended in a $1.3 million audit he ordered in 2018.

Under pressure NJBiz.com, 6/8/2020 - High demand, density and safety requirements pose challenges to transportation and logistics providers

NJ Transit unveils 10-year strategic plan, 5-year capital plan NJBiz.com, 6/8/2020 - Gov. Phil Murphy and New Jersey Transit Chief Executive Officer and President Kevin Corbett released the transportation agency’s  10-year strategic plan and a complementary five-year capital plan Monday.

Few specifics from NJ Transit CEO on how the agency will handle more riders as NJ reopens NorthJersey.com, 6/8/2020 - Long-awaited plans about NJ Transit's capital program and a 10-year road map for the embattled agency were revealed Monday, but few specifics were offered regarding how the nation's largest statewide public transportation system will keep riders from spreading the coronavirus as more and more of New Jersey reopens.

A sign of progress in the coronavirus pandemic: More trains and buses will run NJ.com, 6/8/2020 - The signs of a regional economy slowly building to a post-coronavirus normal continued Monday as New York City moved to its first phase of reopening, and commuter agencies including NJ Transit responded by announcing more rail and bus service.

Can 8 Million Daily Riders be Lured Back to N.Y. Mass Transit New York Times, 6/1/20 - As New York City prepares to reopen after enduring one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the world, officials are scrambling to avoid a new disaster — the gridlock that could result if many people continue to avoid public transportation and turn to cars instead.

Gateway Tunnel opposed by Trump could get funding from new House bill NJ.com, 6/6/20 - Long-sought federal funding for the Gateway Tunnel would be included in a five-year, $500 billion transportation bill proposed by House Democrats.

NJ motor vehicle agencies closed since mid-March ready to reopen NewJersey101.5, 6/5/20 - After nearly three months in which its doors were closed, during which some transactions continued, the state Motor Vehicle Commission’s reopening date will be announced Friday.

Newark Officials Support Replacing the Bridge Street Bridge NJTPA Mention
JerseyDigs, 6/5/20 - A bridge that has connected Essex County with Hudson County for more than a century might be replaced.

Efforts to get dedicated funding for NJ Transit stall as coronavirus upends budget process NJHerald.com, 6/4/20 - The country’s largest statewide transportation agency seemed on track to finally receive a dedicated state source of funding this year. But then coronavirus brought that progress to a grinding halt.

Riders weigh in about their concerns, questions before returning to NJ Transit commutes NorthJersey.com, 6/3/20 - Dealing with the mass in mass transit is going to be tricky as businesses and cities begin to reopen and commuters consider returning to buses and trains in the coming weeks and months.

APTA urges CDC to reconsider guidance on commuting alone by car TransportationTodayNews.com, 6/2/2020 - ...APTA said the stance is misguided, would hamper the nation’s economic recovery, and demonstrates a lack of understanding of how people of all incomes get around their communities.

USDOT announces $1.25M in transit grants TransportationTodayNews.com, 6/1/2020 - The U. S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced Thursday it would make available $1.25 million in grant money for programs that demonstrate and evaluate innovative technologies and designs.

Can 8 Million Daily Riders be Lured Back to N.Y. Mass Transit New York Times, 6/1/20 - As New York City prepares to reopen after enduring one of the worst coronavirus outbreaks in the world, officials are scrambling to avoid a new disaster — the gridlock that could result if many people continue to avoid public transportation and turn to cars instead.

They just want to drive their cars, but MVC shutdown means some can't DailyRecord.com, 5/29/2020 - Residents are supposed to be able to perform many, but not all, MVC functions online. But issues have arisen.

Rebuilding America: North Jersey car sales plummet from COVID-19, but dealerships are optimistic DailyRecord.com, 5/28/2020 - ...According to a joint calculation by J.D. Power and LMC Automotive Ltd., total sales for 2020 were projected to reach 16.78 million units, a drop of 212,000 units from last year.

NJ senators announce $91.5M for replacement of the Portal Bridge and Amtrak upgrades TransportationTodayNews.com, 5/28/2020 - Sens. Bob Menedez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), along with other members of the New Jersey Senate Delegation, announced Tuesday more than $91.5 in funding would go toward fixing a critical component of the Northeast Corridor (NEC) connecting Boston to Washington, D.C. – the Portal Bridge.

New Jersey Turnpike Authority approves toll increases, $24B capital plan NJBIZ.com, 5/27/20 - Motorists are slated to see tolls go up on two of the state’s largest highways – the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike – with the administration set to decide Wednesday afternoon whether to hike tolls for the Atlantic City Expressway, as well.

Feds give $55M to help replace Portal Bridge NJ.com, 5/26/20 - Federal officials are providing a $55 million infusion of federal funds to help replace the Portal North Bridge, the bane of NJ Transit commuters and Amtrak riders.

Drivers face toll increase doubleheader vote for Turnpike, Parkway and A.C. Expressway NJ.com, 5/26/20 - This is not the type of doubleheader that Jersey drivers hoped to see this spring.

NJ takes advantage of less traffic to finish Jersey Shore road work NJ1015.com, 5/25/20 - New Jersey transportation officials have been taking advantage of the lower volumes of traffic during the pandemic to plow ahead with road work projects.

State highway agencies need a $50B federal cash infusion or construction could halt, group says NJ.com, 5/19/20 - Highway agencies, which have seen either tolls or gas tax revenue plummet due to double digit drops in traffic volume due to coronavirus travel restrictions, are asking for federal aid to make up for lost money.

Cash toll collections resume on Garden State Parkway, New Jersey Turnpike NorthJersey.com, 5/19/20 - Cash collections on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway resumed Tuesday.

Coronavirus reopening plan gets N.J. drivers another 2-month extension from going to motor vehicle agency NJ.com, 5/19/2020 - Drivers will get another two-month extension on expiring licenses, registrations, inspection stickers and temporary tags due to the coronavirus, state Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) officials said Monday.

All Port Authority essential workers to be offered coronavirus testing NJ.com, 5/18/2020 - Front line Port Authority of New York and New Jersey employees will get something they’ve requested for at least a month - testing for the coronavirus.

Feds follow through on $1.4B COVID-19 rescue aid for cash-strapped NJ Transit NJBIZ.com, 5/18/20 - The Trump administration formally awarded $1.4 billion in federal rescue aid to the ailing New Jersey Transit, which has seen its ridership and revenue clobbered by near triple digits due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NJ Transit Board authorizes contract for preliminary design work at Penn Station New York Mass Transit Magazine, 5/15/20 - A $4.1-million contract with FXCollaborative Architects has been authorized by the New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) Board of Directors for preliminary design, engineering and construction assistance of the Central Concourse Extension at Penn Station New York (PSNY), which will provide additional customer access to tracks.

NJ Transit could miss safety system deadline, railroad says it’s being fast-tracked NJ.com, 5/15/20 - Federal officials once again warned NJ Transit that it is in jeopardy of missing a Dec. 31 deadline to have a mandated safety system operating, which could shut down rail service if it’s not working and approved.

After 30 years away, N.J. drive-in movies return to cure coronavirus boredom NJ.com, 5/15/2020 - Bergen and Morris counties are about to get their first drive-in theaters in decades, as the largely defunct American pastime has now been deemed a safe, socially distant and family-friendly activity amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Cash tolls are returning to Parkway and Turnpike next week NJ.com, 5/15/2020 - The two toll roads run by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority will be the latest agency to

NJ Transit OKs $4M contract for Penn Station design work NJBiz.com, 5/14/2020 - The New Jersey Transit board of directors on Wednesday authorized a $4.1 million contract with FX Collaborative Architects of New York for preliminary design, engineering and construction assistance of the Central Concourse Extension at Penn Station New York (PSNY), which will provide additional customer access to tracks.

Construction for Raritan River Bridge replacement to begin this summer NorthJersey.com, 5/14/20 - Construction to replace the Raritan River Bridge is set to begin this summer.

Senators stem paratransit contracts as NJ Transit board OKs Penn Station improvement plan NorthJersey.com, 5/14/20 - One paratransit contract was tabled and another tweaked at Wednesday's NJ Transit board meeting, along with approvals for New York Penn Station redesigns, and an extension of a study for post-pandemic travel over the river.

NJ Transit OKs $4M contract for Penn Station design work NJBiz.com, 5/14/2020 - The New Jersey Transit board of directors on Wednesday authorized a $4.1 million contract with FX Collaborative Architects of New York for preliminary design, engineering and construction assistance of the Central Concourse Extension at Penn Station New York (PSNY), which will provide additional customer access to tracks.

Construction for Raritan River Bridge replacement to begin this summer NorthJersey.com, 5/14/20 - Construction to replace the Raritan River Bridge is set to begin this summer.

Senators stem paratransit contracts as NJ Transit board OKs Penn Station improvement plan NorthJersey.com, 5/14/20 - One paratransit contract was tabled and another tweaked at Wednesday's NJ Transit board meeting, along with approvals for New York Penn Station redesigns, and an extension of a study for post-pandemic travel over the river.

Planning group explains why Port Authority, NJ Transit need billions more in federal bailouts NJ.com, 5/13/20 - NJ Transit and the Port Authority asked federal officials for a total of $4.2 billion from the next round of COVID-19 aid as transit agencies across the nation said the road to recovery from coronavirus losses will take money.

N.J. orders car, business insurers to cut premiums, give refunds due to coronavirus restrictions NJ.com, 5/13/2020 — State regulators on Tuesday told insurance companies they have to cut premiums for motorists and other types of policy holders retroactive for two months and refund the difference, thanks to the lower risk of traffic accidents or other kinds of payouts amid the restrictions and economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

NJ Transit and other transit agencies request $33B in next round of federal funding NorthJersey.com. 5/12/2020 - Fearing growing budget gaps, smaller state coffers and vulnerable capital dollars, a coalition of transit agency leaders from around the country, including from NJ Transit, has urged federal lawmakers to provide a second round of stimulus funding.

Second coronavirus testing site opens for NJ Transit employees at Rowan University NorthJersey.com, 5/12/2020 — A week after the agency announced employees could sign up for appointments at the East Rutherford testing site, agency officials announced adding a second site at Rowan University in Gloucester County. At least 345 employees signed up for appointments, which are required, at the East Rutherford site as of last Thursday.

Monmouth County awarded $31 million in federal funding for Rumson–Sea Bright Bridge replacement NJTPA Mention
InsiderNJ.com, 5/12/2020 – Monmouth County received North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) Board approval of additional $31 million in federal funding for the replacement of the Rumson-Sea Bright Bridge and $800,000 in federal funding for a study of Laurel Avenue in Holmdel.
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PSE&G Urges State to Get Going on $364M Plan to Electrify Transportation Sector NJ Spotlight, 5/11/20 - A proposal to block the state’s utilities from investing hundreds of millions of dollars into building out the infrastructure for electric vehicles conflicts with law, policy and common sense, according to Public Service Electric & Gas.

Lakeland Bus Lines to resume service for Morris County commuters NorthJersey.com, 5/11/2020 - As states begin to relax shutdown orders and workers continue to commute to essential jobs, a commuter bus line has announced it will return service to the Morris County and western Essex County area, but under a reduced timetable.

MVC adds online services NJToday.net, 5/11/2020 — The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission today announced it has added to its growing offering of web-based transactions, expanding the types of vehicles eligible for online registration renewals and replacements.

NJ Transit expanding coronavirus testing for its workers with site in South Jersey NJ Transit expanding coronavirus testing for its workers with site in South Jersey
NJ.com, 5/11/2020 - NJ Transit employees will get a South Jersey location to be tested for the coronavirus, following through on a pledge made last week.

2 PATH stations in NYC to shut down overnight for remainder of COVID-19 emergency NJ.com, 5/6/2020 - The PATH stations at 9th Street and 23rd Street in Manhattan will shut down during the overnight hours for the remainder of the coronavirus emergency, the Port Authority announced.
 

The first challenge of the day for these essential workers is getting to work NJ.com, 5/3/2020

NJ Transit says it only has enough money to cover ops through mid-June (updated) NJBiz.com, 5/1/2020 - With the COVID-19 pandemic decimating New Jersey Transit’s ridership by nearly 100 percent and burning through revenue, the statewide agency said Thursday that it only has enough cash on hand to fund its operations through mid-June.

NJ Transit employees will be tested for coronavirus, Murphy says NJ.com, 4/30/2020 - NJ Transit employees will tested for the coronavirus at the American Dream retail complex in East Rutherford and later at sites elsewhere in Central and South Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Thursday

NJ Transit rolls out bigger new buses that make social distancing easier NJ.com, 4/30/2020 - The first of NJ Transits new articulated buses, the ones that bend in the middle, hit the road this week on routes that had experienced overcrowding before the coronavirus crisis hit.

Complete and Green Streets for All NJTPA Mention
NJ Municipalities, 4/30/20 - Complete streets are designed for all users, all modes of transportation and all ability levels. They balance the needs of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, emergency responders, and goods movement based on the local context.

I-78 express lane closures set for this week postponed TapInto.net, 4/28/2020 - TRENTON, NJ — The closure of the I-78 express lanes scheduled for this week in Union and Essex Counties has been postponed due to weather, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials announced today.

Advocacy Groups Urge NJ Turnpike Authority to Put the Brakes on $24B Capital Plan NJSpotlight.com, 4/28/2020 - Their message: The state doesn’t need more highways and higher tolls; it needs to focus funds on mass transit, clean vehicles and environmental justice

Now landing at food banks in N.J. — 15K pounds of donations from United Airlines NJ.com, 4/27/2020 — What’s happened to all that food that would have fed travelers who aren’t flying during the coronavirus outbreak? It’s landing in food banks to help hungry New Jersey residents.

Once recession-proof, US trucking is squeezed by coronavirus ALJAZEERA, 4/27/2020 — Trucking is supposed to be a recession-proof industry. But the coronavirus pandemic, and the economic downturn that is accompanying it, is rewriting the rules.

Coronavirus: New Jersey's MVC to remain closed for at least two more weeks NorthJersey.com, 4/25/2020 - As New Jersey continues to work toward mitigating the spread of COVID-19, the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission has opted to extend previously announced closures until at least May 11.
 

Yes, gas is cheap right now. No, you shouldn’t hoard it like toilet paper.
NJ.com, 4/24/2020 - Due to coronavirus travel restrictions and their impact on the oil industry, a gallon of gas is now almost 90 cents lower than what drivers paid a year ago.

Port Authority takes financial hit from coronavirus as commuting, cargo volume drop NorthJersey.com, 4/24/2020 — The bistate agency's net operating income was 5% lower than what was budgeted for January, February and March, though still 1.3% higher than the first quarter of 2019, according to Libby McCarthy, the Port Authority's chief financial officer, who updated the board at its monthly meeting Thursday.

State commits $45M to electrify heavy-duty vehicles used in cities NJ Spotlight, 4/23/2020 — The state yesterday allocated nearly $45 million to bolster its efforts to electrify the transportation sector, targeting the money to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by converting heavy-duty vehicles in urban areas to electric power.

United Airlines donating airline travel to health care workers, cargo space to move supplies ROI-NJ.com, 4/21/2020 - Twenty-five nurses from Centura Health in Colorado will fly into Newark Liberty International Airport on Tuesday to work in three New Jersey hospitals — St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick and Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth.

Two Hudson-Bergen light rail stations to reopen April 25 NJ.com, 4/21/2020 - Two Hudson-Bergen Light Rail stations, at Martin Luther King Drive and Garfield Avenue, will reopen Saturday for the first time since last June, NJ Transit officials said.

Kill toll hikes and projects while N.J. is preoccupied by pandemic, group tells Murphy NJ.com, 4/21/20 - Environmentalists want Gov. Phil Murphy to hit the pause button on proposed projects ranging from state toll road widenings to large housing developments until the coronavirus pandemic has passed so residents have an opportunity to voice their opinions.

Small fleets struggle as freight levels continue nosedive Overdrive, 4/21/20 - Fleets with under 10 trucks reported a continuing downward spiral of freight demand last week, based on Overdrive‘s weekly survey of readers on the impact of COVID-19.

NJ Transit bus schedules modified this week after executive order took effect NorthJersey.com, 4/20/2020 - Another round of new bus schedules went into effect Monday, as NJ Transit works to comply with a recent executive order from Gov. Phil Murphy that requires buses, trains and light rail cars to maintain 50% capacity on board so passengers can practice social distancing.

NJ Transit natural gas plant in Kearny gets green light NJ.com, 4/20/2020 - NJ Transit is moving forward with the construction of a natural gas power plant in Kearny after the project passed an environmental review Friday.

Funds from Regional Clean-Energy Initiative to Electrify NJ’s Transportation Sector NJ Spotlight, 4/20/20 - Murphy administration gears majority of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative money toward investing in NJ Transit buses and infrastructure, helping low- and moderate-income communities.

NJ Transit railroad boss, praised by workers and riders, dies from coronavirus NJ.com, 4/18/20 - The man who came from the Long Island Rail Road to help fix NJ Transit’s rail system has died from coronavirus complications, officials said Saturday.

NJ Transit adding bus service in attempt to improve social distancing NJ.com, 4/17/20 - Essential workers riding NJ Transit buses to and from work are getting more service on certain routes starting Monday to allow riders to social distance themselves and reduce exposure to coronavirus, officials said.

NJ Transit head tests positive for COVID-19 NJBIZ, 4/16/20 - The head of New Jersey Transit tested positive for COVID-19, the agency announced on Thursday morning.

NJ airports set for $160M in federal relief NJBiz,com, 4/16/2020 - Airports around New Jersey will receive federal aid as some facilities report that passenger counts are down by as much as 99 percent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hackensack seeks resident input about Demarest Place to create an ART Walk NJTPA MENTION
TAP into Hackensack, 4/14/2020 — As the city’s downtown continues its transformation into a retail and residential destination with the myriad of high-end apartment complexes currently under construction, the City of Hackensack and the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation are working with Together North Jersey to develop a plan to redesign Demarest Place into an ART Walk that will connect to it from the Hackensack Bus Terminal.

North Jersey, Westchester airports to get more than $173M in federal coronavirus aid Northjersey.com, 4/14/20 - Airports throughout North Jersey and southern New York will get nearly $173 million in federal aid to help them through the coronavirus pandemic, which has devastated the aviation and travel industries.

Gas Station Owners Ask Murphy to Allow Self-Service During Pandemic NJSpotlight, 4/14/2020 - NJSpotlight, 4/14/2020 - With gas stations closing as attendants quit because they’re afraid of contracting COVID-19, a trade organization is asking the Murphy administration to lift temporarily the ban on self-service gasoline.

NJ DOT receives bridge project funds TransportationTodayNews.com, 4/13/2020 - New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials said the agency has been awarded $47.3 million in grant funding for statewide bridge maintenance projects via the Local Bridges Fund.

Sales of electric vehicles expected to drop 43 percent in 2020 TransportationTodayNews.com, 4/13/2020 - A COVID-19 pandemic, potential delays to fleet purchasing due to lower oil pricing and a wait-and-see approach to buying new cars, will all contribute to sales of EVs dropping to 1.3 million in 2020, down from 2.2 million in 2019.

NJM Insurance returns $41.7M to NJ drivers; Selective sets 15 percent credit (updated) NJBiz.com, 4/13/2020 - As the COVID-19 pandemic slams New Jersey, NJM Insurance Group and Selective Insurance Company of America are giving back to their auto insurance policyholders.

New Jersey Motor Vehicle offices closed until April 27 NJToday.net - 4/13/2020 - New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator Sue Fulton announced that the closure of all New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission agency, road testing, and inspections facilities is being extended as a measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

NJ Transit to reduce capacity by half while riders must cover face, executive order states NorthJersey.com, 4/11/2020 - Gov. Phil Murphy announced an executive order Saturday requiring NJ Transit and other private carriers to cut capacity on vehicles by 50%, require gloves and masks for workers, and mandate face coverings for those riding transit.

Murphy cuts NJ Transit capacity to 50%, requires face masks to fight coronavirus NJ.com, 4/11/20 - Gov. Phil Murphy on Saturday announced new rules and restrictions for public transportation in New Jersey as part of his continued use of executive orders to increase social distancing and slow the spread of the coronavirus.

A conundrum for New Yorkers: Social distancing in the subway Associated Press, 4/10/20 - They let trains that look too crowded pass by. If they decide to board, they search for emptier cars to ride in. Then they size up fellow passengers before picking the safest spot they can find to sit or stand for commutes sometimes lasting an hour or more.

Amtrak CARES Act Appropriation: $1.02B RailwayAge.com, 4/10/2020 - The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is making more than $1 billion under the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act available to Amtrak “to support the railroad’s activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the spread of COVID-19) in the U.S. and its impacts on operations and business.”

N.J. Sens. ask Trump Administration for COVID guidelines for transit workers TransportationToday, 4/10/2020 - New Jersey Sens. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) have asked the Trump Administration to outline guidance for transit workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experts Stress Partnerships as COVID-19 Disrupts Supply Chain NJTPA Mention
Transportation Topics, 4/9/20 - Transportation agencies and planners should rely on communication and partnerships as they respond to immediate needs and assess long-term effects associated with the coronavirus. That was the assessment by Anne Strauss-Wieder, director of freight planning for the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.

Riders Concerned About Social Distancing on Some NJ Transit Buses NJ Spotlight, 4/8/20 - The agency has slashed service amid steep ridership declines and manpower shortages, but some riders say they routinely encounter crowds on the buses left in service

Low NJ Transit ridership from coronavirus means hitting safety system deadline should be easier NJ.com, 4/7/20 - NJ Transit could win the race to meet a federal deadline to have a safety system installed and running by the end of the year, and reduced travel due to the coronavirus may help.

Uh, oh, you automatically received your monthly transit pass for April. Now what? NJ.com, 4/7/2020 - When commuters were told to work from home last month, to cut down exposure to the coronavirus, there may be one thing they forgot to hit the pause button on - the monthly transit pass automatically purchased through pre-tax payroll plans.

NJ Transit board talks coronavirus, positive train control, Portal North Bridge and more NorthJersey.com, 4/7/2020 - How NJ Transit officials are grappling with the effects of coronavirus, positive train control and the Portal North Bridge project were the most discussed items at Tuesday's virtual board meeting.

NJ Transit closes station waiting rooms, puts down markers for social distancing NJ.com, 4/6/2020 - NJ Transit has closed station waiting rooms and started installing “social distancing” strips at ticket vending machines to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

United drastically cuts Newark airport flights to help stop coronavirus spread NJ.com, 4/4/2020 - United Airlines has made a temporary, but significant, change to the number of flights out of Newark and LaGuardia airports as a way to limit the number of employees needed at the two locations during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

NJ Transit’s largest light rail line reduces service due to coronavirus NJ.com, 4/3/2020 - NJ Transit’s largest light rail line is going on a reduced coronavirus schedule on Monday as the agency continues to grapple with diminished ridership, as only essential workers continue to commute.

Will New EPA Fuel-Economy Standard Stall NJ’s Drive for Cleaner Air? NJSpotlight.com, 4/1/2020 

Gas Prices Dip Below $2 Per Gallon, Cheapest in NJ since 2016 TapInto.com, 4/1/2020 - HILLSBOROUGH, NJ - Three gas stations along Route 206 less than two miles apart proclaim the good news on their electronic stanchion signs - gasoline prices in New Jersey have dipped below $2 per gallon for the first time since November, 2016, when the state's 23-cent per gallon Transportation Trust Fund tax went into effect.

NJ Transit uses coronavirus downtime to make progress on safety system installation NorthJersey.com, 3/31/2020 - NJ Transit, which has seen its train schedules dramatically reduced because of the coronavirus lockdown, is taking advantage of the freed-up rail lines to do more testing of a federally mandated safety system intended to prevent crashes.

NJ Transit adjusts weekday bus schedule NJBiz, 3/30/2020 - New Jersey Transit said that as of March 30, it is adjusting its weekday bus service to a special schedule to accommodate essential travel due to the decline in ridership related to COVID-19.

Everything NJ essential workers need to know about bus, train, ferry and toll changes The Record, 3/30/2020 — Reductions and changes are continuing on major modes of transit this week with schedule modifications, temporary policy adjustments and travel advisories from states and agencies.

As toll roads go cashless, fleets and drivers face new costs FreightWaves, 3/30/2020 — For truck owner-operators and fleet drivers who still pay cash at tolls, it could be an added expense during an already hectic time on the road, experts said.

Lawmakers to Murphy: Put off N.J. toll increases until coronavirus crisis ends NJ.com, 3/30/2020 — Six Republican state lawmakers and a congressman asked Gov. Phil Murphy to delay the process to approve toll increases on the states three toll roads until after the coronavirus pandemic is over.

Coronavirus: New Jersey's MVC will remain closed into April NorthJersey.com, 3/27/2020 - NorthJersey.com, 3/27/2020 - Though officials originally announced that the Motor Vehicle Commission would be closed through March 30, that was extended into April on Friday in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Senate coronavirus bill includes the money NJ Transit asked for, Booker says NJ.com, 3/25/2020 — The $2 trillion stimulus package making its way through Congress includes more than $1 billion for New Jersey Transit, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker said Wednesday.

Deadline to get Real ID license will be pushed back, Trump says NJ.com, 3/25/2020 — President Donald Trump has stopped the clock due to coronavirus concerns on a looming deadline for drivers to get a Real ID driver’s license needed by Oct. 1 for use as identification for domestic air travel.

Parkway, Turnpike ban cash tolls to stem coronavirus spread NJ.com, 3/24/2020 —  The N.J. Turnpike Authority joined sister agencies in three neighboring states by suspending cash toll payment to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Bus companies suspend commuter service due to the coronavirus NJ.com, 3/24/2020 — Some private commuter bus carriers have temporarily closed up, suspending service to and from New York after coronavirus travel restrictions sapped ridership.

NY Waterway ferry service dialed back, buses halted NorthJersey.com, 3/24/2020 — NY Waterway has reduced its ferry service and eliminated its bus system for now as ridership has plummeted with work-from-home orders in place in New York and New Jersey.

Coronavirus: NJ Transit among agencies requesting $25 billion bailout from Congress NorthJersey.com, 3/24/2020 - NorthJersey.com, 3/24/2020 - The nation's largest statewide transit agency, NJ Transit, joined nine others from around the country to request a $25 billion federal bailout.

Funds to aid New Jersey rail transportation network TransportationTodayNews.com, 3/24/2020 - The 13 grants via the agency’s FY2020 Rail Freight Assistance Program aid in supporting economic activity by preserving and improving the existing freight transportation system while making freight rail service more widely available for businesses throughout the state.

Metro-area airports see service worker layoffs as COVID-19 decimates travel, union says NJbiz.com, 3/23/2020 - More than 1,500 service workers contracted at the metro area’s three largest airports have found themselves without work as the COVID-19 outbreak leads to steep drops in travel and brings commerce to a standstill.

Hudson River crossings temporarily turn to electronic toll collection NJBiz, 3/23/2020 — As of Sunday, tolls at the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln and Holland Tunnels will suspend cash collection and exclusively collect tolls electronically.

NJ Transit cuts back on light rail, changes bus rules to help with social distancing NJ.com, 3/23/2020 - NJ.com, 3/23/2020 - Riders on two of NJ Transit’s three light rail lines will be the next NJ Transit passengers to see service reductions due to coronavirus concerns and Gov.Phil Murphy’s orders for non-essential employees to work from home.

Traffic and Pollution Plummet as U.S. Cities Shut Down for Coronavirus The New York Times, 3/22/20 - In cities across the United States, traffic on roads and highways has fallen dramatically over the past week as the coronavirus outbreak forces people to stay at home and everyday life grinds to a halt.

Traffic and Pollution Plummet as U.S. Cities Shut Down for Coronavirus The New York Times, 3/22/20 - In cities across the United States, traffic on roads and highways has fallen dramatically over the past week as the coronavirus outbreak forces people to stay at home and everyday life grinds to a halt.

NJ Transit adds some trains back into modified coronavirus rail schedule NJ.com, 3/21/2020 - NJ Transit is tweaking a reduced rail schedule it put in place on Friday -- adding a few more trains back into its lineup in time for Monday’s rush hour commutes. 

Port Authority asks feds for $1.9 billion bailout as coronavirus pummels travel NJ.com, 3/20/2020 - The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is the latest regional agency to ask federal officials for a bail out, citing coronavirus related travel losses at all its facilities.
 

New Jersey DOT Awards $30.1 Million for Local Freight Routes Transport Topics, 3/19/20 - The New Jersey Department of Transportation announced that $30.1 million has been awarded to counties and municipalities for projects meant to help facilitate large-truck traffic.

Truck Stops, Travel Centers Open During Coronavirus Crisis Transport Topics, 3/19/20 - Transport Topics, 3/19/20 - Most travel centers and truck stops nationwide are remaining open during the coronavirus pandemic but operate with restrictions ranging from disallowing sit-down food service to practicing social-distancing precautions.

Despite COVID-19 Crisis, Turnpike Authority to Hold Hearings on Toll Hikes NJ Spotlight, 3/18/20 - Even amid an unprecedented global health crisis, officials say the show must go on, at least when it comes to a multibillion-dollar capital plan that could soon hit motorists on the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike with hefty toll increases.

City of Hackensack in NJ, NNJCF and Partners to Create Demarest Place ART Walk NJTPA Mention
Broadwayworld.com, 3/18/2020 - The City of Hackensack is partnering with the Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) and the Together New Jersey (TNJ) consortium to develop a plan for converting the downtown Demarest Place pedestrian walkway into an ART Walk.

New Jersey Transit Ridership Down 40%; Says Bigger Drop May Prompt Cuts Bloomberg, 3/17/20 -- New Jersey Transit said ridership fell about 40% Monday amid efforts to curb public gatherings to slow the spread of the coronavirus, though for now the nation’s largest statewide mass-transportation provider is maintaining regular bus and train service.

What are transit systems doing to protect their workers amid coronavirus outbreak? NorthJersey.com, 3/17/2020 - NorthJersey.com, 3/17/2020 - Transit workers are rigorously trying to protect themselves from coronavirus on the job despite decreasing ridership numbers, as many public transit schedules remain for now to get health care providers, public service employees and cops to work.

I’m working from home now. Can I get a refund on my monthly bus, train tickets? NJ.com, 3/17/20 - A lot of would-be commuters who are working from home due to the coronavirus are now asking themselves: can I get a refund for my pricey, unused monthly rail and bus tickets?

New Jersey Begins Its Annual Attack on All Those Winter Potholes NJ Spotlight, 3/16/20 - NJ Spotlight, 3/16/20 - The annual ramp-up of efforts to eradicate the latest crop of potholes from New Jersey’s roadways is now underway, officials at the state Department of Transportation announced earlier this month.

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..

NJ Transit May Cut Back Schedules After 20% Ridership Drop Bloomberg, 3/14/20 - New Jersey Transit may cut back mass-transportation schedules after a 20% ridership decrease, Governor Phil Murphy said.

More than 160K NJ Transit riders are staying home daily due to coronavirus outbreak NorthJersey.com, 3/13/20 - The usually tardy yet bustling NJ Transit 126 bus left the Port Authority in New York on Wednesday night exactly at its 7:09 p.m. departure time for its journey through the Lincoln Tunnel to Hoboken.

Coalition Calls for Carbon Cap-and-Trade Program Across Northeast, Mid-Atlantic NJ Spotlight, 3/13/20 - IKEA, Hackensack Meridian Health among signatories to proposal for ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize and decarbonize our region’s transportation system’

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."

NJ Transit meeting: Senate hearing, bus upgrades, budgets, Graddy settlement, coronavirus Bergen Record, 3/12/20 - NEWARK - Dozens of members of the public appeared and spoke at NJ Transit’s Wednesday board meeting despite growing concerns about large-group gathering amid coronavirus outbreaks.

Subways, Airports in Costly Rush to Clean Amid Virus Threat Bloomberg 3/11/20 - New York disinfected more than 4,000 subway cars, 5,300 buses and roughly 2,500 commuter train cars last weekend. Every rail and subway station in the nation’s largest mass-transit system was also sanitized.

Jersey City’s on-demand public bus service moves thousands of riders (updated) NJBiz.com, 3/10/2020 - NJBiz.com, 3/10/2020 - Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and Via Chief Executive Officer and founder Daniel Ramot lauded on Tuesday the recent launch of Via – New Jersey’s first on-demand public bus service – at a press conference at Jersey City Hall Annex.

Officials Announce Westward Expansion of Hudson-Bergen Light Rail JerseyDigs.com, 3/9/2020 - A new rail station and 3,700 feet of new track is coming to a corner of Jersey City that’s primed for a renaissance, as a mass transit project that’s been years in the making is finally moving forward.

Here’s how much Turnpike, Parkway tolls are going up and the projects it’ll pay for NJ.com, 3/9/2020 - Drivers will get three opportunities to tell New Jersey Turnpike officials what they think about a toll increase proposal next week that could hike the price of a passenger car trip on the Turnpike by an average of $1.25 and Parkway tolls by 30 cents.

Officials Announce Westward Expansion of Hudson-Bergen Light Rail JerseyDigs.com, 3/9/2020

Here’s how much Turnpike, Parkway tolls are going up and the projects it’ll pay for NJ.com, 3/9/2020

Gas prices dropping in N.J. as coronavirus concern cuts into oil production NJ.com, 3/7/2020

I-80 emergency structural steel repairs force lane closures. Expect delays. NJ.com, 3/6/20 - Emergency structural steel repair work on Route 80 forced multiple lane closure Friday morning and officials warned drivers to expect delays in the area.

With Funding Not Set 'Hard Part' of Light Rail Extension Project Ahead, DeGise Says Tapinto.net, 3/6/20 

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.

First Staten Islander bikes across Goethals Bridge as shared-use path opens Silive.com, 3/4/20 - With the sun shining brightly and the wind at his back, Westerleigh resident Mark Hermann became the first Staten Islander to bike across the Goethals Bridge.

To prevent coronavirus, airports, bus depots, and PATH trains intensify cleaning NJ.com, 3/4/2020 - The Port Authority is the latest agency to join the regional cleaning of transportation facilities to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

The snow didn’t show, but the winter still brought potholes. Repairs start now. NJ.com, 3/4/2020 - tate Department of Transportation crews might have gotten a break from plowing snow this winter, but the birth of new potholes never seems to stop.

NJ Transit trains, buses to get extra cleaning during coronavirus threat NJ.com, 3/4/2020 - NJ Transit trains, buses to get extra cleaning during coronavirus threat

NJ Transit light rail could revitalize overlooked Jersey City neighborhoods NJBiz.com, 3/3/2020 - Gov. Phil Murphy and local officials from Jersey City are pushing ahead with an expansion of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and adjacent mixed-use development, a project proponents say could spur investment in often-overlooked neighborhoods of the state’s second-largest city.

Gateway is not a patchwork mission. It is a national necessity | Editorial NJ.com, 3/3/20 - Editorial - For roughly a decade, the plan for dealing with rising cross-Hudson rail traffic involved the construction of a new two-track tunnel as Step One.

Murphy’s Plan for NJ Transit: Where the Money’s Going to Come From NJ Spotlight, 3/2/20 - Amid New Jersey Transit’s continuing struggles with delays and major service disruptions, Gov. Phil Murphy’s latest state budget proposal calls for increasing direct support to it by more than $130 million.

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. 

Charging electric cars on the Turnpike will soon be as easy as stopping for coffee NJ.com, 3/2/2020 - Tesla charging stations are being installed for the first time at six Turnpike service areas and more charging equipment is being added to two service areas that already have charging

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.

Murphy: ‘too early to tell’ if corporate tax increase could help NJ Transit NJBiz.com, 2/28/2020 - Gov. Phil Murphy declined to outright reject a proposed increase to the state’s corporate business tax for the highest-earning companies in New Jersey in order to fund NJ Transit.

More Pain for N.J. Commuters: Tunnel Repairs Could Cause Big Delays NYTimes.com, 2/28/2020 - A standoff over financing for an $11 billion transportation project prompts the railroad to repair its century-old Hudson River tunnels.

Vehicle crashes decline at Goethals Bridge with wider lanes and cashless tolling NJBiz.com, 2/27/2020 - ...The agency says crashes at the bridge overall have declined by 57 percent due to the construction of wider lanes and shoulders of the new Goethals Bridge and the new cashless tolling system when measured against crashes in the same period before the upgrade to the cashless tolling system.

Murphy slams Trump official idea that tunnels can be fixed without first building Gateway NJ.com, 2/27/20 - The U.S. transportation secretary suggested Thursday that the existing Hudson River train tunnels could be repaired before building a new one, providing a new twist to the ongoing fight over federal funding for Gateway.

Jersey City’s new public ride-share service Via hits the streets NJ.com, 2/26/20 - Jersey City’s new public transport service officially hit the road Tuesday. Mayor Steve Fulop announced Tuesday the launch of the city’s on-demand transit system in partnership with ride-sharing company Via. 

Murphy says it’s ‘too early to judge’ proposed toll hike for Turnpike, Garden State Parkway NJ.com, 2/26/20 - A day after it was revealed tolls could go up on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, Gov. Phil Murphy said Wednesday he reserves the right to reject the plans in part or in whole, but it’s “to early to judge” what will happen.

Murphy flexes power to nix proposed NJ Turnpike, Parkway toll increases (updated) 2/26/2020 - Gov. Phil Murphy said he might veto a potential toll increase on the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike if he is not happy with the results.

How cashless tolls made this N.J. bridge safer NJ.com, 2/26/2020 - Cashless tolls and two new bridges with wider lanes are getting the credit for a 57% drop in crashes at the Goethals Bridge.

Turnpike Authority teams with Tesla to more than triple EV chargers NJBiz.com, 2/26/2020 - New Jersey Turnpike Authority commissioners approved an agreement Tuesday that will bring new electric vehicle charging stations to eight Turnpike service areas, increasing the total of EV chargers on the Turnpike from 20 to 76.

Transportation secretary Chao addresses Gateway hold-up, pushes for 'innovative methods' NorthJersey.com, 2/27/2020 - U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao told the U.S. House Appropriations Committee on Thursday that "a faster and more cost-effective method" should be pursued to fix the ailing Hudson River tunnels, instead of waiting to build new tunnels, as proposed in the stalled Gateway plan.

More cash and no fare hike for NJ Transit, but funding ills still plague agency NJ.com, 2/25/20 - NJ Transit commuters would see the third straight year of increased state funding and no fare increases under Gov. Phil Murphy's proposed fiscal year 2021 state budget.

Sweeney Floats NJT Funding Plan with Constitutional Twist — New Amendments to Protect the Cash NJ Spotlight, 2/24/20 - New Jersey Transit would get $500 million in dedicated annual revenue from the state to bolster its overburdened operating budget under a plan proposed by Senate President Steve Sweeney.

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.

Passaic is ready to move abandoned trains to revitalize the area. NorthJersey.com, 2/24/2020 - There was lots of activity and excitement this week in an overgrown lot that takes up half a block on the city's eastern border as workers prepared to remove long-dormant trains — the first of many steps to revitalize the area. 

Bayonne residents can now get permits to park in front of their private driveways HudsonReporter.com, 2/24/2020 - More parking is coming to Bayonne, although no construction or redevelopment will be required.

N.J. DOT plans to replace pavement and increase safety on Route 31 in Clinton Twp. NJ.com, 2/20/20 - The state Department of Transportation will present a preliminary engineering design on Thursday to improve both the safety and pavement conditions of Route 31 from Routes 78 and 22 through to Graysrock Road in Clinton Township.

Bayonne to bond for $10M to build 2 pedestrian bridges over dangerous highway NJ.com, 2/20/2020 - Rather than rely solely on state or federal funds, the city plans to issue $10 million in bonds to build pedestrian bridges over the notoriously dangerous roadway.

NJ ports energize economy with 400,000 jobs, $65B in business income NJBiz.com, 2/20/2020 - Ports are essential to New Jersey’s economy, says USDOT director of the Office of Port Infrastructure Development in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration

America’s most congested road is in – you guessed it! – New Jersey NJ.com, 2/19/20 - Traffic problems in Fort Lee are the worst in the country. The stretch of Interstate 95 where it meets Route 4 continues to be the most congested stretch of highway in America, according to a report issued Wednesday.

$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.

The Portal triumph does not erase the mortal transit threat | Editorial NJ.com, 2/16/2020 - As 200,000 daily riders know, there are times when the Portal Bridge is neither portal nor bridge.

Developers Could Have to Foot the Bill for Mass Transit Upgrades NJ Spotlight, 2/14/20 - Should developers pay for mass transit improvements near projects where they build? They already are asked sometimes to pay for upgrades to wastewater treatment plants, roads, and storm drainage facilities under current law.

Port Authority cites record-breaking year, OKs airport upgrades, new ferry and food market NorthJersey.com, 2/13/20 - A new commuter ferry, the next phase of renovations at JFK Airport and a new produce market got the green light at Thursday’s Port Authority board meeting.

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.

A new commuter ferry to NYC on track to set sail in September NJ.com, 2/13/2020 - Commuters tired of battling traffic in a growing Hudson County city are closer to getting a quick ferry ride across the river.

NJ Transit says it’s back on track to make deadline for $500M safety system NJ.com, 2/13/20 - NJ Transit's critical program to install a federally mandated safety system by the end of the year is getting back on track.

We (and the environment) need more frequent buses, study tells NJ Transit NJ.com, 2/12/20 - NJ Transit could increase ridership, get more people out of cars and reduce air pollution if the agency ran buses every 15 minutes on 14 routes identified in two studies commissioned by the New Jersey Sierra Club Chapter.

Feds greenlight funding for Portal Bridge but not Gateway NJ.com, 2/11/2020 - WASHINGTON — Joy that the federal government finally green-lighted funding for the Portal Bridge was tempered when the Gateway Tunnel failed to win support.

Trump stiffed Gateway Tunnel while giving OK for Portal Bridge funding. Here’s why. NJ.com, 2/11/20 - Joy that the federal government finally green-lighted funding for the Portal Bridge was tempered when the Gateway Tunnel failed to win support.

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.

Commuting chaos out of NYC is bound to happen again. Use my hacks to get home. NJ.com, 2/10/2020 - What can you do, when your regular way home goes awry in a nanosecond? As a former editor used to tell me, “be nimble” and use my commuting hacks.

Portal North Bridge can move to next phase with bump in status from federal agency NorthJersey.com, 2/10/2020 - The $1.8 billion project to replace the more than century-old bridge received a "medium-high" rating from the federal agency, up two pegs from the "medium-low" category. 

Newsstand and coffee shop upgraded at Secaucus Junction Station HudsonReporter.com, 2/10/2020 - This is a part of NJ Transit’s efforts to increase non-farebox revenue and bring in money from other sources. Non-farebox revenue is any revenue made by NJ Transit that excludes fares paid by passengers.

Making the Case for Replacing NJ’s Municipal Streetlights with LED Lighting NJSpotlight.com, 2/7/2020 - Local officials, utilities among those urging BPU to adopt the lighting, which is supposed to reduce energy costs, greenhouse gas emissions

Route 3 bridge closed since spring 2018 will reopen Wednesday night NorthJersey.com, 2/4/2020 - The state Department of Transportation has news that will be music to the ears of Lyndhurst and Rutherford residents, as well as anyone who uses Route 3: The Ridge Road Bridge will reopen to traffic on Wednesday night.

Port Authority sets passenger records in 2019 NJBiz, 2/4/2020 - The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey established new records at the airports, seaport, PATH system, Goethals Bridge and Staten Island bridges in 2019.

Commuting nightmare crippled travel between N.J. and NYC. Here’s what caused it. NJ.com, 2/4/20 - A day after social media exploded with horror stories from commuters who were delayed 90 minutes or more on their way home, we’re getting a clearer picture of exactly what went wrong -- and why it could possibly happen again in the future.

Town is reimagining its downtown with massive $500M development NJ.com, 2/4/20 - A $500 million dollar mixed-use redevelopment project is officially coming to East Brunswick, township officials announced at a press conference on Tuesday

Express E-ZPass lanes coming to busy N.J. Turnpike toll plaza, report says silive.com, 2/3/20 -  New E-ZPass express lanes coming to a busy New Jersey Turnpike toll plaza could save some Staten Islanders valuable time during their daily commute.

Feeling the squeeze? There are a record number of us traveling in N.J. NJ.com, 2/3/2020 - Feeling the squeeze? There are a record number of us traveling in N.J.

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.

Somerville Asks New Jersey to Reduce Speed limit on Route 28 Tapinto.net, 3/3/2020 - SOMERVILLE, NJ - Ongoing concerns with pedestrian safety and motorists ignoring speed limit signs on Route 28 has prompted the Borough Council to seek a remedy from the state Department of Transportation.

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.