One-Seat Ride for Raritan Valley Rail Commuters Would Mean No More Changing Trains In Newark
- by: Tom Kranz
- recipient: Executive Director, NJ Transit and NJ Politicians along Raritan Valley Line
COMMUTERS: A rush hour commute that doesn't require changing trains in Newark is a powerful incentive to attract residents to towns served by the one-seat ride. It cuts down on the stress of the daily, hour-plus trip to New York that is a way of life for thousands of New Jerseyans, thus contributing to better productivity. NON-COMMUTERS: At least one study shows property values increased after one-seat train rides became available on the Morris-Essex Line. Another report by the non-profit Tri-State Transporation Campaign predicts increases of property values of 7% in the first year of one-seat rides. Commuters and non-commuters in all municipalities along the Raritan Valley line deserve a one-seat ride!
Commuters and non-commuters alike stand to reap the benefits of a one-seat train ride from towns along the Raritan Valley Line. The prospect of finally not having to change trains in Newark to get to New York isn't just about convenience. At least one study shows actual increases in property values in towns served by the Morris-Essex line when it initiated the one-seat ride to New York. By making the hard decisions necessary to bring one-seat rail service to riders along the Raritan Valley Line, the only line not currently served by a continuous train to New York, NJ Transit will do the right thing for thousands of taxpayers in municipalities from Union to High Bridge. We urge NJ Transit to make those decisions as soon as the new dual-power locomotives are available and bring the one-seat ride to all our commuters in all day parts.
