NJ TRANSIT BOARD ADVANCES SOUTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS |
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NJ Transit
Source: PressReleasePoint.com
9 December 2009
NJT-09-130
NEWARK, NJ —The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today advanced several key South Jersey transportation initiatives, including a study to evaluate improvements to the Atlantic City Rail Line and an agreement with the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) that will provide funding for a study of the proposed extension of light rail to Glassboro.
In addition, NJ TRANSIT is taking the lead on a Gloucester-Camden-area Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) study to examine the congested corridor southeast of Camden along routes 55, 42 and 676. The agency is also partnering with the DRPA for the design and construction of a new NJ TRANSIT bus loading area across from the Walter Rand Transportation Center.
“Today’s Board actions advance transit initiatives involving all three NJ TRANSIT travel modes in southern New Jersey,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. “We are pleased to work with the Delaware River Port Authority to improve access to public transportation in this region.”
Atlantic City Rail Line Operations Analysis Study
The Board authorized a $735,000 contract with LTK Engineering Services of New York, NY, for a study to identify Atlantic City Rail Line infrastructure improvements to accommodate potential service expansions in the future.
Today, the Atlantic City Rail Line is primarily a single-track railroad with a limited number of passing tracks. The study will look at the impact to the line and infrastructure needs resulting from increased service frequency, faster trip times and additional stations.
Among the items to be evaluated are the projected ridership impact of the opening of the Pennsauken Transit Center and proposals for new stations in Woodcrest and at the Atlantic City Airport.
Camden-Glassboro Light Rail Agreement
Another item advanced by the Board today will provide for the funding of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed light rail system between Camden and Glassboro. The Board authorized an agreement with the DRPA, by which NJ TRANSIT will fund up to $8,954,000 for the preparation of the EIS.
In May 2009, the DRPA recommended that diesel light rail service be advanced from Camden to Glassboro within the existing Conrail right-of-way. The light rail system would serve 13 new stations between the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden and downtown Glassboro.
Gloucester-Camden Bus Rapid Transit
Today the Board also authorized a $750,000 contract with AECOM USA, Inc. of Newark, NJ, for a study to evaluate bus service improvements along the congested Route 55/42/676 highway corridor that connects suburban Gloucester and Camden counties with the City of Camden and Philadelphia.
The study will identify and evaluate a range of capital and operating bus improvement options, including BRT, to improve the quality and reliability of bus service in an area that is subject to significant traffic congestion and delays during peak periods. BRT relies on a combination of strategies to improve service, including the use of dedicated bus lanes and traffic signal prioritization technology.
This study and the Atlantic City Rail Line Operations Analysis study are part of a broader evaluation of transportation improvements advanced by the DRPA in 2008.
Walter Rand Transportation Center Bus Loading Area
Under a second agreement with the DRPA authorized by the Board, the DRPA will fund $3 million for the design and construction of a loading area for NJ TRANSIT buses at the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden.
As part of the project, NJ TRANSIT will design and construct a new bus loading area with a canopy, lighting, closed-circuit cameras, public address system and signage. The project also includes repaving and streetscape improvements on Broadway and the adjacent plaza areas.
The project will enhance pedestrian convenience and safety, improve bus circulation and allow for more efficient boarding and alighting of buses. It will also improve connectivity for customers transferring between buses, the River Line and the PATCO High-Speed Line operated by the DRPA.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 895,000 weekday trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 12 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 60 light rail stations and more than 18,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.