NJ TRANSIT UNVEILS NEW "GO BUS 28" SERVICE IN NEWARK AND BLOOMFIELD |
|---|
|
NJ Transit
Source: PressReleasePoint.com
16 October 2009
Enhanced bus service begins October 17, linking residents with major employment centers
NJT-09-114
NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT and local officials today previewed the second phase of “Go Bus” service—an enhanced bus service that will provide a faster, more convenient trip between Bloomfield, downtown Newark and Newark Liberty International Airport when Go Bus 28 begins operating Saturday, October 17.
“This is the type of project that advances the Liberty Corridor economic development plan, with improved bus service representing one component of a larger program to speed the movement of goods and people throughout the region, create jobs, spur development and ensure that New Jersey remains a hub of commerce on the East Coast,” said U.S. Senator Robert Menendez. “The enhanced service will further help the economy by connecting people with jobs in the downtown Newark area and Newark Liberty International Airport more efficiently.”
Go Bus serves as a model for heavily-traveled corridors and paves the way for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) in the state, providing a platform to add features associated with BRT systems.
Funding for the new Go Bus 28 shelters was provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
“Improvements like these are key to updating the state’s bus network and giving our residents attractive public transportation options,” said U.S. Representative Donald M. Payne. “This project will improve the commuting experience for thousands of Essex County residents along a busy corridor and provide a vital connection to employment hubs.”
“The introduction of enhanced bus service along this heavily traveled route will improve the quality of life for commuters and residents,” said U.S. Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr. “Direct service between Bloomfield and the airport is a boon to both travelers and airport employees, who will save valuable time when a transfer between bus lines is no longer required.”
Go Bus 28 will link residential areas in Bloomfield and Newark with major employment centers in downtown Newark and at Newark Liberty International Airport, providing direct service to the airport for employees and travelers, with stops at every terminal and nearby work locations.
“Go Bus provides a premium level of service to customers along one of the busiest transit corridors in New Jersey,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts. “Improving local bus stops, coupled with priority signalization, will help make public transportation an even more attractive option for residents.”
“This project builds on our ongoing initiative to enhance and modernize bus service throughout the state, following last year’s successful launch of Go Bus serving the Springfield Avenue corridor,” said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Richard Sarles. “Through a combination of express bus stops and traffic management, we are able to offer the second phase of Go Bus as a customer-focused service along Bloomfield Avenue that will result in real time savings for people.”
From Bloomfield Station, a special trip of Go Bus 28 operated along its route down Bloomfield Avenue to an inaugural ceremony at Newark Liberty International Airport.
“Our County roads have a pivotal role in our transportation network, and we were glad to authorize traffic signalization work that enabled NJ TRANSIT to make improvements to the Bloomfield Avenue corridor,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. “I applaud NJ TRANSIT for partnering with people who ride the buses to develop the innovative Go Bus service, which will enhance our residents’ quality of life.”
Serving the 12.1-mile corridor between Bloomfield Station and Newark Liberty International Airport, Go Bus 28 will offer frequent service nearly 24 hours a day. Buses will depart every 10 minutes during peak hours and 15 minutes off-peak from 3:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
Go Bus 28 will operate two service branches in downtown Newark—one via Central Avenue serving University Heights (NJIT and Rutgers) and the other via Broad Street serving Newark Broad Street Station.
“We are thankful for the investment of federal stimulus funds into the Bloomfield Avenue corridor, which is vital to our central business district,” said Bloomfield Mayor Raymond McCarthy. “We welcome the launch of enhanced bus service that will offer faster trips and greater convenience to our residents.”
In April 2008, NJ TRANSIT launched “Go Bus 25”—along Springfield Avenue between Irvington Bus Terminal and Newark Penn Station—as the first phase of Go Bus. Designed by and for customers, enhanced Go Bus service features a unique identity, easily identifiable bus stops and upgraded onboard amenities.
“In developing Go Bus service, NJ TRANSIT listened to the people who know best what works for them—the residents who use the service,” said Go Bus Customer Representative Barbara Kaplan. “Go Bus was created for customers by customers.”
Using a dedicated fleet of 15 new suburban style buses, Go Bus 28 features onboard enhancements for added customer comfort such as high back seating, individual lighting and air conditioning controls, a luggage storage area, overhead racks, hand straps, and on-board audio and visual bus stop announcements. Each bus is clearly marked with the Go Bus logo and identifying color scheme.
With 25 fixed “super stops” to speed the trip and signal priority along Bloomfield Avenue to reduce waiting time at red lights, Go Bus 28 provides a faster trip compared to the Nos. 11, 28, 29 and 72 along Bloomfield Avenue and the No. 62 to Newark Liberty International Airport. By eliminating the need to transfer between routes, Go Bus 28 service will provide a one-seat ride to the airport, as well as a connection to existing bus service to the port areas of Elizabeth and Newark.
Enhanced bus stops feature colorful, easily identifiable shelters, improved lighting, seating and passenger information displays.
Go Bus 28 stops are located at:
The one-way fare for Go Bus 28 is $1.35 for one zone and $2.15 for two zones.
For complete information about Go Bus schedules, fares and onboard amenities, visit www.njtransit.com/gobus.
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.