newjerseynewsroom.com

Ridgewood train station to get a boost

BY AARTI N. MAHARAJ

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Senator Frank Lautenberg announced today that the U.S Department of Transportation has awarded New Jersey with more than $8 million in new federal funding to improve the mass transit system in New Jersey. These improvements range from new construction to the expansion of existing stations.

"This funding will improve mass transportation for thousands of New Jersey riders and encourage a new wave of commuters to leave their cars at homes," said Senator Lautenberg, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

The largest amount of funds will be allocated to the Ridgewood Intermodal Station ADA Improvements Project. According to the Senator, nearly $4,370,801 will be invested in this project in an effort to support construction activity at the station on NJ TRANSIT's Main Line/Bergen County Line in the Village of Ridgewood in Bergen County. The station serves as a transfer point between the Main Line (serving Passaic County) and the Bergen Line (serving Bergen County) as well as various bus routes.

Also funding will go to the Newark Township Bus Facility Terminal and Repair Shop Project, with money designated for the construction of a new area for passengers to transfer and a bus garage for Special Citizens Area Transportation (SCAT). About $1,287,440 of the funds will support and enhance this project.

"As I commute around New Jersey every day, I think this is a great idea because it would make my ride much easier and maybe faster," says Nikki Spivak a New Jersey resident.

Moving forward, the New Jersey Transit Board of Directors unanimously approved the construction phase of the $8.7 billion Mass Transit Tunnel (MTT) initiative of adding two new rail tracks.

Now, $1,756,280 will be used to repair and restore a series of platforms on the NJTransit and AMTRAK lines thus improving building elements.

"It is critical that New Jersey residents have access to safe, reliable and efficient mass transportation options. Expanding bus service and modernizing facilities will help attract riders and alleviate congestion," said Sen. Lautenberg.

NJ TRANSIT reports that bus ridership for fiscal year 2008 increased 2.2 percent, to 162,591,200 trips. As the state continues on their path to conserve and protect the environment, the mass transit intends to keep their end of the bargain.