PATERSON, NJ – Passaic, Bergen, and Hudson County officials create group to advocate for commuter rail project [October 30, 2015]

Today, elected officials from across Passaic, Bergen, and Hudson Counties, led by Rep. Bill Pascrell, came together to announce the formation of the North Jersey Rail Coalition. The NJRC is advocating to restart the dormant New Jersey Transit project to reintroduce passenger rail service on the New York Susquehanna & Western right of way traversing Passaic, Bergen, and Hudson Counties. The first phase of the project would encompass finalizing the draft environmental impact study traveling approximately eight miles in an easterly direction. The rail service would begin in the Borough of Hawthorne in Passaic County and end in the City of Hackensack in Bergen County. There would be five stops in the City of Paterson, a stop in Elmwood Park, and two stops in Hackensack. The second phase of the project – where officials are seeking for an environmental impact study to begin – would move further east into Hudson County providing a connection to the Hudson Bergen Light Rail at the Tonnelle Avenue Station in North Bergen.

“The North Jersey Rail Coalition is a grassroots organization of elected officials from across Passaic, Bergen, and Hudson Counties sending one clear message: we need expanded mass transit options in North Jersey to drive economic development, connect major employment centers, and take pressure off of New Jersey’s highway system,” stated Congressman Bill Pascrell, who has been securing dollars for and pushing this rail service since his election to the House in 1997. “It is imperative that we continue to invest in our mass transit infrastructure to get people off the roads, and for the first time, provide a direct rail link between two of New Jersey’s biggest municipalities: Paterson and Jersey City.”

“Investing in a world-class transportation infrastructure is one of the best ways to provide an immediate boost to the economy and to support long-term growth and opportunity, especially in our cities. The expansion of rail service, including light rail, is a key part of a smart transportation strategy that attracts business and increases housing values. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail is ready to be expanded to Bergen County and Englewood, and is one of my top priorities for the renewal of the Transportation Trust Fund. I support the County of Passaic, Congressman Pascrell and local elected officials and stakeholders in pushing for an expedited planning and assessment process for the proposed Hawthorne-Paterson-Hackensack light rail line," said Senate President Stephen Sweeney.

The bipartisan group of elected officials attending the press conference in support of the project came from across New Jersey and included Congressman Bill Pascrell, Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto, the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Paterson Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres, Senator Nellie Pou, Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, Assemblyman Gary Schaer, Hackensack Mayor John P. Labrosse, Jr., and Elmwood Park Mayor Richard A. Mola.

“Investment in mass transit is a proven catalyst for economic development and redevelopment,” stated Freeholder Director Hector C. Lora. “Paterson is the third largest city in the State of New Jersey and its mass transit options are limited. With five stations planned, this commuter line will give our residents a convenient and affordable option to travel across North Jersey. Most importantly, it provides access to major employment centers, entertainment and tourist destinations, and regional connectivity. The Passaic County Freeholder Board will do everything in its power to make this project a reality.”

"Smart investment in transportation upgrades and funding the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) remains my priority and a path to economic growth.  As a strong advocate for infrastructure and transportation upgrades, this rail project, which connects Bergen, Passaic and Hudson counties, creates an opportunity for economic growth and increased access to good jobs," said Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto.

The Passaic-Bergen portion of the project provides a key connection between two of New Jersey’s largest employers in St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center and Hackensack University Medical Center. Moreover, it provides a natural link to major transit hubs including the Hackensack Bus Terminal and the Bergen County Main Line. The governing bodies in Paterson, Hackensack, Elmwood Park, and the County of Passaic all passed Resolutions in support of the project, with the Hawthorne Resolution pending for approval.

"Metropolitan areas across the country have shown that investing in cost-effective, mass transit infrastructure can encourage economic development and added value to developers and to those wishing to invest in our cities,” said Mayor Jose ‘joey’ Torres.  “A Passaic-Bergen rail project would positively impact the lives of Paterson residents connecting them to jobs and leisure activities.  I am confident that an investment in this mass transit infrastructure in Paterson will be paid back tenfold in the economic and social activity it will create."

The second phase of the project envisions an expansion into Hudson County to create a direct connection to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail at the Tonnelle Avenue Station. The line would travel on the same existing NYS&W right of way and provide a direct link to the Vince Lombardi Park & Ride and provide an alternative to vehicular traffic in one of the most heavily congested portions of the State. Furthermore, along with the planned expansion of the Hudson-Bergen Light rail into Bergen County, North Jersey will have a true regional mass transit network.

“If you want to see where economic development happens, look around a transit station,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, “A transit line connecting Passaic, Bergen, and Hudson counties would expand job opportunities; spur development in growing cities like Hackensack, Paterson, and of course Jersey City; and improve the quality of life for residents of all three counties. Getting this done should be a top priority.”

The commuter line would operate Federal Rail Administration compliant Diesel Multiple Unit vehicles avoiding the high costs of electrifying the tracks and providing a schedule comparable to light rail and the River Line operation in South Jersey. In 2009, New Jersey Transit estimated the project would cost $156 million with construction lasting approximately three years. Throughout most of the 20^th century, passenger service was operated on NYS&W right of way providing mass transit connections across North Jersey.

“As Passaic County’s representative on the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority I will continue to advocate for this important mass transit initiative in North Jersey,” stated Passaic County Freeholder John W. Bartlett. “Passaic County will continue to work in concert with Congressman Pascrell and our partners on the State and local level to get this project funded and completed. I will do everything in my power as a member of the NJTPA to make that happen because it’s something Passaic County needs.”