The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
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Ridgewood NJ, a tentative agreement between NJ Transit and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) was reached on May 7, offering a temporary sigh of relief for thousands of bus and light rail riders across New Jersey. However, the threat of a rail strike still looms as negotiations continue with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).
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With the NJ Transit strike expected to begin on May 16, 2025, Boxcar is stepping in to provide commuters with a reliable alternative. Starting Monday, May 12, Boxcar will implement a new Bergen Bullet emergency schedule from Ridgewood Train Station to ensure continued transportation throughout the strike period.
Continue reading Boxcar Launches New Emergency Bergen Bullet Schedule Ahead of NJ Transit Strike
photos courtesy Bergen County Executive James Tedesco
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Lyndhurst NJ, NJ TRANSIT today celebrated the completion of construction of the new Lyndhurst rail station. President & CEO Kris Kolluri was joined by Congresswoman Nellie Pou, state Senator Paul Sarlo, Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, Bergen County Executive James Tedesco and Lyndhurst Mayor Robert Giangeruso to showcase the new facility including its accessible features such as elevators and high-level platforms. Trains will begin utilizing the new station June 8 to coincide with new rail schedules.
Continue reading NJ Transit to Open the New Lyndhurst Station on Mainline
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East Rutherford NJ, Conduent, the former E-ZPass service provider for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, is pushing back after losing a $1.7 billion contract to its rival, TransCore. The company has requested that the Turnpike Authority delay awarding the contract while it prepares to file a legal challenge.
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Paterson NJ, Authorities are actively investigating the death of a man found on the NJ Transit tracks in Paterson on the evening of Friday, April 18.
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New York NY , the Trump administration has announced a major shift in the leadership of the long-awaited reconstruction of New York’s Penn Station — handing over full control to Amtrak and the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), effectively sidelining the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which had been leading the project for years.
Continue reading Trump Administration Shifts Leadership of Penn Station Overhaul to Amtrak
file photo Village of Ridgewood
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Ridgewood NJ, the Van Neste Square bus station has been removed as part of an ongoing effort to enhance the downtown area. The Village Council, in collaboration with the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) and the Central Business District Advisory Committee, is working to select a permanent replacement that aligns with Ridgewood’s historic charm.
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Bayonne NJ, the controversial $10.7 billion New Jersey Turnpike expansion project has taken another major step forward, despite ongoing debates between supporters and opponents. The ambitious plan aims to rebuild an 8.1-mile stretch of the I-78 Turnpike extension, doubling lanes across the Newark Bay between Bayonne and Jersey City to the Holland Tunnel. The project also includes reconstructing and widening the Newark Bay Bridge.
Continue reading New Jersey Turnpike Expansion: Boon or Boondoggle?
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Hoboken NJ , NJ TRANSITÂ announced that construction has begun on an interim bus terminal near Hoboken Terminal, ushering in the next phase of the Hoboken Connect mixed-use project that will dramatically transform the historic waterfront area into a vibrant space for customers and the public. The interim bus terminal is expected to be completed this summer and will allow for the rehabilitation of the current bus terminal.
Continue reading Hoboken Approves NJ Transit-LCOR Bus Terminal Redevelopment Project
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Newark NJ, Nearly 500 cases of measles reported across 20 states, per CDC. As of Friday, the measles outbreak in Texas had infected 400 people, while four other states are also experiencing outbreaks. The outbreaks—defined as three or more cases—include New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma. In total, the US has 483 confirmed measles cases, with 157 cases in children under the age of 5 and 204 in those between the ages of 5 and 19 .
New Jersey health officials are warning Amtrak riders of a potential measles exposure after an infected passenger traveled through six New Jersey stations last week. Those who were on Amtrak Northeast Regional Train 175 on March 19 between 7:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. should seek medical advice and monitor for symptoms.
Continue reading Measles Exposure Alert: Amtrak Passenger May Have Spread Virus on NJ Train
photo of Newark Penn Station
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Newark NJ, in response to the ongoing emergency repair work on I-80, NJ TRANSIT is stepping in to assist commuters by offering a 50% discount on roundtrip travel from select stations. This temporary fare reduction aims to ease traffic congestion and provide commuters with an efficient alternative during the repair period.
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Newark Penn Station NJ, in a major shake-up for U.S. rail travel, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner has resigned after pressure from the White House, following calls for leadership changes by President Donald Trump, according to sources.
Continue reading Amtrak CEO Steps Down Amid White House Pressure
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Wharton NJ, Motorists traveling through Wharton, New Jersey, are facing major delays as Interstate 80 is now closed in both directions due to the discovery of another sinkhole, local officials confirmed.
Continue reading Interstate 80 in Wharton Shut Down After New Sinkhole Discovery
🚨 Don’t fall for this latest E-ZPass scam! 🚨
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Ridgewood NJ, the FBI has issued a new warning about a widespread text message scam targeting E-ZPass and EZDriveMa users. Scammers are sending fake texts claiming that you owe unpaid tolls and must pay immediately—but don’t click that link!
Continue reading FBI Warns of E-ZPass Text Scam: How to Protect Yourself
file photo by Boyd Loving
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Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey’s streets have become some of the most dangerous in the nation for pedestrians, with walker fatalities hitting a 36-year high in 2024. According to New Jersey State Police, 221 pedestrians were killed in crashes last year—a staggering 29% increase from 2023.
Continue reading New Jersey’s Pedestrian Deaths Surge to Record High: What’s Driving the Crisis?
