The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
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Secaucus NJ, The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) has awarded a $1.73 billion E-ZPass contract to TransCore, a company owned by Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering)—raising serious national security concerns over its ties to China. The decision comes despite Conduent, Inc., the U.S.-based company that has managed the system for 22 years, offering a $250 million lower bid.
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Wharton NJ, a massive sinkhole on Route 80 East in Morris County has forced a complete closure, causing significant traffic disruptions. As repairs continue, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) has identified 90 locations that require further assessment to mitigate potential instability or underground voids.
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New York NY, the Justice Department has launched a preliminary investigation into Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) regarding controversial remarks he made toward Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch in 2020.
Continue reading DOJ Investigates Sen. Chuck Schumer Over 2020 Supreme Court Comments
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New York NY, with congestion pricing now in full swing in Manhattan, a new risk has emerged for drivers: phishing scams posing as legitimate tolling agencies. Scammers are leveraging the increased toll activity to trick unsuspecting drivers into divulging sensitive information or making fraudulent payments.
Continue reading Beware of Phishing Scams as Congestion Pricing Takes Effect in Manhattan
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Newark NJ, five NJ Transit police officers have been awarded a collective $535,000 in settlements after filing lawsuits accusing a now-retired sergeant, Melvin Webb, of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The lawsuits, originally filed in Camden County state court in 2021, brought to light troubling allegations against Webb during his time as a supervisor.
Continue reading NJ Transit Settles Sexual Harassment Lawsuit with $535,000 Payout to Five Officers
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New York NY , JPMorgan Chase, one of Wall Street’s most influential institutions, is poised to end its hybrid work model, marking a significant step in the return-to-office movement. The anticipated announcement, expected in the coming weeks, will enforce in-office attendance for all employees, expanding on rules introduced in 2023 that required managing directors to work full-time on-site.
Continue reading JPMorgan to End Hybrid Work, Signaling a Post-Pandemic Shift
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Little Falls NJ, More than a week after the tragic death of Debrina Kawam, new details about her life have come to light. The 57-year-old woman, who perished in a horrific incident on a New York City subway, was a New Jersey native with deep ties to her community.
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New York NY, the controversial New York City congestion pricing toll, set to begin January 5, has sparked fierce debate and concern among New Jersey officials and businesses. With charges of $9 for cars and nearly $22 for trucks, critics argue the toll could significantly impact commuters and firms conducting business in Manhattan.
Continue reading Congestion Pricing in NYC: A Boon for New Jersey Businesses?
Once-in-a-generation overhaul of the region’s infrastructure
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Fort Lee NJ, following a month-long public comment period, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Board of Commissioners today approved the agency’s $9.4 billion 2025 budget, which includes $4.1 billion in operating expenses, $3.6 billion in capital expenses, and $1.7 billion for debt service and deferred expenses.
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Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT is prohibiting all beverages on its trains, light rail vehicles and buses on Saturday, December 14 to coincide with the SantaCon event in New York City and on Saturday, December 21 to coincide with the SantaCon event in Hoboken.
Continue reading NJ TRANSIT SYSTEMWIDE BEVERAGE BAN IN EFFECT DURING NYC AND HOBOKEN SANTACON
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Ridgewood NJ, Northeast Corridor rail service is suspended in both directions, North Jersey Coast Line is suspended between Long Branch and Penn Station New York and Raritan Valley Line service will originate/terminate at Newark Penn Station due to Amtrak overhead wire issues near Newark Penn Station. Eastbound Midtown Direct service is being diverted to Hoboken.
Continue reading NJ Transit: Northeast Corridor rail service is suspended in both directions
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Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco issued the following statement on the reinstatement of congestion pricing:
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Ridgewood NJ, Governor Phil Murphy and NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett today previewed the next generation of multilevel rail cars, modernizing the fleet which will significantly improve reliability, capacity and customer comfort. The latest generation of multilevel rail cars was unveiled at an event at NJ TRANSIT’s Meadows Maintenance Complex (MMC) in Kearny.
photo courtesy of the PANYNJ
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Hoboken NJ, starting at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025, Hoboken PATH Station will be temporarily closed for major track and station upgrades. The closure will last until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, during which PATH will carry out essential repairs and improvements to modernize the station and reduce long-term disruptions.
Continue reading Hoboken PATH Station to Close for Upgrades: Here’s What You Need to Know
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Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT has begun its seasonal use of two AquaTrack machines to clean and remove leaves from the rails throughout the fall.
Continue reading NJ TRANSIT Rolls Out AquaTrack for Fall Clean up of Commuter Rails
