Posted on 17 Comments

Shade Trees Come Down Along the Ridgewood Train Station

Train2

photos courtesy of Bill

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the Village of Ridgewood has removed several shade trees c along the Ridgewood Train station .

The Ridgewood Train station is a major New Jersey Transit rail station hub. It is located in downtown Ridgewood in the Central Business . It is served by the NJT Main Line as well as the Bergen County Line. Ridgewood is one of two transfer options presented at the time of ticket purchase (Secaucus Junction is the other) and is widely used for that purpose.

Continue reading Shade Trees Come Down Along the Ridgewood Train Station
Posted on 1 Comment

Josh Gottheimer and Peter King Press “Doomsday Plan” For Hudson Tunnel Failure

penn station njt

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

NEW YORK NJ, Today, U.S. Congressmen Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) and Peter King (NY-02) introduced a new bipartisan bill demanding a contingency plan for the “Doomsday” scenario if one, or both, of the two North River Tunnels is shut down beneath the Hudson River. They also stressed the immediate need for the Gateway Tunnel.

The North River Tunnel tracks carry 200,000 travelers daily and are crumbling after damage from more than 100 years of use and flooding during Superstorm Sandy. Last week, the Regional Plan Association released “A Preventable Crisis,” a report outlining the catastrophic economic consequences of a tunnel being shut down.

Continue reading Josh Gottheimer and Peter King Press “Doomsday Plan” For Hudson Tunnel Failure
Posted on 9 Comments

“Doomsday Plan” For Hudson Tunnel Failure

penn station njt

Gottheimer, King Announce Bill Demanding “Doomsday Plan” For Tunnel Failure

What Do We Do When the Train Tunnels Fail and We Can’t Get In or Out of New York City?

Ridgewood NJ, Congressmen Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05) and Peter King (NY-02) announced their new bill to demand an economic estimate and contingency plan for the “Doomsday” scenario where one of the two North River Tunnels must be shut down beneath the Hudson River.

The North River Tunnels carry 200,000 travelers daily and are crumbling after damage from over 100 years of use and flooding during Superstorm Sandy. On Tuesday, the Regional Plan Association released “A Preventable Crisis,” a report outlining the catastrophic economic consequences of a tunnel being shut down.

Continue reading “Doomsday Plan” For Hudson Tunnel Failure
Posted on Leave a comment

NJ TRANSIT ANNOUNCES FULL, SYSTEMWIDE CROSS-HONORING MARCH 4TH AHEAD OF WINTER STORM

jpg4

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, As another blast of winter is forecasted for the state later today into Monday morning, NJ TRANSIT anticipates regular weekend service for the remainder of the day Sunday and regular weekday service for Monday, March 4th on its rail, bus and light rail, as long as weather conditions permit safe operation.  Access link paratransit service will be operating with service adjustments due to the weather. Parts of New Jersey are forecasted to experience heavy snow and icy roadway conditions with rapid freezing of wet surfaces. The possibility of strong, gusty winds could impact the overhead wires on rail and light rail service.

Systemwide Cross-Honoring in Effect on March 4th:  To give customers additional travel options during the expected winter weather conditions, NJ TRANSIT will offer full systemwide cross-honoring for the entire service day on Monday, March 4, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode—rail, light rail or bus—including private bus carriers. 

Continue reading NJ TRANSIT ANNOUNCES FULL, SYSTEMWIDE CROSS-HONORING MARCH 4TH AHEAD OF WINTER STORM
Posted on Leave a comment

Federal Railroad Administration Certifies NJT Finishes Positive Train Control Project Ahead of Schedule

Ridgewood Train Station

file photo by ArtChick

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT has received Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) approval on its submission for the Positive Train Control (PTC) alternative schedule, which allows for full PTC implementation by the end of 2020.  In approving the request, the FRA certified that NJ TRANSIT successfully met all of the criteria required by the end of 2018.

“This accomplishment is the result of a herculean effort by NJ TRANSIT leadership and staff to turn around a once languishing PTC program left to us by the prior administration,” said Governor Murphy.  “There are few one-year achievements this administration is prouder of because getting PTC done, and done right, is the driving force behind the rest of our efforts to fully restore NJ TRANSIT into a transportation system that New Jersey residents deserve.”

Continue reading Federal Railroad Administration Certifies NJT Finishes Positive Train Control Project Ahead of Schedule
Posted on Leave a comment

High Winds Take Down Tree at Glen Rock Train Station

52951201 1051659801686719 2753697137706401792 o 1

photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, Several vehicles were damaged on Monday morning, 02/25, when a large tree limb fell into a parking lot of the Main Line Train Station on Rock Road in Glen Rock, Glen Rock Police responded to identify the impacted vehicle owners and to process a property damage report. Glen Rock DPW workers were summoned to remove the fallen limb. No injuries were reported.

Posted on Leave a comment

PORTAL NORTH BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MAKES HEADWAY

185632 1888979428842 7721524 n1

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT, with support from Amtrak, has completed an early action construction contract that included five major construction elements for the Portal North Bridge Replacement Program.  This contract broke ground in October 2017 and these construction elements were completed earlier this month – on time and on budget.

This NJ TRANSIT-sponsored and managed project was accomplished with the cooperation and support of the Gateway Program Development Corporation (GDC) and our Federal partners.  This milestone also demonstrates the ongoing commitment by the regional partner agencies to deliver a cost-effective program in a timely manner.

Continue reading PORTAL NORTH BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MAKES HEADWAY
Posted on 4 Comments

Reader says , “Hudson-Bergen Light Rail would keep hard working tax payers from fleeing the state.”

njt hblrt in jc jpg d9ddb223c912f1fejpg aed491e16071f8bd

” Finally, how great! The state of NJ has been doing everything possible to chase tax payers out of the state and make our lives difficult. Now, finally, something is being done to make our lives better. Our home values will rise, it will be easier to get to Jersey City, Hudson yards, and the ferries where so many jobs are being created, to Manhattan for work or pleasure, and Hoboken for work or pleasure.
With our high taxes and traffic we suffer with, our elected officials must do every thing possible to keep the hard working tax payers from fleeing the state. Thank you so much for the new light rail. “

Posted on Leave a comment

Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT Announce Financial Settlement

185632 1888979428842 7721524 n1

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, At a press conference in New York Penn Station, Governor Murphy, Amtrak Board Chairman Tony Coscia, and NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Kevin Corbett today announced the finalizing of a financial settlement that that paves the way to ongoing and future improvements to the infrastructure, customer experience, and safety of our customers. The press conference also shared updates on several joint projects, including Penn Station, critical infrastructure projects, and safety, showcasing a commitment to collaboration and improving the customer experience to the traveling public.

“Investing in our infrastructure, improving customer experience, and enhancing the safety of the traveling public are among the highest priorities of our Administration,” said Governor Murphy. “The announcement today establishes a partnership that will achieve these goals now, and lays the financial foundation for continued improvements into the future. After eight years of disinvestment in, and mismanagement of, NJTRANSIT, collaborative partnerships like the one we are announcing today will go a long way to restoring the agency to its former preeminence.”

Continue reading Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT Announce Financial Settlement
Posted on Leave a comment

Governor Murphy Tours Hudson River Tunnel with Legislative Leadership and Congressional Delegation

Gateway Hudson Tunnel Project

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WEEHAWKEN NJ, Governor Phil Murphy today toured the North River Tunnel with state legislative leadership and members of New Jersey’s congressional delegation. The 108 year old North River Tunnel has been in disrepair and in dire need of replacement since extensive damage was caused by Hurricane Sandy.

“The rehabilitation of the existing North River Tunnel and construction of the new Hudson Tunnel is crucial to the tri-state area, and in particular New Jersey,” Governor Phil Murphy said. “It is time for the Trump administration to prioritize the needs of commuters and our nation’s economy, and commit to funding the Gateway Program.”

Continue reading Governor Murphy Tours Hudson River Tunnel with Legislative Leadership and Congressional Delegation
Posted on Leave a comment

Murphy Promises Another Year of Hell for NJ Tranist Riders

penn station njt

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Thursday, January 17 Governor Phil Murphy told the  NJ Daily Record  reporter Curtis Tate , “NJ Transit riders may have to wait until the end of this year to see the system operate the way it’s supposed to”

Senator Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso (both R-Monmouth) today called for immediate action to resolve NJ Transit’s ongoing issues:

“Governor Murphy must take expeditious action to address the major issues plaguing NJ Transit,” Senator O’Scanlon said. “I’m calling on the Governor to take whatever action is necessary, whether it’s declaring a State of Emergency, bringing in out-of-state engineers, or any other solution. We must treat this exigent situation with the seriousness that it demands.”

Continue reading Murphy Promises Another Year of Hell for NJ Tranist Riders
Posted on Leave a comment

BERGEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR CONDUCTING HOMICIDE AND SUICIDE INVESTIGATION AT MACARTHUR AVENUE, GARFIELD

2498847226 5ee6962d70 b1

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Garfield NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the investigation of a homicide that occurred at 27 MacArthur Avenue, Garfield, NJ. The investigation is being conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Garfield Police Department under the direction of Chief Raymond Kovach, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Anthony Cureton, and the New Jersey Transit Police Department under the direction of Chief Christopher Trucillo.

Continue reading BERGEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR CONDUCTING HOMICIDE AND SUICIDE INVESTIGATION AT MACARTHUR AVENUE, GARFIELD
Posted on 3 Comments

NJ Transit Moves to Maximize Rental Revenue

Ridgewood Train Station

photo by ArtChick

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT continues its efforts to maximize non-farebox revenue by leveraging prime retail locations at its train stations. NJ TRANSIT is pleased to announce a new retail lease agreement in Newark Penn Station. The new tenant, Top Shelf Wine and Liquor, is located in the Main Concourse of Newark Penn Station between tracks 2 and 3. The ten-year agreement is anticipated to generate more than $2.1 million in non-farebox rent revenue over the span of the lease term.

“Maximizing this non-farebox revenue is a win-win for customers and NJ TRANSIT and it’s consistent with recommendations coming out of the recent independent assessment by The North Highland Company,” said Executive Director Kevin Corbett.  “It provides customers with conveniences and amenities at our stations while also delivering critical funding resources which we can reinvest in our transportation network.”

The store’s design blends the contemporary and historical elements of the station, enhancing the aesthetics of the Main Concourse of Newark Penn Station. Top Shelf Wine and Liquor is owned and operated by Stephen Penn and Kunal Kapoor, who bring more than 30 years of experience in the retail and beverage industries.

In August 2018, NJ TRANSIT’s Board of Directors approved the lease of more than 1,000 square feet of retail space in Newark Penn Station to Starbucks Corporation.  The agreement will provide more than $1.6 million in non-farebox revenue to NJ TRANSIT over the 10-year lease.  Starbucks will also make approximately $750,000 in leasehold improvements.  While providing an additional revenue stream to NJ TRANSIT, customers will enjoy convenience of the nationally recognized brand in Newark Penn Station.

In Fiscal Year 2018, which ended June 30th, 2018, expanded retail leasing opportunities increased annual revenue by more than $800,000.  This included leases at Metropark Station and Secaucus Junction, with tenants performing significant capital improvements at both locations. 

In Fiscal Year 2019, which began July 1st, NJ TRANSIT estimates that property leases will generate more than $8.5 million in revenue.  Overall, NJ TRANSIT’s Real Estate Department estimates that it will generate nearly $50 million in non-farebox revenue in FY19 through property leases, advertising, parking fees and property permits.

Posted on Leave a comment

NJ TRANSIT BOARD SELECTS NEW HEAD OF RAIL OPERATIONS, RAYMOND P. KENNY

185632 1888979428842 7721524 n1

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, NJ TRANSIT’s Board of Directors today approved Raymond P. Kenny as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Rail Operations at today’s special Board of Director’s meeting.
“Ray is a national expert in the railroad industry and his knowledge of the complexities of the rail system in our region is unmatched,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti.  “His leadership and management skills will be invaluable as we move NJ TRANSIT forward.”
“Ray has a long and accomplished railroad career and we look forward to tapping his wealth of industry knowledge as we continue to transform NJ TRANSIT into a national leader,” said Executive Director Kevin Corbett.  “Ray understands railroading from every angle, having started as a ticket clerk at LIRR and rising through the ranks to eventually lead LIRR as the busiest railroad in the country.”

Kenny has nearly 50 years of railroad industry experience including serving as former acting President of the MTA Long Island Railroad (LIRR).  He has an extensive background in managing large teams in both transportation operations and capital improvements.  

Most recently, Kenny has served with WSP as a consultant for operations and planning for agencies across the nation including the Gateway project, the Northeast Corridor Future project, business processes at Metro-North and emergency management plans at Metrolink in Los Angeles.

He began his transportation career in 1970 as a ticket clerk at LIRR. In 1975, he entered railroad dispatching for LIRR before rising through the ranks at LIRR with positions in personnel training and capital construction prior to leading the Transportation department.

Prior to NJ TRANSIT, Kenny served with WSP as a consultant where his experience included helping to improve Metro-North’s business processes including train crew availability, assisting Metrolink in Los Angeles with emergency management plans, a subject matter expert on the NEC Future project, which is a comprehensive planning effort to define, evaluate and prioritize future investments in the NEC, a subject matter expert for the Gateway project in the design of a new Penn Station New York and staging of train operations to facilitate construction.  Most recently, Kenny was assigned to the Hartford, CT rail project as a commissioning agent, ensuring project schedule compliance on the start of a new rail line.

Posted on Leave a comment

NJ Transit Service For New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

Times Square

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, On New Year’s Eve, Monday, December 31, trains will operate on a modified weekday schedule (same as December 24, 26, 27 and 28) until 6 p.m. There will be no getaway service. In the evening, extra North Jersey Coast and Morris & Essex Lines trains will operate to New York .Special printable schedules that cover the period from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning will be available at njtransit.com by Friday, December 21. Rail travel information for New Year’s Eve will also be available via the Trip Planner and Station-to-Station features on njtransit.com.

Buses will operate on a modified weekday or holiday schedule with “early getaway” service from Port Authority Bus Terminal and the Jersey City waterfront. There will also be early evening service inbound and extra outbound from PABT after midnight on select routes. Customers are advised to consult timetables or visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for more details. 

Hudson-Bergen and Newark Light Rail, and the River Line will operate on a regular weekday schedule. River LINE will run extended service every 30 minutes. The last River LINE train out of Camden due to the Philadelphia fireworks will be approximately 12:45am, the train will run as far north as necessary. Specific trip information will be available on njtransit.com.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  NJ TRANSIT is prohibiting all beverages on all of its trains, light rail vehicles and buses on Monday, December 31, 2018, and the early morning hours of Tuesday, January 1, 2018. This policy will be strictly enforced.

After midnight (early January 1), additional late-night trains will operate on all lines until approximately 5 a.m. Some trains that normally depart New York/Hoboken/Newark between 11:30 p.m and 1:30 a.m. are cancelled and will be replaced with later trains.  After 5 a.m., trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule after. Customers should visit njtransit.com for details, including special printable schedules that cover the period from 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve until 6 a.m. on New Year’s morning (which will be available by December 21). Expanded bus service will be provided from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) until approximately 2 a.m. Some routes will be departing from alternate areas within the PABT. Visit njtransit.com/Bus Holiday Service Guide for specific schedule details and departure gate assignments.

On New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1, after 5 a.m., trains will operate on a weekend/major holiday schedule.  Bus service will vary by route. River LINE will operate on a Sunday schedule. Newark Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will operate on a weekend schedule.  Bus service will vary by route. Customers are advised to visit njtransit.com for details.