(The following column by Richard Sarles appeared on the Asbury Park Press website on August 18, 2009. H is executive director of NJ Transit.)
ASBURY PARK, N.J. — NJ Transit agrees that more transit service for Monmouth and Ocean counties would continue a positive trend in which increasing numbers of residents are choosing public transportation over cars for their commuting and leisure travel. Trains, buses and other transit modes are good for commuters, help foster lively, pedestrian-friendly communities and are good for the environment.
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While we concur with the Asbury Park Press’ call for greater cooperation among elected officials and other stakeholders to advance a multi-pronged public transportation strategy for the Shore region, we believe the Aug. 9 editorial “Set transit goals in right direction” fails to recognize the significant ridership growth that NJ Transit has nurtured through steady management, investment and planning.
Between fiscal years 2003 and 2008, NJ Transit train and bus ridership increased more than 18 percent in the Shore region — including North Jersey Coast Line trips and local, intra- and inter-state bus service — to more than 14.7 million passenger trips annually. This trend provides a foundation for our commitment moving forward to explore and develop new rail and bus services so NJ Transit remains a convenient and preferred travel option among Ocean, Monmouth and southern Middlesex County residents.
To that end, we are working in cooperation with the state Department of Transportation, North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority and other agencies on strategies consistent with Bus Rapid Transit to improve bus service and expand capacity along the Route 9 and Route 18 corridors. Ridership on our 64, 67 and 68 buses to Newark, Jersey City and Weehawken increased more than 45 percent since 2003, while passenger trips on our buses to the Port Authority Bus Terminal increased almost 25 percent.
Concerning the criticism that there is inadequate service for trips starting and ending within the Shore area, it is worth noting that North Jersey Coast Line ridership for local trips — those starting and ending on the line — increased more than 26 percent since 2003. Supporting that growth is NJ Transit’s robust capital program that directs funds toward the improvement of North Jersey Coast Line stations, tracks, signals and equipment, as well as the rail yard in Bay Head.
The South Amboy station high-level platform project, nearing completion, provides a good example of an investment that gives customers additional access to public transportation. Once completed, half of all North Jersey Coast Line stations between Bay Head and Avenel will be accessible to customers with disabilities. And new multilevel vehicle rail cars are providing additional capacity and comfort for our customers.
We have worked diligently toward consensus on expanding rail service in the growing Shore region and remain committed to that endeavor.