Murphy Announces Resumption of Raritan Valley Line Off-Peak One-Seat Service
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Governor Phil Murphy this morning inWestfield announced the service restoration of off peak one-seat rides on NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line.
The off peak rides will resume on Nov. 4th, the Governor said.
Murphy made a point of thanking U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-7), who stood with the governor in front of a crowd that included the man who wants Malinowski's seat: Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R-21).
"Today's announcement is a long-time coming," Murphy said. "Riders on the Raritan Valley Line will see an improvement in their commute."
Malinowski noted the need for the Gateway Tunnel Project.
"Let's get some money for the tunnel... Meanwhile, we've got to do something for the commuters struggling now," said the congressman.
Over the summer, Kean had griped about lack of information about restoration.
“I’m extremely disappointed that Raritan Valley Line commuters have not been given any kind of update on the restoration of direct service to Manhattan,” Kean said in August. “After months of disruption to their lives and inadequate communication from both the Governor and New Jersey Transit, our commuters deserve solid answers on when they should expect to have their one-seat ride again.”
Today, Kean took credit for this morning's announcement here.
But Murphy happily contextualized the event, taking a crack at his predecessor, Governor Chris Christie, who canceled the Access to the Region's Core (ARC) tunnel, which clogged train line traffic and contributed to the mess.
"We're still digging out from that decision," the governor groaned.
As part of the intra-party rivalry without end, Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) has been propping up old foe turned useful Murphy cudgel Kean, Jr., particularly on NJ TRANSIT by putting him on the committee. Malinowski and his team aren’t appreciative of that. So today was an opportunity for the Governor to support Malinowski on NJ TRANSIT by letting him play a big role "and counter Sweeney," a devious source noted. Two self-proclaimed progressives who didn't climb hand over hand through party organizational furnaces to get to their respective seats of power, Murphy and Malinowski also have naturally overlapping bases.
Mayors from towns on the Raritan Valley Line acknowwledged the good news from Governor Murphy when he announced restoration of the off-peak midtown direct trains beginning November 7th.
The Raritan Valley Line Mayors’ Alliance, a bipartisan organization of 32 mayors, held rallies with commuters, met with representatives from the Governor’s office and Malinowski, State legislators and NJ Transit since the off-peak service was suspended in 2018. Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, who is a co-chair of the RVL Mayors, thanked the Governor for recognizing that the 23,000 RVL commuters deserve some relief. “This action is important and provides an option for commuters but we will continue making the case for direct train service during peak rush hours and weekend. Ridership on RVL continues to grow and in fact, has the third highest ridership (excluding Northeast Corridor) on the NJ Transit system” she said.
The RVL Mayors’ Alliance report “Making the Case for a One-Seat Ride” compares ridership and direct train services of five train lines. RVL, which falls in the middle, is the only line with zero direct trains. “We are asking for equitable, reliable service for our constituents,” Mahr added.
Bound Brook Mayor Bob Fazen, also a co-chair, emphasized the lack of one-seat rides into NY Penn has a negative impact on towns. “It affects home values and ability to attract investment and business. Realtors tell us that home buyers are looking elsewhere for towns with midtown direct trains,” said Mayor Fazen. “This is particularly frustrating because of the significant Transit-Oriented Development along the RVL,” he added.
RVL Mayors held two rallies at Newark Penn Station in recent months and collected hundreds of signatures from commuters. Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle, who was unable to attend this morning’s announcement, acknowledged the tremendous support from the public. “You spoke out, rallied with us, signed petitions and got attention for the Raritan Valley Line. We pledge to continue working on your behalf,” said Mayor Brindle, “and remain committed to finding solutions that improve service.”
The full release from the Governor's Office:
