Senator Kip Bateman (R-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset) released the following statement on the reopening of NJ Transit’s Dinky Line in Princeton.

Below are his remarks, as prepared for delivery at a May 14 ceremony marking the reopening of the line.

 Hello and thank you for having me. I am so glad to see the Princeton Dinky Line reopen today.

NJ Transit’s three month hiatus should never have turned into an eight month halt. It was incredibly unfair to the people who utilize the Dinky on a daily basis. There is no doubt that this has been a very frustrating time for commuters and travelers in our area.

I commend the “Save the Dinky” group for their advocacy and determination to have the line restored as soon as possible. Please give yourselves a round of applause! My colleagues and I also worked together on a bipartisan basis, alongside your amazing local leaders, to support your efforts to end the shut down and get this train back on track – but we couldn’t have done it without you.

As you know better than anyone, the Dinky is critically important to the town of Princeton, Princeton University, and the region at large. It connects students, residents, commuters, and visitors to the Northeast Corridor – the economic lifeline of the East Coast and beyond.

It’s also a historic landmark – this line dates back to 1874 and is mentioned in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novels and Bing Crosby movies. We must ensure “this little engine that can” continues its significant journey.

That’s why I am so happy to see full service restored today, so that riders will be able to commute to work and home (hopefully on time!) once again. Thank you again for your advocacy. It’s an honor and a privilege to represent dedicated constituents like you.