Legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean requiring NJ Transit to study the restoration of the Raritan Valley Line’s full-time direct rail service to New York Penn Station was signed into law.

Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation requiring NJ Transit to study the restoration of the RVL’s full-time direct rail service to NY Penn was signed into law. (SenateNJ.com)

“Raritan Valley Line commuters deserve a one-seat ride to Manhattan,” said Kean (R-21). “Restoring full-time, one-seat rides will increase property values and cut travel times. The enactment of this study is a step in the right direction to get the RVL back on track, leading to shorter, smoother, and safer commutes.”

Kean’s bipartisan legislation, S-3574/A-5256, calls for a feasibility study on offering Raritan Valley Line customers full-time direct rail service to Manhattan’s New York Penn Station.

“I have long fought for a one-seat ride to New York Penn that doesn’t require commuters to waste time switching trains as they travel to and from work each day,” added Kean. “While we have restored off-peak service, I am hopeful this study will help us find the answers we need to give NJ Transit commuters the quality of service they deserve.”

Senator Kean has worked closely with his constituents and advocacy groups, including the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition and the Raritan Valley Line Mayor’s Alliance to make a one-seat ride a reality.

The Raritan Valley line comprises about 10 percent of NJ Transit’s daily ridership system-wide.