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Posted by
Olog-hai
on Sat May 11 11:37:19 2013
edf40wrjww2msgDetail:detailStr fiogf49gjkf0d Suburban News
Information session in Cranford about dual-powered trains on Raritan Valley LineBy Suburban News
on May 10, 2013 at 5:50 PM, updated May 10, 2013 at 5:51 PMThe Raritan Valley Coalition (RVC) will present their proposal to establish direct service into New York on the Raritan Valley Line that services Cranford, Westfield, Garwood and several other towns on Wednesday, May 22 at 9:30 a.m. The one-hour open session will be held in the Cranford Municipal Building.
The RVC has been working on a proposal that would utilize NJ Transit’s new dual-powered engines. Currently, the Raritan Valley Line uses diesel engines that cannot travel through the transit tunnels.
Martin Robins of Westfield, former director of the Vorhees Transportation Policy Institute at Rutgers and RVC member, said the Coalition wants NJ Transit to put one or two of the dual locomotives on morning and evening commutes in addition to off-peak times and weekends. “Eliminating a transfer in Newark could lead to a 15% reduction in commuting time,” said Robins.
Union County, Cranford, Westfield, Fanwood and other towns have all adopted resolutions supporting the addition of dual powered locomotives on the Raritan Valley Line. The Downtown District Management Boards of Cranford and Westfield have also voted to support the proposal, according to Kathleen Miller Prunty, Cranford’s director.
“The off-peak and weekend trains are the simplest way to introduce the one-seat ride into New York. We hope NJ Transit will seriously consider testing that soon,” he added.
The RVC and Regional Plan Association have studied the impact to towns with the one-seat ride.- Proximity to high quality transit is associated with increased property values
- Every minute saved on a morning commute to NYC increases nearby home values by $3,000
- Eliminating a transfer in Newark means a 35-minute reduction in commuting time
- Efficient transportation is also important in attracting employees and business
The Coalition has invited local officials, realtors, business owners, investors and commuters to the May 22 presentation. Anyone interested in attending should reply to DMC@cranfordnj.org.
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