The Lackawanna Coalition supports additional tunnel capacity to Manhattan, but opposes the proposed “deep cavern” terminal that is planned to accompany the proposed additional tunnels. We continue to question the affordability of the deep-cavern terminal portion of the project, and we object to the planned eviction of Morris & Essex and Montclair-Boonton Line riders from the existing Penn Station. NJT says the groundbreaking ensures the eventual completion of the project as planned, but we know that ground has been broken for the Second Avenue Subway four times at last count. The line was planned in the 1920s, when a subway was built in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati tunnel and stations were never used in transit service.
No Fare Increase, but Service Cuts Soon?
New Jersey Transit has announced that fares will not increase this fiscal year. Since the State budget has cut funding for NJT, it is likely that service will be reduced. The Lackawanna Coalition is deeply concerned about impending service cuts, especially since off-peak rail service on the Morris & Essex Line was slashed in May, 2008, without advance notice to the public.