Tag: From the Railgram

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George Kaufer

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As users of the NJT rail network ourselves, we know that there are times when there are delays or outright service suspensions. NJ Transit has put together a list of “Alternatives, Backups, and Contingency” routes, but with very little context, and in some cases, outright errors. Our Web site now has a list of service…

Public Notice Required Before“Substantial Curtailment” of Non-NJT Buses

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Sally Jane Gellert

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As this issue goes to press, we were notified of the governor’s signature on S2607/A3872, which requires private bus operators of “motorbus regular route service”, not including “charter bus operation,” “special bus operation,” or “casino bus operation” or “a motorbus route predominately operated for tourism or recreational purposes” to give NJ Transit and the N.J.…

Report from the Chair—Sept./Oct. 2024

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Sally Jane Gellert

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This summer has been a challenging one at NJ Transit, with many rail delays, which the agency largely blamed on Amtrak. In fact, the agency has now started reporting 2 sets of delay statistics: those with an Amtrak component, and those without. As trains become stuck in tunnels, we think about the often-raised concern regarding…

Resolution: Give Us Information!

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Sally Jane Gellert

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NJT Management, Railgram

At the Coalition’s last meeting, we passed a resolution expressing our long-term frustration with the opacity of NJ Transit on just about any subject. The specific concerns this time (among many) are the 50% cut to peak-period River Line service and the ongoing issue of translucent or opaque windows on many rail cars, especially multilevel…

RUN’s Fall Conference Highlights Advocacy for Regional Corridors Around the Nation

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David Peter Alan

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Conferences

The Rail Users’ Network (RUN) will focus on advocating for corridor-length passenger train routes that could be established under the Corridor ID Program sponsored by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The online conference will take place on Friday afternoon, November 15, from 12:00 until 5:00. The event’s theme will be F.R.A. Corridor Grants – Boosting…

Lackawanna Coalition Station Inspections Return

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Sally Jane Gellert

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Back in the 20th century—sounds so long ago!—well before I joined the Coalition, members used to visit NJ Transit rail stations regularly, clipboard in hand, and evaluate conditions. These were then summarized and notable situations reported to the agency. As membership changed, and so much went digital, the practice was abandoned. Within the last year…

A Halt to Congestion Pricing: What Next?

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George Kaufer

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We have discussed the proposed plan for congestion pricing in New York City’s downtown area, and have seen pros and cons. In some ways, it is tangential to our interests, as it is unclear how much money the State of New Jersey would get for “mitigation measures” and what those measures would entail. We would…

Report from the Chair: July/August 2024

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Sally Jane Gellert

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As this issue of the Railgram goes to press, a budget deal is in place to keep the government running. It includes the controversial—at least among businesses, though most will not be affected—corporate transit fee (an extension of the corporate business tax that ended in December 2023), though NJ Transit, the intended beneficiary, will not…

RUN Conference: Optimism & Reality—“What is the Hold Up‽”

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Webweaver

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The Rail Users’ Network held their spring conference virtually on the afternoon of Friday, May 17. The conference’s focus was expanding long distance rail service: “Why Amtrak service to more towns and cities is important to the entire U.S.!” The agenda of conference speakers included advocates from around the nation who are pushing for expansion…

NJ Transit Gets a Four-Year Reprieve, Starting a Year from Now

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David Peter Alan

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