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NJ tourists, spending surpass pre-pandemic levels NJBIZ.com, 5/17/2024 — After continued rebounds in visitor volume and spending in 2023, New Jersey officials say the state’s tourism industry has finally surpassed pre-pandemic levels. And, they expect continued growth this year.
 

MVC changes disclosure on credit card surcharge that affects 4.5M drivers a year in N.J. NJ.com, 5/17/2024 — On the scale of practices that bother consumers, credit card surcharges fall somewhere between mildly annoying and utterly offensive. And they’re legal, as long as businesses stay within the parameters of the law. But one driver’s recent experience renewing two car registrations online with the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is making the experience better for all consumers.

NJ Transit Board Greenlights Groundbreaking Hoboken Connect Project Hudson Reporter, 5/18/2024 — NJ Transit's board of directors has approved the ground lease for the Hoboken Connect project.

Harvey Cedars to Host Kick-Off for Pedestrian Safety Campaign Shore News Network, 5/17/2024 — On Thursday at 10 a.m., Harvey Cedars will launch a public safety campaign to reduce pedestrian accidents. The news conference marks the beginning of the Street Smart NJ initiative on Long Beach Island.

U.S. Coast Guard will likely OK controversial NJ Turnpike Extension bridge NJ.com, 5/18/2024 (PAYWALL) — The controversial $6.2 billion plan to replace the Newark Bay Bridge with two wider spans between Newark and Bayonne is poised to have the U.S. Coast Guard okay it after a public comment period.

New Jersey Click It or Ticket campaign: Buckle up or get fined Asbury Park Press, 5/20/2024 — Headed out this holiday weekend? Buckle up. The National Click it or Ticket campaign runs through June 2 and if you're riding in a car, you need to be strapped in.

Perth Amboy intersection gets new $627K traffic safety measures MyCentralJersey, 5/21/2024 — One of Perth Amboy's busiest intersections has been improved to increase pedestrian safety. The improvements at Smith and Goodwin streets include replacing the traffic light system to include pedestrian signals, Americans With Disabilities Act curb ramps, sidewalks and newly painted crosswalks.

Cash tolls ending on Route 202 Lambertville-New Hope bridge MyCentralJersey.com, 5/21/2024 — June 16 will be the last day that toll collectors will be available to handle cash transactions at the bridge as well as two other low traffic bridges over the Delaware River linking Columbia and Portland, Pa. and Montague and Milford, Pa. Starting June 17, drivers can only pay via E-ZPass or TOLL BY PLATE. Tolls are charged only for traffic crossing into Pennsylvania.

Opponents of N.J. Turnpike widening projects win a victory from the Coast Guard NJ.com, 5/21/2024 (PAYWALL) -— Opponents who were outraged after learning two weeks were left in a 30-day comment period about the $6.2 billion project to replace the Newark Bay New Jersey Turnpike extension won an extension to voice their concerns into July.

Curbs in Hoboken Get Ready to Be ‘Reimagined’ Government Technology, 5/22/2024 — The city will work with a technology company and an urban design firm to digitize its streetscape, part of a project known as The Curb Reimagined, which will create a real-time, digital city map.

How to move tons of dirt from Gateway rail tunnel? A town pushes rail over trucks NorthJersey.com, 5/23/2024 — At the crux of the back-and-forth is whether to use freight rail to reduce the number of trucks needed to haul spoils — the muck removed during construction of the new tunnel — and to bring in rebar, precast concrete segments, Portland cement and other materials to the site.

NJ Transit is on the hook for $88M to help rehab 2 East River tunnels. This is why. NJ.com, 5/12/2024 (PAYWALL) — NJ Transit’s board of directors approved an agreement on May 8 to fund $88.4 million of the work on the two of the East River Tunnels. NJ Transit uses them to travel between New York Penn Station and Sunnyside Yard in Queens where they are stored between the morning and evening commuting rush.

Improvements planned for busy Bergen County intersection ahead of 2026 World Cup games NorthJersey.com, 5/13/2024 — The scope of the intersection improvement project includes the installation of a semi-actuated traffic light equipped with vehicle detection technology, the widening of Hackensack Street to accommodate a designated right turn lane from Union Avenue, and the relocation of the Winters Place bus stop to just north of Union Avenue with a designated cut-out to help alleviate traffic backup.

Commuters will see 3 huge arches for the new Portal Bridge floating up the river this winter NJ.com, 5/13/2024 (PAYWALL) — If the news wasn’t enough that the 2$ billion Portal Bridge North project to replace the cranky 114-year-old bridge that carries the busy Northeast Corridor rail line over the Hackensack River in Kearny is 50 percent finished, commuters will see a real show this winter, officials said.

‘Mega’ electric truck charging depot arriving near Port Newark NJ BIZ, 5/22/2024 — The project aims to support a shift to electric Class 8 trucks that will enable the region’s freight logistics and drayage truck companies to more conveniently move toward clean, quiet, zero-emissions operations.

Jersey Shore drawbridge won’t be open in time for Memorial Day weekend NJ.com, 5/23/24 — A Jersey Shore drawbridge that’s been left in the open position since early March is expected to be back in service by May 31, state Department of Transportation officials said. The Route 71 drawbridge over the Shark River between Avon and Belmar in Monmouth County has been stuck in the open position since a mechanical failure resulted in “significant damage” to the machinery that raises and lowers North Bridge span.

Drive on One of the Most Scenic Roads in the US Right Here in NJ WOBM.com, 5/23/2024 — In Ocean County, we have some very scenic roads along our waterfront and through our pines. There is always a different type of "scenic" drive here in New Jersey. Whether it's along the Atlantic Ocean, Pine Barrens, Northwest Mountains, or Farm Country, there are all kinds of different scenes here in New Jersey.

Electric bicycles in New Jersey may need to be registered, insured soon. Here's how cyclists are responding CBS News NY, 5/23/2024 — A bill proposed this year would require low-speed electric bicycles and scooters to be registered and insured. There are safety concerns about them, but critics say added regulations could push more vehicles onto already congested roads.

Murphy sends scathing letter to Amtrak after nightmare rush hour commute NJ.com, 5/24/2024 — The Wednesday evening commuting nightmare on Amtrak and NJ Transit trains running on the busy Northeast Corridor was blamed on one wire, Amtrak officials said Thursday. The downed wire resulted in service being suspended and left passengers stranded at Penn Station New York.

Here's one area NJ Transit is ahead of schedule: switching to electric vehicles NorthJersey.com, 5/24/2024 — NJ Transit is ahead of schedule on fulfilling a state mandate to convert its light-duty, non-revenue service vehicles to zero-emission models. To date, the agency has converted 100 of its 323-vehicle fleet of cars, SUVs, vans and small trucks to plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) or battery-electric vehicles (EV). Of those 100, 81 are PHEVs and 19 are EVs, the latter including 12 Toyota BZ4X, six Chevy Bolts and one Ford Transit Cargo.

Why Amtrak Is to Blame for a Hellish Night for New Jersey Commuters The New York Times, 5/24/2024 —  Sharing tracks means that any disruption along the 427-mile Northeast Corridor, which links Boston to Washington, D.C., can be felt by thousands of passengers.

Opinion: Restricted parking reduces NJ Transit ridership and causes financial problems. Here's why NorthJersey.com, 5/28/2024 —  I read your article about NJ Transit’s huge financial problems and the hiring consultants to study how to create a “comprehensive transit system." As a New Jersey licensed urban planner who studied transportation (and former HUD Assistant Secretary), the underlying problems are obvious to me.

Fight over N.J. Turnpike widening project continues Tuesday with rally, forum NJ.com, 5/28/2024 (PAYWALL) —  The second public forum about a controversial New Jersey Turnpike widening project will be held in Bayonne on Tuesday evening.

Historic station gets $83M accessibility grant NJ Spotlight News, 5/29/2024 —  Kevin Corbett, CEO of NJ Transit, joined lawmakers and members of the Federal Transit Administration to announce $83 million in new funding to renovate the historic Brick Church Station in East Orange with fully accessible measures like elevators and high-level platforms.

Building warehouses comes with the promise of jobs The Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/28/2024, NJTPA MENTION  —  As the warehousing industry in Philadelphia expanded and development boomed, so, too, did warehouse employment. The most plentiful jobs, at the entry level, are often physically demanding.

Brick, Clifton among school districts to win federal aid New Jersey Monitor, 5/29/2024 - As part of its ongoing effort to replace diesel-fueled school buses, the Biden administration on Wednesday said it will provide approximately 530 school districts across nearly all states with almost $1 billion to help them purchase clean school buses, including 11 in New Jersey that will share in $12.4 million.

$6.2B project to widen the Turnpike won’t eat up nearby homes, officials promise opponents NJ.com, 5/29/2024 (PAYWALL) - New Jersey Turnpike officials made their case Tuesday night for building a new $6.2 billion Newark Bay Bridge and approach structures between Newark and Bayonne, and pushed back against some of the arguments made by opponents of the project.

Dover will open new Morris Canal trail on Saturday. Take a hike into history Daily Record, 6/14/2024 - The NJTPA, in partnership with the Canal Society and the Morris Canal Working Group have presented a plan for a continuous trail that closely follows the historic canal route. The greenway would begin in Phillipsburg, end in Jersey City and in between run through Morris, Sussex, Warren, Passaic, Essex and Hudson counties.

Murphy's corporate transit fee proposal to pay for NJ Transit may be getting complicated NorthJersey.com, 6/14/2024 -During his budget address in February, Gov. Phil Murphy proposed a new corporate transit fee to serve as a “dedicated funding stream for NJ Transit” but now, just weeks away from the budget deadline, the fate of the fee and what it will fund is less clear.

New Proposal to Spur Transit-Oriented Development and Bolster NJ TRANSIT NJ Business Magazine, 6/14/2024 - The Murphy Administration unveiled a legislative proposal that would direct the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to purchase up to $100 million in property from NJ TRANSIT to help expand commuter hubs across the state and meet a variety of critical needs.

Coach USA vows to keep its commuter buses rolling, despite bankruptcy filing NJ.com, 6/15/2024 (PAYWALL) - Coach USA, which operates the low-cost interstate MegaBus service and commuter buses in New Jersey, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection but officials assured riders it’s business as usual for the Paramus based company.

When will Route 15 reopen? New state website tracks repairs, detours NorthJersey.com, 6/15/2024 - Travelers and residents dealing with the headaches of the Route 15 South shutdown can now get updates on the emergency repairs and local traffic changes

NY/NJ Port Authority authorizes expanded cargo operations at Howland Hook Marine Terminal Transportation Today, 5/29/2024 - On Thursday, the Board of Commissioners of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey authorized the Port Authority to take full ownership of the Howland Hook Marine Terminal on Staten Island.

Zeem to bring electric truck depot to Port Newark, NJ Fleet Equipment Magazine, 5/29/2024 - Zeem Solutions announced a large-scale electric truck depot development near Port Newark, New Jersey. Phase I of its construction operations are planned for Q4 of 2025. Zeem says the site will serve regional fleet operators with electric trucks, overnight parking and charging for 200 trucks, and additional charging for up to 300 electric trucks during the day.

Program Asks Summer Visitors to Be ‘Street Smart’ TheSandPaper.net, 5/29/2024 - With millions of people expected to visit the Jersey Shore this summer, police departments across Long Beach Island are participating in Street Smart NJ to raise awareness about pedestrian safety.

New supersized container ships will soon be able to use this N.J. port NJ.com, 5/29/2024 - As cargo ships get bigger to accommodate goods that will eventually be delivered to consumer’s doorsteps, $51 million is being plowed into projects by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to make the Port of New York and New Jersey ready for next generation of big vessels.

N.J. drawbridge that was stuck open is repaired. Here’s when it’ll be back in service. NJ.com, 5/30/2024 (PAYWALL) - Despite the bad weather that put an early end to Memorial Day beach trips and sparked an early exodus from the Jersey Shore Monday, state Department of Transportation bridge crews kept working. The diligent crews working on the Route 71 drawbridge between Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea over the holiday weekend completed repairs, meaning the elderly span moves to testing, which will determine when it goes back in service.

The Clock is Ticking for Access Link TheMontclarion.org, 5/30/2024 - It is cold, rainy and the bus is nowhere to be found. Minutes turn to hours, the schedule says one thing and your phone another. This is an all too common reality for people who ride Access Link. Access Link, NJ Transit’s paratransit service, was designed for those who are unable to use traditional public transportation. Access Link is supposed to offer convenient transportation that complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regardless of the person’s disability.

Precious cargo: How safe is your kid’s school bus? N.J. inspection reports revealed. NJ.com, 5/30/2024 (PAYWALL) - Bus #151 had collected 28 Edison students bound for John Adams Middle School by the time the driver realized they were in danger. As she approached a stop sign to turn, Bienvenid Almonte later wrote in her report, “the bus accelerated and lost all brakes.” In a split-second, she veered off of Rahway Road and onto a vacant lot, hoping to lose as much momentum as she could before the bus careened into the side of a house.

 

The Bayonne Bridge was raised to let bigger ships pass. Now comes more dredging NorthJersey.com, 5/30/2024 - Preparing for a future of bigger ships and more cargo was the focus of three announcements Wednesday —including a project to dredge the Kill Van Kull five feet deeper beneath the Bayonne Bridge — at the ports of New York and New Jersey.

Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, said the investments — made possible through a partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — are critical to keeping the New York-New Jersey ports among the most competitive in the world. The ports consistently rank as the busiest on the U.S. East Coast and No. 2 in the country.

Truckers suing to block New York's congestion fee for Manhattan drivers Newsday.com, 5/31/2024 - The Trucking Association of New York filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which developed the toll scheme, arguing the higher fees unfairly and unconstitutionally target the trucking industry. The trucking association’s lawsuit is among at least eight seeking to block the congestion fee plan, which is slated to launch June 30.

New Jersey Senate approves bill to improve pothole repair Landline.com, 5/31/2024 - Potholes are again getting attention at the New Jersey statehouse. Potholes are enough of an issue in the state to warrant an online pothole damage claim form. The Senate voted unanimously to advance a bill that is intended to address concerns about pothole damage to roads and bridges throughout the Garden State.
 

TWU Ratifies Three-Year Contract With NJ Transit Railway Age, 6/3/2024 - The new contract, which will go into effect on July 1, the day after the current agreement expires, was ratified with 80% of votes in favor for the unit representing 180 car inspectors, car mechanics and coach cleaners. 

Massive Hoboken Connect project to transform historic terminal is underway. It only took 20 years. NJ.com, 6/3/2024 - Everything that anyone needs to get in and out of Hoboken sits at the southeastern corner of the city at the ever-churning, historic terminal that is kind of falling apart.

80 NJ Transit train stations aren't accessible to the disabled. Money is on the way NorthJersey.com, 5/28/2024 - City residents and their local representatives have been fighting since at least 2018 to get accessibility improvements and repair work done at the two NJ Transit stations that serve the city of about 70,000.

2 key departures at agency overseeing the Gateway rail tunnel project NorthJersey.com, 6/3/2024 - Two of the Gateway Development Commission's founding officials are leaving the three-year-old bistate agency overseeing the $16 billion program to build a new two-track rail tunnel and repair an old one beneath the Hudson River.

Used car buyers in N.J. will soon have to make one less trip to the DMV NJ.com, 6/3/2024 - When drivers make that wonderful final payment on a car loan, that milestone is celebrated when they get the title in the mail. But it’s not always a seamless process and a glitch can mean problems and multiple visits to a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission center to straighten it out.

These 3 N.J. bridges are switching to cashless toll collecting NJ.com, 6/4/2024 (PAYWALL) - Drivers using three Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission bridges will say goodbye forever to the process of handing toll collectors paper money and coins in two weeks.

Congestion pricing in New York City facing postponement just weeks from launch NJ.com, 6/5/2024 (PAYWALL) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul could delay the start of New York City’s congestion pricing plan to charge $15 to enter Lower Manhattan, according to published reports, but the plan still lacks the final federal approval needed to begin.

Major delays, detours due to Route 15 bridge indefinite closure in N.J. NJ.com, 6/5/2024 (PAYWALL) - Part of a Route 15 bridge that spans the Rockaway River in Morris County will be closed indefinitely for repairs after it was deemed unsafe for motorists, officials said Tuesday.

Two Kearny roadways to be closed one year for NJDOT project

NJ.com, 6/7/2024 (PAYWALL) - A couple roadways in the industrial section of Kearny will be closed for the next 12 months, state Department of Transportation officials said Thursday

New Jersey’s Leaders Celebrate Shelving of Congestion Pricing NYtimes.com, 6/7/2024 - Gov. Kathy Hochul’s surprising decision on Wednesday not to start tolling drivers entering Manhattan this month set off an immediate celebration among political leaders in New Jersey. But transit advocates warned that the indefinite delay of congestion pricing was no victory for the state’s beleaguered commuters.

NYC congestion pricing is on hold. How did that happen? What's next? What about NJ suit? msn.com, 6/7/2024 - The last 24 hours have been a blur for followers of the congestion pricing program for drivers entering Manhattan, which was “indefinitely paused” by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday. Her announcement came just weeks before the planned June 30 start date, when automobiles entering Manhattan below 60th Street would face toll rates ranging from $3.75 to $15 depending on the time of day.

Here’s how N.J. bridges are protected from the kind of ship that brought down a famous Baltimore bridge NJ.com, 6/10/2024 (PAYWALL) - Container ships continue to grow in size, so much that harbor channels are being deepened again and decks on spans like the Bayonne Bridge have been raised to accommodate them.

DOT promises temporary Route 15 bridge by mid-July as North Jersey town reels from traffic NJ.com, 6/9/2024 - State Department of Transportation officials will install a temporary bridge on Route 15 south over the Rockaway River after the loss of all southbound lanes on a 124-year old bridge that was being replaced, detouring tens of thousands of cars onto local Jefferson Township streets for the past four days.

Gas could dip below $3 this summer. But — sorry! — not in NJ. Here's why NorthJersey.com, 6/6/2024 - Motorists in some parts of the country are already enjoying gas below $3 a gallon, but New Jerseyans should not get their hopes up, analysts are warning. 

Hudson Tunnel Project unlocks $25M in grant funding NJBIZ.com, 6/10/2024 - Officials last week signed a $25 million grant agreement to fund a key early component of the Hudson Tunnel Project and broader Gateway Program The funding comes via the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity Raise (RAISE) grant program. The June 2023 award covers the Tonnelle Avenue Bridge and Utility Relocation Project. That work is already underway in North Bergen.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will impact the NJ economy. But will it benefit from it? NorthJersey.com, 6/12/2024 - Almost two years to the day before the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off, the Assembly Tourism Committee met Monday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford to hear testimony about how New Jersey stands to benefit from the tournament.

NJ Transit, Amtrak meet to avoid summer of commuting hell NJ.com, 6/11/2024 (PAYWALL) - Veteran commuters recall the 2010s had several summers of commuting "hell" prompted by failing old infrastructure on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor line, and the agency doing critical repair work to fix it.

History-making $6.8B federal grant for Gateway tunnel is approved, lawmaker says NJ.com, 6/12/2024 (PAYWALL) - The largest federal transit grant in history, $6.8 billion to build the $16 billion Gateway Tunnel project between New Jersey and New York, has been approved by a federal agency, officials said.

NJ Transit Board awards contracts for Brick Church station modernization, Brielle Drawbridge replacement Mass Transit Magazine, 6/12/2024 - The New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) Board of Directors have approved contracts for the modernization of NJ Transit’s historic Brick Church station and for the replacement of the Brielle Drawbridge. 

NYC congestion pricing advocates plan lawsuit to keep Hochul from halting toll NorthJersey.com, 6/12/2024 - If congestion pricing wasn’t already synonymous with litigation, it is now. Another deluge of lawsuits could be coming in the next few weeks, this time from the advocates of congestion pricing who have formed a new coalition, led by New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, in the aftermath of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s abrupt decision last week to pause the Manhattan tolling program she loudly supported until recently.

After widow’s request, work begins to install suicide prevention fence on Bayonne Bridge NJ.com, 6/13/2024 (PAYWALL) - Workers will begin installing suicide prevention fencing Thursday morning on the western, vehicle-only side of the Bayonne Bridge after the Port Authority agreed to take the step in response to community requests.

Low Seawalls On Hoboken Streets Will Be Topic Of Public DEP Meeting Tuesday Patch.com, 6/13/2024 - Construction is set to start later this month on "resist structures," which would act as low walls on city streets to resist flooding. Residents can find out more about the plans at a meeting Tuesday involving the City of Hoboken and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Coach USA files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy NJBIZ, 6/12/2024 -  Coach USA said it has initiated court-supervised sales for its businesses, adding the move aims to “preserve jobs, ensure continued service and maximize the value of our businesses.” The company has 2,700 employees throughout the U.S. and Canada. The company "is operating as normal and remains focused on operating safely and serving customers."

Carteret awards contracts for in-water & uplands construction of ferry terminal ROI-NJ, 6/13/2024 - Howell-based George Harms Construction Co. was awarded nearly $7.95 million for in-water construction work, while Old Bridge-based Black Rock Enterprises was awarded more than $6.4 million for uplands construction. Construction is expected to begin in July and be completed by spring 2025.

A new emphasis on electrifying NJ’s school bus fleet NJ Spotlight News, 6/13/2024 - A bill (A-1677) advanced out of the Assembly Education Committee last week would extend terms for lease and purchase contracts for electric school buses to last the service life of the bus. The New Jersey School Boards Association would also help local districts obtain electric school buses by working as a government aggregator.

Local activists, mayors urge passage of new business tax to fund NJ Transit New Jersey Monitor, 6/13/2024 - Activists said they would prefer to bring back the business tax surcharge that expired last year, which affected 3,000 businesses (the proposed transit tax will only hit 300 businesses). They also stressed that NJ Transit faces a budget gap next year that exceeds $700 million.

State pitches $100M plan to develop NJ Transit properties New Jersey Monitor, 6/14/2024 - Under the proposal, whose details are still being negotiated, the state Economic Development Authority would be required to remit a portion of its proceeds back to NJ Transit if the sale or lease of a transit property exceeds the authority’s purchasing costs.

Troublesome Jersey Shore bridge could be closed for weeks for emergency repairs NJ.com, 6/15/2024 - An oft-shuttered bridge that connects two Jersey Shore towns in Monmouth County could be closed for several weeks for repair work, county officials announced Friday.

N.Y. - N.J. Port Authority revenues are up over last year. Will the trend continue? NJ.com, 4/30/2024 (PAYWALL) - Port Authority officials were brimming with good news: revenues for the first quarter of 2024 were up by $31 million compared to 2023 and $16 million more than budgeted for. Citing strong airport recovery and proactive toll increases on the authority’s six bridges and tunnels that had minimal impact on traffic levels, Fitch Ratings gave a stable AA- ranking to a $650 million Port Authority bond issue that would fund major capital projects.

Warehouse industry reports point to possible slowdown NJ Spotlight News, 4/30/2024 - Recent data from state and industry sources shows a sharp slowing in the number of building permits issued for warehouse construction last year in New Jersey. Those sources also show a new rise in vacancies, and a lower rate of increase in rents for the giant buildings, which have been springing up throughout the state for several years.

N.J. drawbridge is still stuck in the open position. Free shuttle should help, officials say. NJ.com, 4/30/2024 - People who normally use the Route 71 bridge over the Shark River between Avon and Belmar that’s been stuck in the open position since early March will get a free shuttle bus to ride until the span is fixed. The free ride between the business districts of Belmar and Avon-by-the-Sea was announced by the state Department of Transportation and will start Wednesday morning. It will operate until the bridge is fixed.

NJ's Route 1 has become an increasingly dangerous commute. Here's what police are doing MyCentralJersey, 4/29/2024 - Fatal crashes are up over 27% statewide in the first four months of the year, police said in a statement. Central Jersey leads the state in fatal crashes with Middlesex and Monmouth counties seeing the most deaths, the statement said.

Monmouth County offers free rides for medical visits for anyone who needs one Asbury Park Press, 4/30/2024 -  Monmouth County residents can now schedule two free round-trip rides every week to address their medical, wellness and nutrition appointments. 
 

NJ Transit consulting team is looking to transform the agency. And cut $600M NorthJersey.com, 5/7/2024 - The state is paying North Highland $6.7 million to conduct the study, which the company launched in January. It is expected to deliver “quick wins” in June, with a feasibility study report in late October or November.

Bipartisan bill tasks FAA with ensuring safer takeoffs, flights and landings NJ Spotlight News, 5/7/2024 - The bill requires a study about expanding access for “lower cost passenger carriers at capacity constrained” airports, specifically Newark Liberty International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia airports, and it establishes a federal center near Atlantic City as an aviation and aerospace hub.

Fatal crashes rise in NJ, Central Jersey is hot spot NJ Spotlight News, 5/3/2024 - Fatal crashes are up 28% statewide over the last year, according to new data from the New Jersey State Police, and Central Jersey is a hot spot for the problem. There have been 197 fatal crashes statewide so far this year, with 21 of those occurring in either Middlesex County or Monmouth County.

The deadline to get a Real ID is fast approaching. What you need to do to get one. NJ.com, 5/6/2024 (PAYWALL) - Only one in seven New Jersey drivers have opted for the more secure Real ID Driver's license and ID cards that in close to one year will be the only license accepted as identification for domestic air travel.

It just got a little easier to ride the PATH in N.J. NJ.com, 5/4/2024 (PAYWALL) - PATH’s new fare payment system that lets commuters tap their digital chip-enabled cards and smartphones to ride is now in all seven New Jersey rail stations, officials said.

Academy Express bus company, paying $20.5M fraud settlement, seeks NJ Transit contract NorthJersey.com, 5/8/2024 - The Hoboken-based bus company that is still paying off a historic settlement with the state office of the attorney general is up for another contract with NJ Transit, the public transportation agency it was accused of defrauding.

NJ Gov. Murphy: We can get seniors a big tax break and plug NJ Transit's $1B hole Gothamist, 5/9/2024 - Gov. Phil Murphy says he’s confident that he and lawmakers can work out their issues in budget talks — advancing a "landmark" tax relief program for seniors and putting in place the corporate tax he envisions closing NJ Transit's looming budget hole.

Truck traffic at issue in Route 202 warehouse plan in Hunterdon MyCentralJersey.com, 5/10/2024 -  The Township Committee is considering a study of traffic in the entire 37.65-square-mile municipality bisected by two major highways.

Two heavily-traveled bridges in Middlesex and Somerset counties to be replaced MyCentralJersey.com, 5/15/2024 — The state Department of Transportation has announced plans to replace the bridges over the Delaware & Raritan Canal on Landing Lane in New Brunswick and Main Street in South Bound Brook. Construction on the two projects is not expected to begin until May 2027.

Hudson County OKs measure to evaluate ‘pedestrian protection’ for 14th St. Viaduct Hudson County View, 5/10/2024 - Hudson County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $23,920 environmental engineering contract with French and Parrello Associates for pedestrian protection for the 14th Street Viaduct.

If you’re struck by a car on an electric scooter, insurance won’t cover you, high court rules NJ.com, 5/14/2024 — The rider of a low-speed electric scooter is not considered a pedestrian, like bicyclists are, under New Jersey insurance law, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.

Port Authority sees cargo increase at local ports following Baltimore Bridge collapse News12 New Jersey, 5/10/2024 - The Port Authority is taking in about 10% more cargo since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore County, Maryland in March. This is not as much as the COVID surge a few years ago, which was about a 30% jump. Still, the ship crash puts under scrutiny how you get those packages, an industry set to boom in the coming years.

NJ Bus Companies Could Face New Rules If They Plan To Cut Routes Patch.com, 5/9/2024 - Over the past few years, four private bus companies have ended or discontinued bus routes in the Garden State: A&C, DeCamp, Coach USA and TransDev. Advocates say the news came as a shock to many riders, who were caught unaware and left in the lurch as they scrambled to find new ways to get to work or other important destinations. That shouldn’t be the case, several state lawmakers say.

Jersey hates NYC’s congestion pricing. But we just made $100K off the plan. NJ.com, 5/14/2024 — New Jersey, which has challenged New York’s congestion pricing plan to charge a fee to enter lower Manhattan in court, is seeing some money out of the plan after all.

Check out the new batch of funny highway signs in New Jersey. Which is your favorite? NorthJersey.com, 5/15/2024 — New Jersey residents are once again getting a chuckle at various points on the highway, as the digital signs reminding them to be safe on the road are back with new messages.

NJ Transit will refund old unused tickets after backlash from customers NJ.com, 5/15/2024 (PAYWALL) — NJ Transit will offer refunds for unused one-way bus, rail and light rail tickets purchased before June 1, 2024, after receiving a firestorm of criticism from riders that their unused tickets would be worthless after a July 1 policy change took effect.

Less than 1 percent of companies would pay this proposed fee to help NJ Transit, report says NJ.com, 5/16/2024 — Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed corporate transit fee, designed provide the first dedicated funding to help NJ Transit, is not the business killer opponents say it is, according to a report authored by a progressive think tank.

Philadelphia or New York? Lehigh Valley may have to pick single destination for train service. Mass Transit, 5/16/2024 — The LVTS, along with representatives from PennDOT, consulting company WSP and the public, took part in the virtual meeting that went over the Lehigh Valley Passenger Rail Feasibility Analysis released in late March.
 

New Flyer awarded contract from NJ Transit for up to 1,300 clean diesel buses Mass Transit, 5/16/2024 — NFI Group Inc.'s subsidiary, New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer), has been awarded a contract from NJ Transit for the purchase of up to 1,300 Xcelsior 40-foot clean-diesel transit buses.
This contract is pursuant to the November 2023 NJ Transit Board authorization for NJ Transit to enter into contracts for 550 40-foot transit buses and options to purchase up to 750 additional 40-foot transit buses. 

NJ Transit one-way tickets will expire after 30 days starting this summer NorthJersey.com, 5/7/2024 - New Jersey Transit will be implementing a new policy regarding one-way tickets and Flexpass effective July 1, according to an announcement from the company. Here are the details of the updated policy.

Number of track outages grossly underestimated for Portal Bridge replacement project NorthJersey.com, 5/7/2024 - Construction of the $2.3 billion Portal North Bridge remains on time and on budget despite a vast underestimate of how many track outages and staff would be required, according to Amtrak’s inspector general.

Dozens of groups urge lawmakers to kill $10.7B Turnpike project, fund NJ Transit NJ.com, 5/7/2024 (PAYWALL) - More than two dozen organizations sent a letter to state leaders asking them to support Gov. Phil Murphy's proposed corporate transit fee and end a proposed $10.7 billion New Jersey Turnpike widening project and use that money instead of raising fares 15% this summer.

Contract to build first Gateway rail tunnel coming this year, planners say NJ.com, 5/7/2024 (PAYWALL) - The first contact to build half of the $16 billion Gateway rail tunnels is expected to be awarded either this summer of fall, said officials of the commission overseeing its construction.

Governor’s plan for funding NJ Transit is getting scrutiny NJ Spotlight News, 4/22/2024 - Under the governor’s nearly $56 billion spending plan, a small group of only the state’s most profitable companies would be forced to dig deeper, with the additional revenue earmarked for New Jersey Transit, the state’s chronically cash-strapped bus and rail agency. For some lawmakers, a key issue is whether the governor has picked the right tax to dedicate to supporting NJ Transit’s strained operating budget over the long haul.

The new Manhattan congestion pricing toll will go into effect June 30 NorthJersey.com, 4/26/24 - The MTA's congestion pricing plan for Manhattan will go into effect on June 30. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority officially passed the plan that will charge vehicles entering Manhattan from New Jersey using the Holland and Lincoln tunnels. Rates vary and there are exceptions.

Verona Selected for 'Complete Streets' Technical Assistance TAPinto Verona/Cedar Grove, 4/27/2024 - NJTPA MENTION - Verona Township will conduct a Complete Streets Corridor Assessment along a half-mile stretch of Linden Avenue through the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) Complete Streets Technical Assistance Program.

Middlesex County officials tout major transportation projects MyCentralJersey.com, 4/25/2024 - Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios noted transportation infrastructure investments making significant headway, like the remodeling of the New Brunswick train station and the construction of the North Brunswick train station, 

Work to replace Lodi's Passaic Avenue Bridge will take a year. Prepare for detours NorthJersey.com, 4/24/2024 - The Passaic Avenue Bridge that crosses over the flood-prone Saddle River will be replaced beginning next month in a $3.5 million, yearlong project.

A section of the N.J. Turnpike in South Jersey is closer to a much-needed expansion NJ.com, 4/24/2024 - The project, which encompasses a 36.5-mile stretch from Exit 1 to Exit 4, would add one lane in each direction to end traffic congestion on what officials said is the last section of the Turnpike mainline still in its original two lane configuration.

Push to use sales tax revenue to help fund NJ Transit NJ Spotlight News, 4/24/2024 - Business lobbyists are suggesting that instead of raising corporate taxes to fund New Jersey Transit, the state should use New Jersey’s fast-growing sales tax revenues to prop up the beleaguered agency.

‘It’s Electric’: Princeton University’s shuttle fleet serves the entire community with zero emissions WHYY, 4/24/2024 - The shift to an all-electric fleet is expected to save about 500 metric tons of carbon emissions a year. In addition to lower greenhouse gas emissions, and cutting additional air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, there are also the savings obtained by not operating a diesel fleet.

Pedestrian Safety Campaign Launches in Union County TAPinto Westfield, 4/23/2024 - NJTPA MENTION - Union County launched its Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety campaign this month at a site where a pedestrian was seriously injured in 2023.

This N.J. bridge was built when Teddy Roosevelt was president. It’s finally getting replaced. NJ.com, 4/23/2024 (PAYWALL) - If the Passaic Avenue bridge were a person, a retirement after 121 years on the job would be well deserved. The busy two-lane span over the Saddle River in Lodi was built in 1903 and finally next month, work will start on a replacement.

NJ releases a 'Statewide Climate Change Resiliency Strategy.' They want your feedback NorthJersey.com, 4/23/2024 - On Monday, to kick off Earth Week, New Jersey's Interagency Council on Climate Change Resilience released a draft of its Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan and launched an updated version of a digital resource platform called Heat Hub NJ.

New Jersey crowned most densely populated state in the US. Here's why Asbury Park Press, 4/23/2024 - It's no secret that New Jersey's quite popular during the summer season. And according to new list by the finance website, Insider Monkey, there are 19 most densely populated states and New Jerseys ranks at the number one spot. Tell us something that we don't know.

Bike Safety Corridor Is In The Works In Belleville (Here's Where) Patch.com, 4/23/2024 - NJTPA MENTION - A new bicycle safety “corridor” is in the works in Belleville, officials recently announced. Last week, the township announced that it will develop a Bicycle Corridor Plan for the area around Belleville High School and the municipal stadium through the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority’s (NJTPA) Complete Streets Technical Assistance Program.

This Route 78 project will cause delays at the N.J.-Pennsylvania border over the next year NJ.com, 4/22/2024 (PAYWALL) - Drivers using the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission's Route 78 bridge between New Jersey and Pennsylvania are in for some closed lanes during two overnight periods this week that is a prelude to a bigger construction project.

How this massive Route 80 rehabilitation project will impact N.J. drivers over the next decade NJ.com, 4/22/2024 (PAYWALL) - In 1962, the Beatles were a hit in Europe and just being discovered in America. That year, Route 80 started pushing its way through Bergen and Passaic counties along with a string of overpasses carrying local streets over it, all built between 1962 and 1971.