Due to the current locomotive engineer strike, train service is currently suspended; NJ TRANSIT bus service will continue to operate with a regular schedule.

Bus service details at http://njtransit.com/bus-to

North Jersey Buses

@NJTRANSIT_NBUS

·

The post NJ Bus Service Continues to Operate on Regualr Schedule During Locomotive Engineers Strike first appeared on River View Observer.

Governor Murphy has announced a transit fare holiday for all NJ TRANSIT customers from August 26th through September 2nd, 2024. During this period, fares will be waived for all modes of transportation.

Our Promise to You 

NJ TRANSIT is committed to providing the high-quality service that you expect and deserve. The fare holiday is a testament to our dedication to our customers.

Attention Monthly Pass Holders 

As an additional token of our appreciation, we are granting a 25% discount on September monthly passes. This discount will be automatically applied through the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, Ticket Vending Machines, or ticket windows.

The post NJ Transit Fare Holiday Announcement first appeared on River View Observer.

Fireworks Display Visible from Jersey City and West Side of New York

Free Event to Feature Live Music, Amusement Rides, Kids Entertainment, Food and Fireworks by Nationally-Acclaimed Grucci; Donate $20 or More to Support Special Olympics New Jersey and be the Official Launcher for the NJâ€s Premier Fireworks Show

 JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced today that the City of Jersey City will host New Jerseyâ€s premier Fourth of July concert and fireworks spectacular, the Second Annual Jersey City “Freedom & Fireworks Festival,” from noon to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2015 at Liberty State Park, with fireworks by nationally-acclaimed Grucci, Grammy Award Winning Violinist Miri Ben-Ari, live musical performances, amusement rides, food vendors, and entertainment for the entire family.

The Jersey City Festival, which is free and open to the public, is expected to draw approximately 150,000 people to Liberty State Park, the most patriotic site in the country to celebrate Americaâ€s independence with views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, One World Trade Center, and the Jersey City and New York City skylines.

“Home to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Jersey City is the gateway of America and there is no greater place to celebrate our nationâ€s independence,” said Mayor Fulop.  “That is why we were committed to returning the fireworks to Jersey City last year and this year have built on that success.  We are looking forward to showcasing our great city to visitors from across the region who want to enjoy a breathtaking fireworks show while enjoying a day of fun for the entire family.”

The 20-minute fireworks display, which will be visible from locations in Jersey City and the west side of Manhattan, will be performed by the nationally-acclaimed fireworks entertainment production company, Fireworks by Grucci, known as “Americaâ€s First Family of Fireworks.” Their state-of-the-art fireworks performances have been designed for many of the worldâ€s most special events, including seven consecutive U.S. Presidential Inaugurations, the Olympic Games and Worldâ€s Fairs.  This year, with the Grucci Fireworks App, downloadable from the app store, you can sync the music for the fireworks performance directly to your smart phone.

“Weâ€re honored and delighted to once again work with the City of Jersey City to provide a fireworks extravaganza that will be a shared experience for a very wide audience,” said CEO and Creative Director Phil Grucci. “As the designer and choreographer of this event, the City of Jersey City will provide an unparalleled stage to celebrate Americaâ€s Independence.”

Donate $20 or more to New Jersey Special Olympics for the opportunity to be the Official Launcher for the Freedom & Fireworks Festival Fireworks show.  Itâ€s a once in a lifetime chance to launch the most spectacular, most patriotic 4^th of July Fireworks show and donations can be made at officialstarter.org

Grammy Award-Winning Violinist/Producer Miri Ben-Ari will headline the Main Stage.  The day will also include great local bands such as the Jersey Rollers, People In Disguise, Gordon James, Sons of Seymour, and more. The festival will feature an array of food and beverage options, childrenâ€s entertainment, recreational activities and several amusement rides. Guests are encouraged to hashtag their social media posts with #JC4th and #JerseyCity.

Since last yearâ€s announcement that New York City was moving the Macyâ€s Fireworks display to the East River, Mayor Fulop has worked to fill the void of a fireworks show along the Hudson for residents of Jersey City, northern New Jersey, and the west side of New York City.  Since Mayor Fulop began the tradition last year, the administration intends on continuing to make Jersey City one of the premier Independence Day events in the nation.

Partners for the event include Suntex Marinas, Liberty House Restaurants & Catering, the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation, and The City of Jersey Cityâ€s Stop the Drop Campaign.

A detailed schedule of events, including musical acts and additional entertainment, can be found at www.freedomandfireworks.com

This year, the “Freedom & Fireworks Festival,” benefit partner is Special Olympics New Jersey, a not-for-profit, 501(c)3 organization that provides sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics New Jersey is organizing The Statue of Liberty 5K, which takes place on Liberty Island, home of the Statue of Liberty. Check-in for this event will take place at Liberty State Park the morning of July 4th and a private ferry will transport participants to Liberty Island. Participants can run in the 5K or opt to walk in the 3K walk component. If you are interested in sponsoring a participant, you may do so by visiting the Statue of Liberty 5K website: http://www.sonj.org/events/liberty-5k/

“The Statue of Liberty 5k is a unique opportunity for participants to show off their patriotism and philanthropic spirit through their support of Special Olympics New Jersey,” said Heather Andersen, President and CEO of Special Olympics New Jersey. “The Statue of Liberty 5k is a celebration of equality and inclusion for all, including those with intellectual disabilities, as we strive for acceptance on the playing fields, in schools and in our communities. The race is a wonderful way to kick-off the activities of the Freedom and Fireworks Festival, and the funds raised will make a real impact on the lives of our athletes.”

The 2^nd Annual Freedom & Fireworks Festival will also coincide with the Hermione-Lafayette Parade in New York Harbor past Lady Liberty.

Per the Friends of Hermione-Lafayette in America, “A small group dreamed of reconstructing an exact replica of General Lafayetteâ€s 18th-century ship called the Hermione. Today, the majestic vessel is the largest and most authentically built Tall Ship in the last 150 years. The Hermione has set sail in France, launching an adventure that comes to the United States in the summer of 2015 for an unprecedented voyage. It will be an historic moment when we welcome Lafayetteâ€s flagship Hermione as she passes in front of the Statue of Liberty on July 4th. Guests of the Freedom & Fireworks Festival will get to see the Hermione-Lafayette Parade procession from Liberty State Park at approximately noon.

TRANSPORTATION TO THE EVENT

Anyone attending the event is encouraged to arrive by foot, bike, or public transportation to Liberty State Park as parking will be extremely limited in the park and surrounding areas.

Guests may arrive on foot or by bike through the Ethel Pesin Liberty Footbridge which connects downtown Jersey City with Liberty State Park. The footbridge is located at Jersey Avenue and Mill Creek Road, and is in close proximity to the Grove Street PATH and three Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Stations:  Marin Blvd, Jersey Avenue, and the Liberty State Park station. Liberty State Park can also be reached on foot via the Hudson River Waterfront Walkway so anyone wishing to attend the event from downtown Jersey City can walk to the park along the walkway.

NJ TRANSITâ€s Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) will be providing regular service to Liberty State Park, via the Liberty State Park station.  Due to the high attendance forecasted for the evening fireworks and concerts, attendees are advised that HBLR service capacity is extremely limited and as a result, customers will experience delays leaving Liberty State Park station following the fireworks in particular.

Attendees planning to utilize Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service to and from Liberty State Park for the July 4th fireworks may encounter overcrowding, service delays due to the limited operating capacity, and extensive wait times which could span in excess of hours.  With this, attendees planning to use the HBLR should build enough time into their travel plans or consider leaving the park before the end of the fireworks or remaining in the park after the fireworks to participate in planned activities. 
Customers are strongly encouraged to buy roundtrip tickets from ticket vending machines in advance of the fireworks event.

Guests utilizing the PATH train system, should check the PATH website at http://www.panynj.gov/path/full-schedules.html for an updated holiday schedule.

Ferries are available to guests of the event via Liberty Landing Ferry. Liberty Landing Ferry is a water taxi that runs every 30 minutes to the following locations until 8:30 pm:

Liberty Landing Marina
Jersey City, New Jersey

• Warren Street
Jersey City, New Jersey
• World Financial Center Terminal 
New York, New York

Jersey City will provide Water taxi service free for guests between 8:30pm and 11pm between Warren Street and Liberty Landing Marina ONLY. You can view their schedule via their website: http://www.libertylandingferry.com/weekend-schedule.aspx

Commercial parking will be available throughout the city. Visitors are advised to use only registered and licensed parking facilities. Check with lot operators for fees and hours of operation.

BAGS/BACKPACKS/COOLERS ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH

Please be advised that any bags, backpacks and coolers brought to Liberty State Park are subject to search by Law Enforcement Authorities.

ABOUT GRUCCI FIREWORKS

The Gruccis have transformed the night skies to the delight of millions across the globe since 1850.  Among their signature performances are countless performances in and around Las Vegas, NV., seven consecutive U.S. Presidential Inaugurations; the Olympic Games in Beijing, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and Lake Placid; commemorations such as the Centennial of the Statue of Liberty and star-studded extravaganzas including the grand opening of the Atlantis Dubai and the Palm Jumeirah Island in the United Arab Emirates. On New Yearâ€s Eve 2013, a stunning performance displaying 479,651 fireworks made its debut above Dubaiâ€s iconic skyline. The Gruccis achieved their “Largest Fireworks Display” title with this performance and smashed the Guinness Book of World Recordâ€s preceding mark.

ABOUT THE STATUE OF LIBERTY 5K

Before the barbeques, parades and fireworks, participants in the Statue of Liberty 5k have the opportunity to kick-off their 4^th of July at one of Americaâ€s most iconic landmarks. The run, which is the only official race around the Statue of Liberty, is a celebration of the nationâ€s birthday and a showcase of the spirit of philanthropy, as all proceeds from the event benefit Special Olympics New Jersey. The race is capped at 500 participants and runners must raise a minimum of $100 for the opportunity to run or walk. Check-in begins at 5:30am at Liberty State Park, and runners will be transported to Liberty Island on a private ferry provided by Statue Cruises. Race time is 7:15am. The first public ferry does not arrive at the Statue until 9:00am, giving runners time to visit the island without a large crowd. The Statue of Liberty 5k is organized by the New Jersey Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, which is the largest grassroots fundraising organization for Special Olympics New Jersey. For more information visit www.liberty5k.org.

 ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW JERSEY

Special Olympics New Jersey provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for more than 25,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Visit www.sonj.org for more information.

The post Jersey City’s Fourth of July “Freedom & Fireworks Festival” on for Second Year first appeared on River View Observer.

The Jersey City Police Departmentâ€s Special Investigations Unit, the lead agency on the case, is working in conjunction with New Jersey Transit and the Hudson County Prosecutorâ€s Office in the ongoing investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and other federal and state agencies have been notified about the case.
Arrested on April 15, Panasenko is charged with two counts by JCPD, third and fourth degree crimes of possession of a destructive device and creating a risk of widespread damage, respectively. NJ Transit Police also Panasenko similarly. Due to the degree of the alleged crimes, Panasenko was charged on a summons complaint and released on his own recognizance.
There is no indication at this point of the investigation that he intended to detonate a device in his building or on the transit system. Police recovered components of an explosive device at his home, not a completed device. However, the investigation revealed that he did transport completed devices from his home at some point, officials said.

This advisory was released in response to numerous media requests to clarify information released by other sources earlier in the day. Since the matter is still considered an ongoing investigation, officials will only make releases about such they deem necessary and prudent to inform the public or if deemed a matter of public safety.///

The post ARREST DETAILS CLARIFIED ON JERSEY CITY MAN MYKYTA PANASENKO first appeared on River View Observer.

Sponsors Resolution for Tonightâ€s Council Meeting Formally Requesting No Premature nor Expediting  of Sale Until FERC Decision

Jersey City, NJ — April 11, 2012 — Councilman Steve Fulop testified today before the New Jersey Transit Authority on the issue of the Spectra Pipeline. Spectra has petition the New Jersey Transit Authority to ensure and expedite the sale of land that is necessary for the pipeline prior to the final federal approval of the project from the Federal Energy Regulation Commission which is expected at some point in mid summer.

“I am here today to remind the New Jersey Transit Authority that their mission is not to be a real estate broker, but to provide safe ways for commuters to ride public transportation, a premature a sale of property would be counter to NJ Transitâ€s mission in every way and counter to the best interest of residents of Jersey City” said Councilman Fulop.

The Spectra Energy pipeline project is a is issue that has unified Jersey City in opposition. Spectra is proposing to run the pipeline North from Staten Island, through Bayonne, and into Jersey City along the Western edge of downtown, turning East at 14th Street to then go under the Hudson River.

“Some of the land in question runs parallel to important transportation infrastructure, including the Pulaski Skyway the New Jersey Turnpike and areas of the light rail system. This increases the risk and danger to the NJ Transitâ€s rider-ship. We urge the New Jersey Transit Authority not to sell the land voluntarily and willingly.” continued Councilman Fulop. “I am here today to make that clear and advocate for the safety of Jersey City residents.”

Councilman Fulop will also sponsor a resolution to be sent to the entire NJ Transit and Turnpike Authority Board formally requesting no land sales before any FERC decision.

For more on the Spectra Energy Pipeline projectâ€s impact on Jersey City visit nogaspipeline.org.

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The post COUNCILMAN STEVEN FULOP TESTIFIES AT NEW JERSEY TRANSIT ON SPECTRA PIPELINE first appeared on River View Observer.

Customers on the Port Authority’s PATH rail system now can simply “Tap and Go” with their credit cards, under a regional six-month program that began on Tuesday June 1st.

Eleven of PATH’s 13 stations (except the Christopher and 9th street stations) have been equipped with special payment readers, allowing riders to tap a contacltess credit card or other device like a key fob to pay fares.

 

The Port Authority is partnering with NJ Transit, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), along with MasterCard Worldwide, to help test seamless travel using one card on the three agencies’ trains and buses in New York and New Jersey. PATH riders can switch to three NJ Transit bus lines (6, 80,87) and the Lexington Avenue subway lines (4, 5, 6), as well as eight MTA bus routes (M14, M23, M79,M86, M 101, M102, M103, and BXM7 via MasterCard’s  PayPass Card.

Goals include improving convenience and speed for transit riders and helping to ultimately determine whether such as system is feasible through each agency’s transit system. Participating customers will not have to use cash for fare cards from multiple agencies and will not have to wait in line at ticket machines.

“MasterCard PayPass will have an exclusive two-month window to test the system, which then also will be opened to other contactless bank card customers for the pilot’s final four months.

PATH is a natural fit for testing innovations such as MasterCard PayPass that can help customers travel seamlessly between mass-transit systems in New York and New Jersey,” said Port Authority Chairman Anthony Coscia. This Program aligns with our interest in simplifying fare payment, increasing capacity and ultimately attracting more customers to the region’s mass-transit systems.”

“Customer convenience is a top Port Authority priority and this pilot program will give out PATH customers more flexibility,” said Chris Ward, the Port Authority executive director. “We look forward to successful pilot that can help make this payment method permanent.”

“PATH riders deserve the latest service innovations,” said Bill Baroni, the Port Authority’s deputy executive director.” This pilot program will help ease our riders’ travels not only on PATH, but also when connection to other transit systems.”

Contactless cards already have proven popular on PATH, which offers its own, state -of -the -art SmartLink Card featuring an embedded computer chip that tracks the number of PATH trips available or travel days remaining for a customer. Sales of SmartLink Cards for travel on PATH has hit a record, jumping to more that 50-percent of market share on the rail line.

Under the pilot program with MasterCard, customers may select from pre -funding or pay-as-you-go options.

Last year alone, PATH handled nearly 73 million customers. The rail system, which the Port Authority acquir3ed in 1962, is in the midst of a multi-billion dollar modernization that  will result in an entirely new 340-car fleet of rail cars, a computerized signal system and upgraded station.

The post Port Authority Joins With NJ Transit, MTA and Mastercard to Offer Contactless Bank Cards for Area Transit Riders first appeared on River View Observer.

(Easily accessible by PATH, NJ TRANSIT’S trains & buses, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and NY Waterway Ferries)

 We’re BARGING INTO HOBOKEN! Come aboard two antique vessels docking in Hoboken Tuesday May 26 through June 4. The visit will feature tugboat rides; barge tours; authentic Showboat performances including a staged reading of Budd Schulberg’s “On the Waterfront”; and other free and low-cost programs. Team up with a woman tug captain and juggling showboat captain who used to entertain on cruise ships as they retrace Henry Hudson’s voyage and update his vision.

 The Waterfront Museum housed aboard the 1914 Lehigh Valley Barge No.79 and the 1907 Tugboat Pegasus are each listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They will dock between Pier A Park and Hoboken Terminal, One Hudson Place, Hoboken. Visitors are encouraged to use mass transit.

 

The Tug & Barge tour, visiting communities up and down the Hudson River, will bring locals and tourists to waterfront towns to celebrate our predecessors: Henry Hudson, Samuel DeChamplain and Robert Fulton, who enhanced the River through maritime exploration and discovery. Working closely with local communities, the tour will showcase the great potential of the water highway for public access and opportunities in education, commerce and recreation today. We celebrate 400 years since these great explorations and 200 years since the beginning of steam driven vessels, and provide experiences that bring alive their achievements.

 ALL PROGRAMS ABOARD THE TUG & BARGE IN HOBOKEN

FREE FAMILY TUGBOAT TRIPS: See the workings of The Port of New York/New Jersey as a commercial hub that delivers things very close to us, like: fuel, clothes and food. Participants will also discover the natural resources and wildlife of the harbor.

May 30 and 31 at 1 pm. Four-hour harbor tour. Free, donations appreciated. For more information visit www.tugpegasus.org or call (212) 406-2225.

 FILM: “Steamboat Bill Junior” starring Buster Keaton. The 1928 film will be introduced and presented with live piano accompaniment by Ben Model, silent film accompanist at MoMA. Buster Keaton plays the son of a riverboat captain who comes home from college to help run the family business. Also being shown archival footage of NY Harbor filmed between 1896-1906. Program presented by Projected Images of Hudson County.

May 28 at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $8 in advance at www.smarttix.com or toll-free (877) 238-5596. Tickets $10 at the door.

 STAGED READING: “On the Waterfront” Budd Schulberg’s classic story of the New York/New Jersey waterfronts and the racketeering unions controlling it. Produced by the Brave New World Repertory Theatre, www.bravenewworldrep.org.

May 29 Complimentary wine & cheese 7:30 pm, Staged Reading 8:00 pm, Tickets: $18 in advance at www.smarttix.com or toll-free (877) 238-5596. Tickets $18 at the door if available.

 

MUSIC: “The Fuzzy Lemons” – Family-Friendly Rock & Roll, www.thefuzzylemons.com.

May 30 at 2:30 pm. Tickets $12 in advance at www.smarttix.com or toll-free (877) 238-5596. Tickets $14 at the door.

 MUSIC: “Sunset Music Series” featuring sea shanties and bluegrass music. Drinks and light refreshments available. May 30 8-11 pm. $10 in advance at www.smarttix.com or toll-free (877) 238-5596. Tickets $12 at the door.

 

CIRCUSundays 2009: featuring performers from around the globe who will dazzle with dexterity and delight. Hosted by Artistic Director Karen E. Gersch.

May 31, 1 and 4 pm. Advance tickets: Adults $14, Kids under 12 – $10 at www.smarttix.com or toll-free

(877) 238-5596. Tickets at the door: Adults $18, Kids under 12 years $12.

 

ILLUSTRATED LECTURE: “How They Honored Hudson and Fulton in the Celebration of 1909” by Bob Foster, Executive Director, Hoboken Historical Museum, www.hobokenmuseum.org.

June 2 at 7 pm. Advance tickets $5 from www.smarttix.com or toll-free (877) 238-5596. Tickets $7 at the door.

 

TUG & BARGE FUNDRAISER: Come relax and enjoy an evening of fun and festivities bringing history to life while supporting the Tug & Barge to visit towns up and down the Hudson. Complimentary food, wine, beer & entertainment.

June 3 5:30-7:30 pm. For more fundraiser information visit www.tugpegasus.org or call (212) 406-2225.

 

TUG & BARGE GROUP VISITS FOR SCHOOLS, SENIORS, SCOUTS, ETC

EMAIL dsharps@waterfrontmuseum.org or CALL 718 624 4719 ext. 11

 

OPEN BARGE TOURS: Visit the Waterfront Museum’s 1914 covered, wooden railroad barge and step into another era. Hear first-hand the rescue story of a one-of-a-kind vessel by a clown and juggler and discover how food and commercial goods were transported prior to today’s bridges and tunnels. See “SHOWBOAT – ‘Round the Bend”, an exhibition co-produced with The Theatre Museum which tells the history of the showboat as an indigenous and popular form of American entertainment — along our nation’s waterways and within the New York Harbor.

May 27, 28 and June 2 from 5pm -7pm. Free, donations appreciated. No reservations necessary. For more information, visit www.waterfrontmuseum.org.

 

The Hoboken stop of the “Tug & Barge” Quadricentennial Tour is made possible in part by funds from Hoboken Brownstone Company, Applied Development Corporation, United Water, Bijou Properties, the Hudson River Improvement Fund of the Hudson River Foundation, Explore NY 400, Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development, Thomas A. DeGise, County Executive & The Board of Chosen Freeholders. Special Thanks to Mayor David Roberts and the City of Hoboken, Geri Fallo, Carter Craft, Danny Gans & George Vallone, Statue Cruises and NJ TRANSIT.

The post TUG PEGASUS PRESERVATION PROJECT & WATERFRONT MUSEUM present The “Tug & Barge” Quadricentennial Tour first appeared on River View Observer.

Light Rail Ground-Breaking: At 8th Street in Bayonne, NJ Transit leaders and several federal, state, county, and municipal officials took part in a ceremony that marked the start of construction of the latest Light Rail extension. During the next two years, the Light Rail tracks will be extended southward from 22nd Street to 8th Street.  A viaduct will be built to carry the rail line from 11th Street to 8th Street.  A new station will be built at 8th Street and Avenue C.  Completion of the project is expected in 2010.  (Photo credit: Kimberly Lewis. )

On October 15, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez and Congressman Albio Sires
joined NJ Transit Executive Director Richard Sarles and Bayonne Mayor Terrence Malloy to break ground on a project to extend Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service farther into a new station at 8th Street.

    At the ceremony, Malloy pointed out that the new 8th Street station will be only one block from the downtown shopping district.  By extending the Light Rail to 8th Street, Malloy said, NJ Transit would be uniting Bayonne with the rest of the waterfront communities.  He predicted an “economic
renaissance” for Bayonne.
    In a statement before the ceremony, U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg said,
“With New Jerseyans forced to deal with congestion and high gas prices, we
need options that get cars off the road and help people spend less time in
traffic.”  He continued, “By securing more than a billion dollars in federal
funding for this light rail line along our Hudson Waterfront, we are making
rail available to more commuters in our state – and improving our quality of life.”
    Speaking at 8th Street, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez recalled when the
Light Rail system was “simply a vision” and not yet a reality.  He credited
Congressman Sires for his support of mass transit in the House of
Representatives.  Menendez also thanked New Jersey Transit for building the Light Rail “on time and on budget.”  Citing a Rutgers University study,
Menendez said that the Light Rail system had led to the construction of
10,000 housing units and the creation of “walkable communities.”  Overall,
Menendez praised the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail for producing jobs, easier
commutes, and cleaner air.  He called for extending the train line to the
Meadowlands.
    Congressman Albio Sires thanked Menendez for supporting mass transit during his years on the Transportation Committee in the House of Representatives.
Sires said he was looking for additional mass transit benefits for this
area, and had brought Chairman Jim Oberstar of the House Transportation
Committee to Hudson County to show him local transit needs.  Before the
Light Rail system was planned, Sires said, an earlier transportation concept
for the region was a bus line.  He observed that this area is really “fit
for a train” instead.  Sires endorsed the idea of a Light Rail link from
Hudson County to the Meadowlands.
    State Senator Sandra Cunningham called the 8th Street extension “a
wonderful addition to Bayonne” that allows for easier commutes to New York City and Jersey City.  She applauded the concept of building a new 8th
Street station that would be modeled after the old one.
    Assemblyman and Council Member At-Large Anthony Chiappone recalled passing the old 8th Street station when he walked to grammar school.  He predicted that the 8th Street rail line would “enhance property values.”  Chaippone thanked the federal and state governments for supporting the construction of the Light Rail system.
    Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise recalled Bayonneâ€s “wonderful past,” and said that “investments like this [Light Rail] ensure a great future.” Citing the population growth of cities, DeGise advocated mass transit systems that “put people where jobs are.” He thanked Menendez and Sires for their help with transit issues. DeGise said, “The only thing better than a
ground-breaking is a ribbon-cutting.”
    In April 2008, the NJ Transit Board of Directors awarded a $58.4 million
contract to George Harms Construction, Inc. of Howell, NJ, for work to
extend the rail line one mile from its current southern terminus at 22nd
Street.  The project includes the design and construction of foundations
viaduct structure, track work, intersection improvements, a new station
building, landscaping, lighting, and customer amenities.
    From the elevated 22nd Street station, the light rail tracks will be
extended south, hugging the existing Conrail right-of-way along Avenue E. 

A viaduct will carry light rail vehicles over local streets to an elevated
platform at the new 8th Street Station, which will feature an elevator and
stairs between street and platform levels.
    As a result of community meetings, the station will be located at Avenue C
and 8th Street, with architecture reminiscent of the old Central Railroad of
New Jersey station that once stood near the site.
    The project is expected to be completed in 2010.  Once open, 8th Street
will be the 24th Hudson-Bergen Light Rail station.

The post Bayonne Ground-Breaking Ceremony Held for 8th Street Light Rail Extension first appeared on River View Observer.