When I was growing up in Bayonne, the Public Service Corporation owned the #14 Bus that ran from Avenue C in Bayonne to Exchange Place in Jersey City. The company operated numerous bus lines across New Jersey.  Each bus bore the company’s insignia, a circle that had a triangle inside it.  The same symbol was on the old Public Service building at 36^th Street and Broadway in Bayonne.  (The Bayonne Adult Medical Day Care Center occupies that building now.)

            The Public Service Corporation began in 1903.  The original version of Public Service brought together an electric power business and four trolley companies.  The company added more enterprises to its holdings over the next two decades.  In 1928, the various Public Service operations were reorganized into two companies: the Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) and Public Service Coordinated Transport, which operated streetcars and buses.  Gradually, most of the streetcars were replaced by buses. The Newark Subway, which opened in 1935, was an exception.  It kept the streetcars until 2001, when they were replaced by modern light rail vehicles.  Today, the former Newark Subway is called the Newark Light Rail.

The 1970’s and 1980’s saw many changes in the transportation industry. In 1971, Public Service Coordinated Transport was renamed Transport of New Jersey.  At that time, many private railroads were going bankrupt.  In 1976, several rail companies combined into Conrail, which wanted to focus on the freight business.  In 1979, the New Jersey Department of Transportation formed New Jersey Transit, a government corporation, that began to buy out bus lines.  In 1980, New Jersey Transit acquired Transport of New Jersey from Public Service.  In 1983, New Jersey Transit took over Conrail’s commuter rail services in this state.

Long-time and retired commuters may remember that New Jersey Transit reorganized and renumbered the former Public Service bus routes in 1989.  For example, the #14 Bus in Bayonne and Jersey City became the #81 Bus, and the #9 Bus in Jersey City became the #80 Bus.

Today, New Jersey Transit owns and operates most commuter rail lines in the state, with some exceptions.  The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates the PATH trains.  Amtrak, a federal government corporation, runs trains through New Jersey along its Northeast Corridor.  SEPTA (the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), and PATCO (the Delaware River Port Authority Transit Corporation) have trains in Pennsylvania and South Jersey.

Although ownership and management have changed over the years, mass transportation remains vitally important in New Jersey. The City of Bayonne will continue working with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, New Jersey Transit, and private transportation companies to keep transit on track in the years to come.         

The post FROM PUBLIC SERVICE TO NEW JERSEY TRANSIT first appeared on River View Observer.

 
“I have been told that the reason we can’t get additional buses to meet our surging commuter demand is because the Port Authority Bus Terminal is already over capacity,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “The inclusion of $3.5 billion for a new terminal in the proposed capital plan falls far short of the $10 billion that may be needed, and we can’t wait another decade just to get the funding in place. I urge the Port Authority Commissioners to allocate the necessary funds to address this problem before it becomes a crisis, and I invite our residents to make their voices heard.”

 
The capital plan can be viewed at: http://corpinfo.panynj.gov/pages/capital-plan/. In addition to providing comments at the public meetings, residents may also submit written comments on the plan via email at publiccomments@panynj.gov.

For full details, view this message on the web.

The post Hoboken Mayor Zimmer Urges Port Authority Fully Fund Hoboken Bus Terminal Replacement first appeared on River View Observer.

Bayonne Bridge Construction updates are provided by Mayor James Davis   City of Bayonne and  the Port Authority on the Bayonne Bridge construction project.

                Building trades workers are installing the fire and electrical systems inside the bridge.

                On the new roadway from 6^th Street o the bridgeâ€s main span, workers are continuing to install lighting, drainage systems, electrical systems, the barrier wall, and other roadway-related structures.

                Workers cut  grooves into the bridgeâ€s roadway, beginning a round of activity on January 19, and continuing to February 8.  The hours of work will be from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

                In February, storm water system work will be done around Pier N15 between 5^th and 6^th Streets.  This work is expected to be completed by February 15.

                For the next several weeks, the construction project will require bridge closures during various daytime and nighttime hours.  Beginning at some point in March, only nighttime closures will be needed.   Details of the schedule will be announced.

The post Bayonne Bridge Construction Update first appeared on River View Observer.

At Piers N2, N3, and N4 (south of 1^st Street), foundations are being constructed now.

At Pier N5 (south of 1^st Street), in July, a crane will arrive for pier erection and then work its way south to Piers N4, N3, and N2.

Work has taken place around Piers N6 and N7 (between 1^st and 2^nd Streets).  Drill shaft work and excavation have taken place for sixteen footings.  The Port Authority will be working in this area until December. At Pier N8, between 2^nd Street and Gertrude Street behind Ideal Aluminum, pier erection is in progress with the new crane.

At Pier 9 (between Gertrude Street and 3^rd Street) and Pier 10 (south side of 3^rd Street), cap installation is in progress.

At Pier 11 (north side of 3^rd Street), pier erection is in progress with a crane.

At Pier 12 (between Juliette Street and 4^th Street, Slootsky Park on the Juliette Street side), gantry operation is taking place at night, from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m., and is now over the street.  This will be in place for about seven weeks.

At Pier N13 (between Juliette Street and 4^th Street, Slootsky Park on the 4^th Street side), gantry operation is taking place at night (9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.).  This will be in place for about six weeks.

At Pier N14 (Margaret Street), gantry operation has been completed.

Pier 15 (abutment) is serving as the base of operations for the gantry.

Construction will begin in July on a wall and a retention basin on the Kennedy Boulevard side of the bridge at 6^th Street.  The wall will be the same as the one constructed on 5^th Street on the East side of the bridge.

Street closures: Streets and portions of various streets that run under the bridge will be closed temporarily. Juliette Street will be closed until August 2015. Part of West 3^rd Street will be closed until sometime in July 2015. Gertrude Street will be closed until sometime in July 2015.  While these sections of roadway are closed, no through traffic can travel under the bridge.  However, vehicles can continue to enter from Kennedy Boulevard or Avenue A for local access only.    No other streets will be closed while all three above streets are closed.

Upcoming bridge closure: There will be a full weekend closure of the bridge beginning on Friday, July 17.

Residential Assistance Programs – Residents Inside Work Zone:  The following programs are available through the Port Authority: Power Washing – Car Wash Certificates – Damage Claim – Pool Cleaning. For more information on these programs, call Tai White Johnson at 718-390-3003

Hotel: If residents feel inconvenienced due to noise or if they have any safety concerns while construction is underway near their home, they can participate in the Port Authorityâ€s Hotel Stay Program. O. R. Colan Associates (ORC) is the Port Authorityâ€s agent. Residents must contact them to confirm their eligibility and to book a reservation at a specific hotel in Staten Island, Jersey City, or Newark (airport area). They will arrange for a comfortable setting. ORC can be reached at 201-301-6263 or by email at bbnmp@orcolan.com. Residents do not need to be a homeowner to participate in this program.

Window Replacement: Homeowners are still eligible for the Window Replacement Program. They should call ORC at 201-301-6263 for details and an enrollment package.

Bridge Closure Information: Call 855-265-5482 and Press 1.

Bayonne Bridge Travel Alerts & Advisories: Port Authority Bridge & Tunnel Alerts is a free subscription service that notifies customers of 20 minute holds, bridge closures, incidents or events that may  delays trips across the Bayonne Bridge or other Port Authority bridges and tunnels. Go to http://www.paalerts.com  and click on Register for Port Authority Alerts

Free Bridge Shuttle: During certain designated times, a free shuttle will provide alternate transportation for pedestrians and cyclists who use the sidewalk during the Bayonne Bridge “Raise the Roadway” construction project.  The two shuttle stops are located at West 1^st Street and Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne, and 209 John Street in Staten Island.  The shuttles will be equipped with bike racks to accommodate bicyclists.

Service will run every hour as follows:

July through October 2015 – Sundays ONLY from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., due to scheduled weekend closures of the bridge during these months, as long as no full weekend closures are scheduled.

Holiday Weekends: During holiday weekends, shuttle service will be available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The shuttle will run on Friday as long as no daytime closures are scheduled.  The following days are considered the remaining holidays for the summer/fall: Labor Day, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.

Shuttle Information:  Please call 855-265-5482 and press 7.

Community Outreach Office: A Community Outreach Office is open in Bayonne to residents the opportunity to speak personally with Port Authority staff about concerns and services available to help minimize construction impacts.  The office is closed on major holidays.  Please call Tai White Johnson at 718-390-3003 with any question and concerns, or to schedule an appointment.  The hours of operation for the Port Authorityâ€s Community Outreach Office in Bayonne are Wednesdays, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Thursdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and Fridays, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The post Bayonne Bridge Construction Update first appeared on River View Observer.

            Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has provided the City of Bayonne with updated information on the Bayonne Bridge construction project.

At Pier N2, south of 1^st Street, by the Kill Van Kull shoreline, work continues on constructing footings.

At Piers N3, N4, and N5, south of 1^st Street, work has been completed for now.

 At Piers N6 & Pier N7,  north of 1^st Street (between 1^st and 2^nd Streets), the Port Authority will be working in this area until December.  Drill shaft work and excavation are under way for sixteen footings.

 At Pier N8, between 2^nd & Gertrude Street behind Ideal Windows, bridge work has been completed for now.  The Port Authority is working with Ideal to design a new fire exit for employees.

At Pier N9 – between Gertrude & 3^rd Street behind “The Bridge” indoor skate park, Pier N10 – 3^rd Street (south side), Pier N11 – 3^rd Street (north side), and Pier N12,  between Juliette & 4^th Streets Slootsky Park on Juliette Street side, pier erection is in progress with the crane.

At Pier N13, between Juliette & 4^th Streets, Slootsky Park 4^th Street side, pier tops have been installed with the crane since late March.

 At Pier N14, Margaret Street, gantry operation for placing roadway segments has started at night (9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.) between Margaret and 4^th Streets. This will be in place for about eight more weeks, an increase from the earlier estimate of three weeks.

 At Pier N15, the abutment, the gantry has its base of operations.

 Street Closures: West 3^rd Street will be closed until July 2015.  West 4^th will be closed until July 2015 (changed from June 2015).  Gertrude Street will be closed until July. While these sections of roadway are closed, vehicles can continue to enter from Kennedy Boulevard or Avenue A for local access only.  No through traffic can travel under the Bayonne Bridge.  No other streets will be closed while all three above streets are closed.

 Fatherâ€s Day: The Bayonne Bridge will remain open without any closures from Saturday, June 20, at 8:00 a.m. until Monday, June 22, at 9:00 a.m.

 Residential Assistance Programs – Residents Inside Work Zone:  The following programs are available through the Port Authority: Power Washing – Car Wash Certificates – Damage Claim – Pool Cleaning. For more information on these programs, call Tai White Johnson at 718-390-3003

Hotel: If residents feel inconvenienced due to noise or if they have any safety concerns while construction is underway near their home, they can participate in the Port Authorityâ€s Hotel Stay Program. O. R. Colan Associates (ORC) is the Port Authorityâ€s agent. Residents must contact them to confirm their eligibility and to book a reservation at a specific hotel in Staten Island, Jersey City, or Newark (airport area). They will arrange for a comfortable setting. ORC can be reached at 201-301-6263 or by email at bbnmp@orcolan.com. Residents do not need to be a homeowner to participate in this program.

Window Replacement: Homeowners are still eligible for the Window Replacement Program. They should call ORC at 201-301-6263 for details and an enrollment package.

Bridge Closure Information: Call 855-265-5482 and Press 1.

Bayonne Bridge Travel Alerts & Advisories: Port Authority Bridge & Tunnel Alerts is a free subscription service that notifies customers of 20 minute holds, bridge closures, incidents or events that may  delays trips across the Bayonne Bridge or other Port Authority bridges and tunnels. Go to http://www.paalerts.com  and click on Register for Port Authority Alerts

Free Bridge Shuttle: During certain designated times, a free shuttle will provide alternate transportation for pedestrians and cyclists who use the sidewalk during the Bayonne Bridge “Raise the Roadway” construction project.  The two shuttle stops are located at West 1^st Street and Kennedy Boulevard in Bayonne, and 209 John Street in Staten Island.  The shuttles will be equipped with bike racks to accommodate bicyclists.

Service will run every hour as follows:

May 2015 – Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., as long as no daytime closures are scheduled.

June through October 2015 – Sundays ONLY from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., due to scheduled weekend closures of the bridge during these months, as long as no full weekend closures are scheduled.

Holiday Weekends: During holiday weekends, shuttle service will be available Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The shuttle will run on Friday as long as no daytime closures are scheduled.  The following days are considered holidays for the summer/fall: Fatherâ€s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.

The post Bayonne Bridge Construction Update first appeared on River View Observer.

Bayonne’s Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has provided the City of Bayonne with updated information on the Bayonne Bridge construction project.

At Pier N2 , south of 1^st Street, by the Kill Van Kull shoreline, work continues on constructing footings.

 At Piers N3, N4, and N5, south of 1^st Street, work has been completed for now.

 At Piers N6 & Pier N7,  north of 1^st Street (between 1^st and 2^nd Streets), the Port  Authority will be working in this area until December.

 At Pier N8, between 2^nd & Gertrude Street behind Ideal Windows,

 bridge work has been completed for now.  The Port Authority is working with Ideal to  design a new fire exit for employees.

 At Pier N9 – between Gertrude & 3^rd Street behind “The Bridge” indoor skate park, Pier N10 – 3^rd Street (south side), Pier N11 – 3^rd Street (north side), and Pier N12,  between Juliette & 4^th Streets Slootsky Park on Juliette Street side, pier erection is in progress with the new crane.

At Pier N13, between Juliette & 4^th Streets, Slootsky Park 4^th Street side, pier tops have been installed with the crane since late March.

 At Pier N14, Margaret Street, gantry operation for placing roadway segments has started at night (9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.) between Margaret and 4^th Streets. This will be in place for about three more weeks.

 At Pier N15, the abutment, the gantry has its base of operations.

 Street Closures: West 3^rd Street will be closed until July 2015.  West 4^th will be closed until June 2015.  Either Juliette or Gertrude Street will be closed daily from 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. While these sections of roadway are closed, vehicles can continue to enter from Kennedy Boulevard or Avenue A for local access only.  No through traffic can travel under the Bayonne Bridge.  No other streets will be closed while all three above streets are closed.

 Memorial Day Schedule: The Bayonne Bridge will remain open without any closures from Friday, May 22, at 5:00  a.m. until Tuesday, May 26,  at 9:00 a.m.

 Fatherâ€s Day: The Bayonne Bridge will remain open without any closures from Saturday, June 20, at 8:00 a.m. until Monday, June 22, at 9:00 a.m.

Residential Assistance Programs – Residents Inside Work Zone:  The following programs are available through the Port Authority: Power Washing – Car Wash Certificates – Damage Claim – Pool Cleaning. For more information on these programs, call Tai White Johnson at 718-390-3003

Hotel: If residents feel inconvenienced due to noise or if they have any safety concerns while construction is underway near their home, they can participate in the Port Authorityâ€s Hotel Stay Program. O. R. Colan Associates (ORC) is the Port Authorityâ€s agent. Residents must contact them to confirm their eligibility and to book a reservation at a specific hotel in Staten Island, Jersey City, or Newark (airport area). They will arrange for a comfortable setting. ORC can be reached at 201-301-6263 or by email at bbnmp@orcolan.com. Residents do not need to be a homeowner to participate in this program.

Window Replacement: Homeowners are still eligible for the Window Replacement Program. They should call ORC at 201-301-6263 for details and an enrollment package.

Bridge Closure Information: Call 855-265-5482 and Press 1.

Bayonne Bridge Travel Alerts & Advisories: Port Authority Bridge & Tunnel Alerts is a free subscription service that notifies customers of 20 minute holds, bridge closures, incidents or events that may  delays trips across the Bayonne Bridge or other Port Authority bridges and tunnels. Go to http://www.paalerts.com  and click on Register for Port Authority Alerts

Free Bridge Shuttle: The free shuttle will provide alternate transportation for pedestrians and cyclists who use the sidewalk during the Bayonne Bridge “Raise the Roadway” construction project.  The free service will operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. during May, including on holiday weekends and on weekends when daytime closures of the Bayonne Bridge are not scheduled.

Beginning in June and concluding in October 2015, due to scheduled weekend closures of the bridge, shuttle service will only be offered on Sundays from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m.  It will depart Staten Island every hour on the hour from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  It will depart Bayonne every hour on the half hour from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The post Bayonne Bridge Update first appeared on River View Observer.

The post The Bayonne Bridge Construction Plan first appeared on River View Observer.

 

Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has advised the City of Bayonne concerning the latest developments in the Bayonne Bridge construction project.

The assembly of the gantry is 95% complete.  The gantry will have a load and performance test on December 8. This gantry will carry the pre-cast roadway slabs to the new piers.  The piers are the columns that will hold up the roadway.  The crane height will start at 120 feet and then grow to 300 feet once it gets closer to the Kill Van Kull.  The crane started constructing new piers on November 14 near Margaret Street and 5^th Street. The gantry base is at 6^th Street and travels the entire length of the bridge.  Sometime this fall, another crane will be in service working on the south end of Bayonne near 1^st Street.

Verizon and Cablevision continue installation of new cables inside street vaults.  This work will require a curb closure and will involve a utility truck:  1^st Street, Gertrude Street, 3^rd Street, and Juliette Street.  Work on 4^th Street was completed on Friday, November 7.

The Port Authority updated the City of Bayonne on the work activity that has been completed or is in progress around the various bridge piers.

At Pier N2, located south of 1^st Street by the shoreline, sheeting is completed.  Drill shaft work is in progress in six places.  The concrete work is complete and foundations are in place.

At Pier N3, located south of 1^st Street, drill shaft work has been completed.

At Pier N4, south of 1^st Street, sheeting and drill shaft work have been completed.  Concrete work is complete and foundations are in place.

At Pier N5, south of 1^st Street, sheeting and drill shaft work have been completed.  Concrete work is in progress.

At Piers N6 and N7, between 1^st and 2^nd Street, drill shaft work, excavation for sixteen footings, and arsenic removal are underway.  The Port Authority will be working in this area for several months.

At Pier N8, between 2^nd Street and Gertrude Street, and behind Ideal Windows, sheeting, drill shaft work, and concrete work have been completed.

At Pier N9, between Gertrude Street and 3^rd Street, behind The Bridge indoor skate park, sheeting and drill shaft work have been completed. Concrete work is in progress.

At Pier N10, by 3^rd Street (south side), pier demolition has been completed.  Drill shaft work has been completed.  Concrete work is in progress.

At Pier 11, by 3^rd Street (north side), sheeting and drill shaft work have been completed.  Concrete work will follow.

At Pier N12, between Juliette Street and 4^th Street, by Slootsky Park on the Juliette Street side, sheeting and drill shaft work have been completed.  Concrete work is completed.

At Pier N13, between Juliette Street, by Slootsky Park on the 4^th street side, sheeting and drill shaft work have been completed.  Concrete work is completed. Pier erection will start after Thanksgiving.

At Pier N14, by Margaret Street, sheeting and drill shaft work have been completed.  Concrete work is completed.  Pier erection started in mid-November.

The Port Authority has announced that there will be periodic 20-minute traffic holds through November 2015.  They will take place between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.  Motorists and community members should sign up for e-alerts on the Port Authority website for real-time information and scheduling of 20-minute holds.

From December 2014 to December 2015, some six-hour daytime closures are expected on weekdays.  Plans are tentative.

There are no weekend closures planned until after New Yearâ€s Day.

Juliette Street, Gertrude Street, and West 3^rd Street will be closed daily, as needed, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Portions of West 4^th Street will remain closed through mid-December.  While these sections of the roadways are closed, vehicles can continue to enter from Kennedy Boulevard or Avenue A for local access only.  No through traffic can travel under the bridge.

For bridge closure information from the Port Authority, call 855-265-5482 and press 1.

Bayonne Bridge Travel Alerts and Advisories:  Port Authority Bridge and Tunnel Alerts is a free subscription service that notifies customers of 20-minute holds, bridge closures, incidents, or events that may delay their trip across the Bayonne Bridge or other Port Authority bridges and tunnels.  When you register, you will receive free alerts directly at your cellular phone, PDA, pager, or e-mail account.  Go to http://www.paalerts.com and click on Register for Port Authority Alerts.

The post Bayonne Bridge Construction Update from the City of Bayonne first appeared on River View Observer.