A Cautionary Tale About Light Rail

Even before it opens, New Jersey's new light rail system is being derided for having with the worst financial performance in the nation.

1 minute read

March 15, 2004, 10:00 AM PST

By Zvi Leve

Lightly travelled rail lines do little to serve transportation needs, but the costs can be spun into other benefits. George Warrington, the director of New Jersey Transit, acknowledges that the new light rail line will have "no noticeable effect on traffic congestion," but he describes the new system as an economic development project. "Private capital is gravitating back to downtowns across the state, and the anchor for much of that attraction is the train station."

Thanks to Zvi Leve

Read the full story: In Delaware River Towns of South Jersey, a Light Rail, With the Emphasis on Light

Saturday, March 13, 2004 in The New York Times

Transportation New Jersey

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

Start Learning

Advertise with us

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.