Will Rails Bring Revival?

Will New Jersey Transit's newly-opened, $1.1-billion River Line bring new and investment to South Jersey towns?

1 minute read

March 16, 2004, 5:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


More than a decade in planning and more than a year behind schedule, NJ Transit's $1.1 billion River Line is "opening to low ridership expectations and some serious doubts. Proponents say the Trenton-to-Camden passenger line will revive depressed Delaware... At that time, studies predicted the line would cost $314 million and, once built, would carry 11,200 fares a day.Transit officials now say they expect the line to draw 5,700 fares a day in its first year - about one-sixth of the PATCO High-Speed Line's fares. And the total project cost, including debt payment over the next 13 years, has soared to $1.1 billion. In its first year, the line is expected to cost $20 million to operate, but generate just $2 million in revenue."

Thanks to Governing Magazine

Sunday, March 14, 2004 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

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