Nation's First Privately Owned Commuter Railroad?

A lifelong railroader wants to provide a private passenger rail service. It could be the nation's first privately owned commuter railroad in decades.

1 minute read

January 10, 2003, 12:00 PM PST

By California 2000


It's hard to make a buck by moving people on trains. Amtrak knows that. New Jersey Transit knows that. And so does Jimmy Wilson, the owner of a short line freight railroad that runs between Passaic and Garfield in New Jersey. But that isn't stopping Wilson from trying to start the state's - and possibly the nation's - first privately owned commuter railroad in decades.

Thanks to Linda LaSut

Friday, January 10, 2003 in New Jersey Record & Herald News

Young Professional

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

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 23, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A person boards a SEPTA bus.

SEPTA to bring nearby frequent transit to over 1 million new riders as part of decade-long plan

The agency's Accelerate plan will also bring frequent transit to twice the amount of jobs that are currently located near it.

15 minutes ago - Mass Transit

Five people squat by a tree in NYC, helping to care for it.

NYC plants over 18,000 trees, the most new foliage in a decade

Many of the trees were planted in communities vulnerable to extreme heat.

1 hour ago - AM NY

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaking behind a podium, pointing a finger upwards. The American and California flags are behind him.

New bill requires California data center developers to create water scarcity plans

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed 7 bills intended to give California communities more information about the impact of proposed data centers.

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive