John Bendall owner of Re/Max Classic Group discusses plans to improve the Raritan Valley train line.

As we all know a major concern when shopping for a new home in Central New Jersey is commute time.  Many potential buyers will wait until rush hour and time their commute before committing to purchasing New Jersey Real Estate.  Traffic congestion on New Jersey highways creates plenty of reason for this concern.

Getting more commuters to take advantage of public transportation is one possible solution to the traffic problem.  It is with this in mind that “The Raritan Valley train line through parts of Union, Somerset, and Middlesex and Hunterdon counties has been cast to play a lead role in getting drivers off Central Jersey’s congested roads and onto public transit.”   A number of improvements are in progress that will hopefully lure commuters from their cars to the Rail Line. 

NJ Transit has increased service and coverage of several of their rail lines as well as created better transfers for commuters once they arrive in Newark.  One of the typical reasons many commuters are reluctant to give up there ride is concern about the possibility of public transportation running late.  Many of the planed improvements are meant to address this specific concern.  Things like same-platform transfers in Newark, new stops, and increased departures during rush hours have improved ease of ridership.

It is not only rail service that NJ Transit is looking to make improvements upon.  Improvements are also planned for bus service including new lines and use of the shoulder in some congested areas.  Additional buses running should improve the current crowding situation.

For the complete Courier News article visit

http://www.c-n.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070924/NEWS/709240302

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