New Jersey Will Spend $190M To Renovate Newark Penn Station

NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey is investing $190 million on a massive renovation at Newark Penn Station, officials announced Tuesday.

During a news conference at the station, Gov. Phil Murphy said the state is releasing $30 million to carry out immediate restorations at the busy transit center.

The funds will go towards work such as improving lighting and drainage in bus lanes, fixing platform doors, restoring benches in the station’s historic waiting room, installing LED lighting, renovating bathrooms, improving HVAC and air handling, installing more signs to guide riders, painting, and power-washing the limestone exterior.

Another $160 million in upgrades is scheduled over the next five years, officials said.

Longer-term enhancements will focus on improving the station’s "openness, light, and overall commuter and visitor experience." Officials also hope to make Newark Penn Station "more of a destination" and add more dining and shopping in the concourse.

According to state officials, Newark Penn is the which is the seventh-busiest rail station in North America. The station is served by NJ Transit commuter trains, the Newark Light Rail, the PATH, and Amtrak's Northeast Corridor services. The station also serves as Newark’s main bus terminal.

Opened in 1935, Newark Penn Station is listed on both the state and National Registers of Historic Places. The station was originally designed and still operates as an intermodal facility serving a swell of pedestrian, taxi, bus and private vehicle traffic from more than 50,000 transit customers who use the station each day.

“Penn Station is a vital hub not just for those heading to New York City each day, but it is also a gateway to Newark and the resurgence that has taken place here over the past two decades,” Murphy said, adding that the renovations will help restore the historic station to its former glory.

Tuesday's announcement got a round of eager applause from a high-profile list of elected officials and transportation executives.

Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver - "There is no more iconic or well-traversed landmark in the state than Newark Penn Station and it is long past due that it receives the critical repairs and upgrades that are needed. I am so pleased that Governor Murphy and NJ Transit are making this tremendous investment in our state’s infrastructure that will not only serve our commuters but also generate the type of economic revitalization that Newark and the surrounding communities require to thrive."

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. - "After I secured $18 million in federal funding to improve Penn Station this year, I knew it would need state funding to provide safe and reliable transportation for millions of Americans in Newark and throughout the country. This additional $190 million for renovations and restorations will help the station survive the coronavirus global pandemic and improve the station for workers and commuters for years to come."

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka - "Newark is the largest city in the state and Penn Station is a major gateway for commerce, employment, and economic development. It is good news that this administration understands the importance of this and are committed to ensuring that this critical piece of infrastructure has significant investment. We welcome Governor Murphy’s $190 million state-funded program to upgrade, renovate, rebuild, and remodel Newark Penn Station. This project is important for New Jersey as a whole, for our region, and for Newark particularly."

Senator Teresa Ruiz - "Newark Penn Station is a state and Northeast Corridor asset. It is one of the busiest rail stations in all of North America. New Jersey's commitment to making this investment will benefit the country, the state, the greatest city, Newark, New Jersey but most importantly the commuters who use it as part of their daily lives. I commend Governor Murphy's commitment to improve our infrastructure and I look forward to seeing the impact it has on our city and beyond."

Senator Ronald Rice - "Newark Penn Station is one of the most important, if not the most important, train station in the state. It is also one of the first things many people see when they arrive in Newark. [The city] has seen considerable improvements in recent years and another way we can continue its revitalization is through projects enhancing this station."

Senator Richard Codey - "I am elated to learn of the coming improvements to Newark Penn Station, one of the busiest transportation hubs in the country and a central source of transportation for many local residents. These improvements will enhance the experience of each rider passing through this station. With all of the progress happening in Newark under Mayor Baraka, the city is on path to becoming the next Jersey City in 10 years."

NJ DOT Commissioner/NJ Transit Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti - "Historic Newark Penn Station is one of our region’s busiest and most vital transportation hubs serving NJ TRANSIT rail, bus and light rail customers, as well as Amtrak and PATH. It deserves this significant investment to see its grandeur restored, and at the same time we’ll be improving the overall customer experience at the station."

NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett - "We’re extremely grateful to Governor Murphy and Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti for this generous financial commitment that will allow us to restore this historic station to its former glory. Consistent with the goals laid out in our recently released 10-Year strategic plan, NJT2030, this additional funding will allow us to perform the necessary work that will improve the travel experience for the thousands of customers who travel through Newark Penn Station every day."

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. - "Newark Penn Station is a major transportation hub and its vitality directly influences the local economy in Newark and Essex County. The long- and short-term improvements to the station outlined by Governor Murphy will enhance travel for commuters and visitors by providing much needed upgrades to facilities and infrastructure."

Essex County Board of Commissioners President Brendan Gill - "Penn Station has always been a crown jewel and centerpiece of Newark and Essex County. Upon arrival, patrons of this historic terminal are within walking distance of attending major sporting events at the Prudential Center, taking in a memorable concert at New Jersey Performance Arts Center, or experiencing fine dining at the many restaurants of the Ironbound Section. I am happy for Newark, and all of Essex County, that significant renovations will beginning in the short term, and equally pleased with the financial commitment by the state to continue the refurbishments over the next five years."

General Chairman of SMART-TD Local 60 Jerome Johnson - "This is a 90 year old rail station, and this further shows the Commissioner that this Governor has to addressing infrastructure issues in the State of New Jersey. He has committed himself to the Portal Bridge, to the Portal Bridge South, which is going to open up the railways for more commuters once we get past this pandemic. Newark Penn Station, with the Governor's leadership, along with the Mayor, helping revitalize the Newark renaissance is just another part of the conclusion of making this a better place."

State assembly members Eliana Pintor-Marin, Shanique Speight, Mila Jasey, John McKeon, Ralph Caputo, Cleopatra Tucker, Tom Giblin and Britnee Timberlake also released a joint statement supporting the massive investment in Newark Penn Station.

It reads:

"Convenience, comfort, safety and accessibility are key components of every modern transit hub. These planned upgrades will give Newark Penn a much-needed boost in all of these areas, aiming to improve the experience of visitors and commuters who use Newark Penn Station every day and usher the station into the 21st century ... An investment in our public transportation infrastructure is an investment in our economy and communities."

Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club said it's a good sign New Jersey is investing in mass transit.

He wrote:

"It is important that the state is fixing up and renovating Newark Penn Station. This $190 million will help update one of our most heavily-trafficked train stations. Penn Station is one of the biggest hubs for New Jersey commuters as they get to and from work. This is a long-needed upgrade to get commuters on their way. They want to upgrade the platforms and make it easier to get to different tracks, which is important for mobility. Using LEDs will help make the station more energy efficient. Upgrading the HVAC system will help deal with post-coronavirus commuting, which is critical. These renovations will help protect commuters during the coronavirus pandemic, prevent delays, and will streamline the station."

• See related article: NJ Needs To Step Up For Bus Riders In COVID Pandemic, Report Says
• See related article: NJ Transit Hopes New Technology Can Combat Coronavirus
• See related article: $50 Fine For No Masks At Port Authority Airports, PATH Stations

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