Public Transportation, Cargo Industry Is Booming In Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Things are on the move when it comes to transportation in Newark.

With several key projects rolling forward at Newark Penn Station, the local NJ Transit bus network, Port Newark and Newark Liberty International Airport – not to mention the city’s first e-scooter pilot program – it may be helpful for commuters to take a moment to catch up on some major changes going on in the Brick City.

Here are a few projects to keep on your radar if you travel in or about Newark.

TRAINS

Officials continue to explore the possibility of developing a light rail line on an underused freight rail corridor that would connect Newark, Paterson and Clifton.

According to researchers, the area that would be affected is home to 582,000 people; 64 percent of those with jobs live less than 10 miles from work. A recent study on the proposed project can be seen here.

Meanwhile, work has officially kicked off on a massive, $190 million renovation effort at Newark Penn Station, which was announced in December 2020.

In a recent update, NJ Transit officials said that $30 million in renovations and restoration work is in progress at the busy train station, with $160 million in additional upgrades scheduled over the next five years.

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.

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 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.

• See related article: New Jersey Will Spend $190M To Renovate Newark Penn Station

BUSES

NJ Transit continues to seek public input on proposed recommendations for the NewBus Newark initiative. The project will redesign the local bus network in the greater Newark area for the first time in several decades.

According to NJ Transit, the agency is doing a deep dive into the area's 38 local bus routes. The findings will be used to create a "new intrastate bus network" for the region. Hopefully, it will help to boost routes that show "underperforming service," improve links with local train service, and improve the "overall experience" for bus riders in Newark, officials said.

“NJ Transit bus riders rely on our service for their mobility – 44 percent do not own a car, 58 percent have household incomes below $35,000, and 80 percent ride the bus five or more times a week,” the agency said in a recent news release.

“Using U.S. Census data, NJ Transit will determine where there are higher concentrations of zero-vehicle and low-income households to see where there may be higher demand for bus service,” officials added.

The agency is seeking public feedback on the plan, which is expected to be finalized in the fall of 2021. Learn more here.

A pair of upcoming public meetings on the plan will be held on Thursday, Aug. 12 at 3 and 6 p.m. Visit the project website at www.njtransit.com\newbus to register. For those without access to a computer or smart device, contact the project team at (862) 800-5368 for assistance.

• See related article: NJ Transit Trying To 'Reimagine' Bus System In Newark
• See related article: NJ Needs To Step Up For Bus Riders In COVID Pandemic, Report Says

AIRPLANES

For air travelers – and for those who benefit from one of the largest air cargo networks in the U.S. – there are some encouraging developments brewing at Newark Airport.

Last week, a major deal between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Amazon moved forward. The agency's board of commissioners gave the green light to a 20-year lease with Amazon Global Air, which paves the way for a new, "state-of-the-art air cargo campus" at Newark Airport.

The lease, which remains subject to final negotiation and is expected to take effect later this year, will provide the Port Authority a lump sum upfront payment of $150 million and another $157 million in additional rent over the life of the 20-year agreement. It’s expected to lead to the creation of more than 1,000 jobs, Gov. Phil Murphy said.

• See related article: Newark Airport, Amazon Move Forward With Major Deal In NJ

Last week’s news comes amid a flurry of other development at the airport in the past few years, including a massive transformation that’s expected to generate more than $4.6 billion in economic activity and $1.9 billion in wages.

• See related article: Take A Sneak Peek At The $2B Transformation Of Newark Airport
• See related article: Plan To Replace AirTrain At Newark Airport Moves Forward

BOATS

Newark officials are also trying to envision a new future for the city's Port-Industrial District.

"Our port area is essential to Newark's economy," Mayor Ras Baraka said last year. "It provides thousands of jobs for residents, but it is also a major source of pollution causing serious illness in the nearby community. We are creating a comprehensive planning process that brings together residents, businesses, environmental leaders, city officials and other stakeholders to chart the future of the Doremus area.

• See related article: Newark Starts Planning For Future Of Port-Industrial District

In July, federal officials released details about a $44 million construction project that will "modernize" a busy roadway connecting Port Newark and the EPAMT. It's a win-win deal for businesses that depend on the ports and residents who live in the area, supporters said.

Funding is coming from the U.S. Department of Transportation, via an Infrastructure For Rebuilding America grant.

According to a statement from U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, the Port Street Corridor Improvement project is expected to create safer entranceways to the port complex, reduce traffic congestion, create jobs and boost the local economy.

About a third of all containers on the east coast of North America come through Port New York and New Jersey.

• See related article: $44M Upgrade For Busy Roadway Between Port Newark, Elizabeth

E-SCOOTERS

The city also launched its first-ever shared bike and electric scooter program this summer, which has been dubbed “NewarkGo.”

Initially launching as a six-month pilot program, NewarkGo will offer 2,000 affordable bicycles and e-scooters that can be rented using an app. Bike and e-scooter parking corrals have been installed around Newark, the city announced.

Two companies, Santa Monica-based Bird Rides, Inc. and Chicago-based Veoride, Inc., have been selected to supply bikes and scooters for the program.

• See related article: Newark Gets First-Ever Shared Bike and Scooter Program

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