Transportation summit recommends rail, bus and roadway improvements.

The Meadowlands Regional Chamber (MRC) of Commerce released its report, "Meadowlands Mobility--An Economic Imperative," a white paper on transportation issues affecting residents, employees and employers throughout northern New Jersey.

The document, which addresses the need for immediate improvements to public transit and road infrastructure, was released at the 2007 Transportation Summit, co-sponsored by Cushman & Wakefield of New Jersey, Inc. Additional title sponsors included Jacobs, Edwards & Kelcey and ING Clarion.

"The 2007 Transportation Summit brought together the state's leading experts to address vital transportation enhancements that can be achieved immediately to improve mobility throughout the Meadowlands region," said David Stifelman, Cushman & Wakefield senior director.

"Mobility is essential to this area's growth and the success of new developments, such as the projects underway at the Sports Complex."

Panelist guest speakers who discussed current and future transportation projects were Rich Sarles, executive director, NJ Transit; Bob Ceberio, executive director, NJ Meadowlands Commission; John Duffy, director of Engineering & Construction for the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority; John Keller, supervising engineer, NJ Turnpike Authority; William Goldstein, deputy executive director for Capital Programs for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and Krishna Murthy, executive director, Meadowlink Commuter Services.

The report calls for high-priority improvements throughout southern Bergen County as well as portions of Hudson and Essex counties. Bus transportation proposals include optimizing exclusive bus lanes connecting Meadowlands hubs with New York and providing interconnections between Route 3 bus routes and local routes. Additionally, the plan recommends developing a shuttle system between residential and commercial locations, with an emphasis on Xanadu, Encap, Equinox, Secaucus Junction and Tonnelle Avenue.

"Mobility is essential to attracting and maintaining businesses and employment opportunities and achieving the economic potential of the Meadowlands District," explained Diana Fainberg, chairperson of the MRC Transportation Committee. "Our focus in The White Paper is directed at short and medium term, less-expensive measure that can provide measurable improvements."

Action items for rail improvements call for implementing diesel multiple-unit, self-propelled cars; reactivating the Harrison-Kingsland line; establishing passenger rail service on the Passaic/ Bergen line; completing Pascack Valley Line improvements; and advancing progress on the Trans-Hudson Express Tunnel to provide a two-track rail link to New York City.

High-priority roadway enhancements need to address intersection improvements of Route 17 south of Route 4; replacement of the Route 3 Passaic River bridge; Turnpike interchange improvements at 18W, 16W, 18E; and improvements to Route 3/Meadowlands Parkway interchange.

"The recommendations contained within the Meadowlands Mobility White Paper reflect the highest priority items that, if left unaddressed, may impact economic development and advancement throughout the Meadowlands in the next few years," said Jim Kirkos, MRC chief executive officer. "The report was issued to serve as a catalyst for discussion in an effort to meet the current and future needs of the region."

The White Paper also encourages New Jersey to debate and study congestion pricing options on heavily traveled corridors.

Stephen Rutherford, of Jacobs Consultancy's UK Transport Practice told the summit, "The impact on New Jersey residents would be significant--a 24%decrease in car trips during the morning peak hours into New York City," he estimated. "These motorists would have to be absorbed into the bus and rail modes."