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Photos by Fritz Rethage · Posted
September 9, 2003
Secaucus Junction
Frank R. Lautenberg Rail Station
Bookmarks for this page
Overview
Governor McGreevey Release 9/6/03 -- Station named in honor of U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg
Senator Lautenberg Release 9/6/03 -- Lautenberg Secured Over $500
Million for Secaucus Station
NJ Transit Release 9/6/03 -- Governor Opens Revolutionary Rail
Transfer Station is Secaucus
NJ Transit Release 7/31/03 -- NJ Transit Set to Open Secaucus Station
The Record, Sunday, September 7, 2003 -- Spiffy station shows off on its 1st day
#########
Overview
NJ Transit's new Secaucus Junction - six years on the drawing board and eight
years under construction - opened Saturday September 6, 2003
for weekend service with full weekday service expected by the end of November, when PATH
service is restored to lower Manhattan.
Secaucus Junction will connect 10 of the state's 11 rail lines - allowing people from
Bergen County to transfer to many other locations by rail, including midtown Manhattan,
Newark Airport, the Jersey Shore, or Trenton.
The $450 million marsh-themed transfer station, complete with Jersey
Meadowlands-inspired artworks, a half-dozen banks of shiny turnstiles, and 1,140 static
and electronic directional signs to help them navigate the colossal 312,000-square-foot
station.
A majestic lighted-aluminum sculpture of cattails soars 30 feet as the centerpiece in
the building's rotunda, with oak benches nearby. NJ Transit says it hopes to have
amenities, such as a newsstand, a place to get coffee, and piped-in classical music, when
the station opens for full service.
Inside the station, people will find an array of 140 electronic color-coded information
displays that will let them see the next eight trains approaching the station and whether
the trains are delayed.
Two striking mosaic murals, 30 feet long, adorn the walls by the escalators. In the
rotunda, globe-shaped lights grace the walls. On Saturday, officials will unveil a 4-foot
plaque dedicated to Lautenberg - a compromise after NJ Transit's board balked at the idea
of spending $200,000 on a bronze sculpture.
About 2,700 riders a day are expected to use the transfer station on weekends, the vast
majority from Bergen County. But riders on the Pascack Valley Line don't have weekend
service and won't get it until late 2004.
The overwhelming majority of travelers using the transfer station on weekends - about
82 percent - will be looking to catch a Northeast Corridor train into midtown Manhattan.
Twelve percent will stay in their seats and continue to Hoboken, and 6 percent will use
the transfer to head to other places, such as Newark Airport.
For the next few months during weekend-only service, riders coming from Bergen will pay
the same fares they do now to get to Hoboken, even though they will transfer to a
Northeast Corridor train. But once weekday service begins in November, there will be a
separate fare for riders going to Penn Station that will be higher than the one to
Hoboken, agency officials said.
Officials couldn't say exactly what the additional charge would be, but said it would
be comparable to the cost of a PATH train or a ferry to lower Manhattan. The PATH costs
$1.50, and the ferry costs $3.
Bergen riders will come in on any of four tracks: E, F, G, and H. The platform is 729
feet long and can accommodate about eight cars. That means most riders will get off the
train in a covered area, free from rain or snow.
Officials estimate riders going through to Hoboken, the stop in Secaucus takes about
two minutes. Officials say those using the transfer to get to Penn Station from Bergen
will find three trains every half-hour.
There is no parking but there is a spot to quickly drop off passengers along the north
side of the station. At some point, there could be a new park-and-ride off the New Jersey
Turnpike's planned Exit 15X, Warrington said. However, a decision on that is probably a
year away, and any parking would have to be planned carefully so as not to jam local
roads, especially during rush hours.
Source: The Record, September 4, 2003
#######
NJ Governor James E. McGreevey Press Release September 6,
2003
Governor Opens Revolutionary Rail Transfer Station in Secaucus
Station named in honor of U.S. Senator Frank R.
Lautenberg
(SECAUCUS) – Arriving on a
specially wrapped train, dozens of dignitaries and customers joined New Jersey Governor
James E. McGreevey today to launch weekend rail service at the new station, a
revolutionary transportation hub linking 10 of 11 NJ TRANSIT rail lines that will
transform rail travel in New Jersey and the surrounding region.
The ceremony included a
commemorative tribute to U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ). The building has
been dedicated as the Frank R. Lautenberg Rail Station – enacted by Public Law
106-346 – for his vital leadership role in securing the federal funds necessary to
construct the station. The former Secaucus Transfer Station will now be known as the
Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction.
“By linking 10 regional
rail lines, this station promises to be the economic engine that will drive ‘smart
growth’ development in the Meadowlands and the rest of the region,” said
Governor McGreevey. “It will also greatly improve the quality of life for many
New Jerseyans as it provides unprecedented access to new jobs, educational opportunities,
medical facilities and entertainment and recreational destinations, and more time to spend
at home with their families.”
"Commuter rail service is a priority for the people of New
Jersey, many of which ride the rails everyday to and from work," said Lautenberg
"This station, once fully operational, will shorten travel times to and from midtown
Manhattan by 15 to 20 minutes, saving a total of 13,500 days in annual travel time. For
each individual commuter, this adds up to an extra week of time over the course of a year
- time I hope commuters will be able to spend with their families."
"The Frank Lautenberg Station will provide New Jerseyans with a
more convenient, accessible, and efficient way to get in and around all of New Jersey, New
York City, and across the country all from this local station," said Congressman
Steve Rothman, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation who
represents Secaucus. "This transfer station will improve the quality of life for the
people of New Jersey and help our economy for years and generations to come."
"Today's opening of the Secaucus Transfer Station marks a vital
step in the overall regional recovery and a significant improvement of our commuter system
across New Jersey and into New York City after the tragic events of September 11,"
said Congressman Robert Menendez. "I am proud to have worked with my colleagues
in the State and in Congress to ensure the completion of this long-awaited crossroads of transportation that will catapult New
Jersey into the forefront of commuter services."
“This new station allows
NJ TRANSIT customers to reach many new destinations in New Jersey and the surrounding
region, and shaves 10-15 minutes off of the travel time of North Jersey rail passengers
traveling to midtown Manhattan,” said State Transportation Commissioner and NJ
TRANSIT Board Chairman Jack Lettiere. “This station hub sets the stage
for the next generation of regional rail capacity with the purchase of bi-level rail cars
and construction of a new trans-Hudson rail tunnel.”
"Metro-North has always believed that opening the Secaucus
transfer station will create terrific new opportunities for regional travel and increased
ridership. That is why New York State contributed $53 million of its capital investment
money directly to the construction of this facility," said MTA Metro-North Railroad
President Peter A. Cannito.
Governor McGreevey hailed the
weekend arrival of the $450 million station for its delivery of improved regional rail
service, connectivity to popular entertainment and recreational destinations and ability
to serve as a key economic engine for New Jersey. Weekday service to Secaucus will
arrive after the opening of the Lower Manhattan PATH Station later this year, which is
expected to open up more seats on NJ TRANSIT trains operating between Newark and New York.
Also joining the Governor and
the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors at today’s ceremony were 10 NJ TRANSIT customers
– one for each of the rail lines that have access to the facility. The
312,000-square-foot station is built above the Main Line and Northeast Corridor in
Secaucus, connecting trains on the Main, Bergen County, Pascack Valley, Port Jervis,
Montclair-Boonton, Morristown, Gladstone, Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast and
Raritan Valley lines.
The specially
“wrapped” train will operate on NJ TRANSIT rail lines over the next several
months to promote the station’s new connecting destinations including Newark Liberty
International Airport, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Radio City Music Hall and
the Jersey Shore. These destinations were highlighted during opening ceremonies,
with images of each destination flashing on large screens and promotional materials
distributed to guests.
Among the venues and businesses
partnering with NJ TRANSIT to promote weekend rail service are Continental Airlines, the
New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, Radio
City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, the Empire State Building, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, World Yacht Dinner Cruises, Circle
Line Dinner Cruises, the Palm Restaurant, Planet Hollywood, Frankie and Johnny’s and
Broadway and Off-Broadway shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Café’ a Go Go and Tony
and Tina’s Wedding.
"Of all the improvements at Newark Liberty International, rail
access ranks with the best because it is such an efficient way for our customers to get to
their flights. We're especially excited that the Secaucus station now lets travelers
from North Jersey easily reach the airport via rail. NJ Transit is helping you to
make your trip with the same level of convenience that we provide with our eService
check-in and nonstop flights from Liberty to 120 cities," said Gordon Bethune,
Chairman and CEO of Continental Airlines.
Over the past year, NJ TRANSIT
has added 71 new Saturday trains and 79 new Sunday trains to prepare for weekend service on the Main, Bergen
County, Port Jervis, Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast lines. Also during
the last year, NJ TRANSIT hired more than 100 new frontline employees (including
conductors, assistant conductors and engineers), received delivery of 29 new
high-horsepower electric locomotives, more than 120 new Comet V coach cars (with more on
the way) and constructed new or expanded storage yards, passenger facilities, tracks,
switches and signals to support the Secaucus Station operation.
Beginning September 6 and during the weekend-only period, passengers
who have tickets or passes for Hoboken may use the new station to transfer at Secaucus for
trains to New York at no additional cost. Within the first six months, NJ Transit
projects 2,700 customers will pass through Secaucus each weekend day, and over 7,500
customers each week day.
Other station highlights
include 21 ticket vending machines, a customer service office, a station-wide
public address system, new passenger information systems and displays, a modern heating
and air conditioning system, four rest rooms, retail space and multiple artwork
installations.
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation
system providing more than 752,600 daily trips on 240 bus routes, two light rail lines and
11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with
162 rail stations, 28 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major
points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.
NJ Governor James E. McGreevey Press Release September 6, 2003
#####
US Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Press Release
September 6, 2003
Frank R. Lautenberg
Rail Transfer Station Opens,
Will Serve as Lynchpin for North Jersey Rail System
Lautenberg Secured Over $500 Million for
Secaucus Station
SECAUCUS, N.J. – During a ceremony today, the new Frank R. Lautenberg Rail Station
at Secaucus Junction opened for business. The much anticipated transfer station will serve
as the lynchpin for rail in northern New Jersey. The station will connect 10 of the NJ
TRANSIT's 11 commuter rail lines for the first time in history, creating more
opportunities for interstate and intrastate travel. On hand for the opening of the new
station were Governor James P. McGreevey, Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, Congressmen Steve
Rothman and Robert Menendez, NJ Transit Executive Director George Warrington, Metro-North
President Peter A. Cannito, as well as 10 rail commuters who will benefit from this new
service.
"Commuter rail service is part of daily life for hundreds of thousands of people
in New Jersey each and every day, with many relying on rail for their primary mode of
transportation," said Lautenberg "This new station will go along way to speed up
commutes and provide people easier access to Manhattan."
In 2000, Congress passed legislation, authored by Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), to
name the station after Senator Lautenberg in recognition of his years of leadership in
transportation in New Jersey. The Frank R. Lautenberg Rail Station, with 312,000
square-feet, is one of the largest commuter rail projects to be built in the United States
in modern times.
"I am proud to have played a role in the naming of this rail station after my
friend and colleague, Senator Lautenberg. His commitment and contributions to New Jersey's
transportation and infrastructure have been significant. He is very deserving of this
great honor," said Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL).
"I, along with my colleagues here today, have worked very hard over the last eight
years to build this station so thousands of New Jersey residents can more easily commute
to and from work," said Lautenberg. The vast majority of funding for this station was
secured as a result of Senator Lautenberg's work as Chairman and Ranking Member of the
powerful Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee.
The station will permit commuters to transfer from the Main, Bergen, Port Jervis and
Pascack Valley lines to all Northeast Corridor (NEC), North Jersey Coast Line, and
Mid-Town Direct trains. On average, it will save NJ commuters entering New York City about
15 minutes. It will save Bergen County commuters an average of 20 minutes per commute.
"With more people riding rail, there will be fewer cars on our roads, which is
good news for New Jersey's environment," said Lautenberg. "For two decades I've
worked hard bringing federal resources back to New Jersey for transportation and the
environment, and I look forward to continuing that work."
In addition, the new station will foster the State's "Smart Growth" plan by
encouraging development at and around rail stations throughout New Jersey. At the Secaucus
Station, for example, a development of 4 million square feet of office and commercial
space will mean 17,000 additional jobs at the site, noted Lautenberg.
US Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Press Release
September 6, 2003
#######
NJ Transit Press Release 9/6/03
Governor Opens Revolutionary Rail Transfer Station is Secaucus
SECAUCUS, NJ -- Arriving on a specially
wrapped train, dozens of dignitaries and customers joined New Jersey Governor James E.
McGreevey today to launch weekend rail service at the new station, a revolutionary
transportation hub linking 10 of 11 NJ TRANSIT rail lines that will transform rail travel
in New Jersey and the surrounding region.
The ceremony included a commemorative tribute to U.S.
Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ). The building has been dedicated as the Frank R.
Lautenberg Rail Station enacted by Public Law 106-346 for his vital leadership
role in securing the federal funds necessary to construct the station. The former Secaucus
Transfer Station will now be known as the Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus
Junction.
By linking 10 regional rail lines, this station promises to be the economic
engine that will drive smart growth development in the Meadowlands and the rest
of the region, said Governor McGreevey. It will also greatly improve the quality
of life for many New Jerseyans as it provides unprecedented access to new jobs,
educational opportunities, medical facilities and entertainment and recreational
destinations, and more time to spend at home with their families.
"Commuter rail service is a priority for the people of New Jersey, many of which
ride the rails everyday to and from work," said Lautenberg "This station, once
fully operational, will shorten travel times to and from midtown Manhattan by 15 to 20
minutes, saving a total of 13,500 days in annual travel time. For each individual
commuter, this adds up to an extra week of time over the course of a year - time I hope
commuters will be able to spend with their families."
"The Frank Lautenberg Station will provide New Jerseyans with a more convenient,
accessible, and efficient way to get in and around all of New Jersey, New York City, and
across the country all from this local station," said Congressman Steve Rothman, a
member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation who represents Secaucus.
"This transfer station will improve the quality of life for the people of New Jersey
and help our economy for years and generations to come."
"Today's opening of the Secaucus Transfer Station marks a vital step in the
overall regional recovery and a significant improvement of our commuter system across New
Jersey and into New York City after the tragic events of September 11," said
Congressman Robert Menendez. "I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in the
State and in Congress to ensure the completion of this long-awaited
crossroads of transportation that will catapult New Jersey into the forefront of commuter
services."
This new station allows NJ TRANSIT customers to reach many new destinations
in New Jersey and the surrounding region, and shaves 10-15 minutes off of the travel time
of North Jersey rail passengers traveling to midtown Manhattan, said State
Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Jack Lettiere. This station
hub sets the stage for the next generation of regional rail capacity with the
purchase of bi-level rail cars and construction of a new trans-Hudson rail tunnel.
"Metro-North has always believed that opening the Secaucus transfer station will
create terrific new opportunities for regional travel and increased ridership. That is why
New York State contributed $53 million of its capital investment money directly to the
construction of this facility," said MTA Metro-North Railroad President Peter A.
Cannito.
Governor McGreevey hailed the weekend arrival of the $450 million station for its
delivery of improved regional rail service, connectivity to popular entertainment and
recreational destinations and ability to serve as a key economic engine for New Jersey.
Weekday service to Secaucus will arrive after the opening of the Lower Manhattan PATH
Station later this year, which is expected to open up more seats on NJ TRANSIT trains
operating between Newark and New York.
Also joining the Governor and the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors at todays
ceremony were 10 NJ TRANSIT customers one for each of the rail lines that have
access to the facility. The 312,000-square-foot station is built above the Main Line and
Northeast Corridor in Secaucus, connecting trains on the Main, Bergen County, Pascack
Valley, Port Jervis, Montclair-Boonton, Morristown, Gladstone, Northeast Corridor, North
Jersey Coast and Raritan Valley lines.
The specially wrapped train will operate on NJ TRANSIT rail lines over
the next several months to promote the stations new connecting destinations including
Newark Liberty International Airport, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Radio City
Music Hall and the Jersey Shore. These destinations were highlighted during opening
ceremonies, with images of each destination flashing on large screens and promotional
materials distributed to guests.
Among the venues and businesses partnering with NJ TRANSIT to promote weekend
rail service are Continental Airlines, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, the New
Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, the
Empire State Building, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, World Yacht Dinner
Cruises, Circle Line Dinner Cruises, the Palm Restaurant, Planet Hollywood, Frankie and
Johnnys and Broadway and Off-Broadway shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Café
a Go Go and Tony and Tinas Wedding.
"Of all the improvements at Newark Liberty International, rail access ranks with
the best because it is such an efficient way for our customers to get to their flights.
We're especially excited that the Secaucus station now lets travelers from North Jersey
easily reach the airport via rail. NJ TRANSIT is helping you to make your trip with the
same level of convenience that we provide with our eService check-in and nonstop flights
from Liberty to 120 cities," said Gordon Bethune, Chairman and CEO of Continental
Airlines.
Over the past year, NJ TRANSIT has added 71 new Saturday trains and 79 new
Sunday trains to prepare for weekend service on the Main, Bergen County, Port
Jervis, Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast lines. Also during the last year, NJ
TRANSIT hired more than 100 new frontline employees (including conductors, assistant
conductors and engineers), received delivery of 29 new high-horsepower electric
locomotives, more than 120 new Comet V coach cars (with more on the way) and constructed
new or expanded storage yards, passenger facilities, tracks, switches and signals to
support the Secaucus Station operation.
Beginning September 6 and during the weekend-only period, passengers who have tickets
or passes for Hoboken may use the new station to transfer at Secaucus for trains to New
York at no additional cost. Within the first six months, NJ TRANSIT projects 2,700
customers will pass through Secaucus each weekend day, and over 7,500 customers each week
day.
Other station highlights include 28 ticket vending machines, a customer
service office, a station-wide public address system, new passenger information systems
and displays, a modern heating and air conditioning system, four rest rooms, retail space
and multiple artwork installations.
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing
more than 752,600 daily trips on 240 bus routes, two light rail lines and 11 commuter rail
lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 162 rail stations, 28
light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New
York and Philadelphia.
NJ Transit Press Release, 9/6/03
#####
NJ Transit Press Release July 31, 2003
NJ Transit Set to Open Secaucus Station
NEWARK, NJ, July 31, 2003 – After much
anticipation, NJ TRANSIT Executive Director George Warrington announced at today’s
Board meeting that Saturday, September 6 would be the opening date for weekend-only
service at the Secaucus transfer station. Weekday rail service at the station will be
launched by the end of this year, following the opening of the lower Manhattan PATH
station.
The $450 million Secaucus transfer connects 10 of NJ
TRANSIT’s 11 rail lines, providing rail customers with new and improved regional
transportation options to popular destinations such as New York, Newark International
Airport, downtown Newark, Trenton, eight New Jersey universities and the Jersey Shore.
“The Secaucus transfer station creates new markets, generates job growth and
sparks economic development for the State of New Jersey,” said NJ TRANSIT Board
Chairman and State Transportation Commissioner Jack Lettiere. “The new hub also sets
the groundwork for the next generation of transportation services, such as a new two-track
tunnel under the Hudson River and 100 bi-level rail cars.”
“Since last year, we have been ramping up for the opening of the Secaucus
transfer station by adding more service throughout our system.” said NJ TRANSIT
Executive Director George D. Warrington. “This phased-in approach helps to ensure for
a smoother transition as we provide our customers with new commuting and leisure travel
options.”
Typically, hourly service will be available on weekends at Secaucus, although
there will be some variation throughout the day. Customers should check their train
schedules closely. Among the schedule highlights:
Eastbound to Hoboken:
- A Main Line train will stop at the station seven minutes after the hour.
- A Bergen County Line train will stop 12 minutes after the hour.
Eastbound to New York:
- A Morris & Essex Lines train will stop 20 minutes after the hour.
- A Northeast Corridor train will stop 24 minutes after the hour.
- A North Jersey Coast Line train will stop 29 minutes after the hour.
Westbound from New York
- A North Jersey Coast Line train will stop 17 minutes after the hour.
- A Morris & Essex Lines train will stop 20 minutes after the hour.
- A Northeast Corridor train will stop 23 minutes after the hour.
Westbound from Hoboken
- A Bergen County Line train will stop 31 minutes after the hour.
- A Main Line train will stop 36 minutes after the hour.
Beginning September 6 and during the weekend-only period, passengers who have
tickets or passes for Hoboken may use the new station to transfer at Secaucus for trains
to New York at no additional cost. For example, consider the rates:
- Radburn-Fair Lawn to Hoboken/New York City on the Bergen County Line. Monthly
($111), weekly ($33.50), off-peak round trip ($6), one-way ($3.95), one-way reduced fare
($1.80).
- Ridgewood to Hoboken/New York City on the Main Line. Monthly ($154), weekly ($47),
off-peak round trip ($8.25), one-way ($5.50), one-way reduced fare ($2.50).
NJ TRANSIT’s decision to gradually phase in service at Secaucus will
facilitate a smooth and safe transition, allowing customers to get accustomed to new
schedules and service patterns and the station building. Moreover, a staggered service
plan will provide the time necessary to adjust service levels when PATH service is
restored to lower Manhattan.
For further information, riders in North Jersey can call NJ TRANSIT between 6
a.m. and midnight at 1-800-772-2222 or at 973-762-5100 from out of state. In South Jersey,
riders may call NJ TRANSIT between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. at 1-800-582-5946 or at 215-569-3752
from Pennsylvania. For persons with hearing impairments, the number is 1-800-772-2287.
Riders can also visit the NJ TRANSIT website at www.njtransit.com.
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system
providing more than 752,600 daily trips on 240 bus routes, two light rail lines and 11
commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 161 rail
stations, 28 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in
New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.
NJ Transit Press Release, 9/6/03
######
The Record, Sunday, September 7,
2003
Spiffy station shows off on its 1st day
By Elizabeth LLorente, Staff Writer
For years, Michael Dciuba, a retiree whose vision problems prevent him from driving, has
endured a long and frustrating commute to visit a sister in Long Branch.
It took the Wallington resident three buses to get to Newark, where he boarded a train
to Long Branch. Sometimes, he said, the trip took nearly three hours.
So Dciuba beamed Saturday, as he soaked up a relaxing, and short, train trip from
Garfield to NJ Transit's new Secaucus Transfer rail station, which opened that morning for
weekend service. Dciuba calculated the new station, where he can catch a train to Long
Branch, could cut his commute by half.
"We're both retired," he said of himself and his sister. "It means a lot
to be able to have an easier time of visiting her."
NJ Transit officials marked the long-awaited opening - construction took eight years -
with a ceremony in the multilevel building's rotunda that included Governor McGreevey,
Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg, top NJ Transit officials, and other members of New Jersey's
congressional delegation.
Amid gleaming floors in the airy, sun-splashed rotunda, McGreevey said the station's
opening marked "a great day for the citizens of New Jersey. ... It will markedly
improve the quality of the lives of our citizens."
McGreevey said traffic congestion in New Jersey hurts the state's economy and
environment.
"This station promises to be the economic engine that will drive smart-growth
development in the Meadowlands and the rest of the region," McGreevey said. He
expects it to provide New Jersey residents "unprecedented access to new jobs,
educational opportunities, medical facilities, and entertainment and recreational
destinations, and more time to spend at home with their families."
For the first time, one station connects 10 of the state's 11 rail lines. Bergen County
residents will be able to transfer by rail to such places as midtown Manhattan, Newark
Liberty Airport, the Jersey shore, and Trenton, and other places. Before the transfer
station, Bergen County riders had to travel to Hoboken and transfer to a PATH train or
ferry to go to New York City. The Secaucus station reduces some New York commutes by about
15 minutes each way.
Weekday service is expected to begin by the end of this year, after PATH service
returns to lower Manhattan, easing crowding on the system.
McGreevey and other speakers praised Lautenberg, after whom the station is named, for
helping to secure federal aid.
Lautenberg, who often appeared moved by the credit lavished on him, said the
enhancements show residents "there is an alternative to getting into a car."
"New Jersey's economy is so dependent on mass transit as a result of our being the
most densely populated state in the nation," he said.
Elsewhere in the 312,000-square-foot station, commuters milled about, gawking at
Meadowlands-inspired artwork, the sparkling turnstiles, and squeaky clean restrooms.
The new station's first commuters included many rail buffs. Wood-Ridge resident Jeanne
Kehoe, for whom train travel is a hobby, waited three years for the station to open.
"Shortly after I got settled in my seat, they were already approaching Penn
Station. I think it will be a great boon for people who live in Bergen County," she
said.
Customer service was in high gear, with an army of smiling, eager NJ Transit workers
offering assistance to anyone who looked confused.
"It's been a very long week," said a man whose job it is to keep the building
clean.
"We'd clean, and a while later, sometimes an hour later, construction crews would
make a mess again. It's been like that all week," said the man, who declined to give
his name. "I worked all day yesterday, until almost 11 at night, and I was back here
early this morning to make sure everything goes right."
To be sure, everything wasn't going right, in the view of some commuters.
Several noted there is no parking at the transfer station.
Some grumbled about several escalators that weren't operating. Some said the station
needs better signs to guide commuters around.
"When we got off the train from Penn, we weren't sure where we had to go. There
was no sign," said Lauren Sherb, a Manhattan resident who boarded a train to Fair
Lawn. "I don't feel it really saves me much time - maybe five or eight minutes? You
think, 'all those millions of dollars into something just to save five minutes.'"
Cranford resident Jeff Klappholz thinks his commute might actually wind up being
longer. But Klappholz is one of those people who sees a glass as half-full.
"That means I get to sleep on the train a little longer in the morning," he
said.
The Record, Sunday, September 7, 2003
#######
Secaucus Station Set for Weekend Service
NEWARK, NJ - The Secaucus transfer station will open
for weekend service on Saturday, September 6. The station will connect 10 of the NJ
TRANSIT’s 11 commuter rail lines for the first time in history, creating more
opportunities for interstate and intrastate travel. With 312,000 square-feet, the station
is one of the largest commuter rail projects to be built in the United States in modern
times.
Governor James E. McGreevey, U.S. Senator Frank R, Lautenberg, NJ TRANSIT Executive
Director George D. Warrington, Metro-North President Peter A. Cannito and 10 rail
customers representing each line that will be linked via the new station .
Editors note - visuals:
VIP train arrives at station
Senator Frank R. Lautenberg tribute
Rail customers from 10 rail lines linked to Secaucus show support
Artwork on display throughout the station
Big-screen TVs will highlight new travel possibilities via Secaucus –
New York City, Newark Liberty International Airport, Jersey Shore, New Jersey Performing
Arts Center among many other destinations
WHO:
WHAT: Weekend opening of Secaucus Transfer station
WHEN: Saturday, September 6, 10:15 a.m.
WHERE: Secaucus Transfer station
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