In addition to the MOS-3 segment, a Union County Cross-County service is under study. The Union County Cross-County alignment runs west of Elizabeth Train Station to Cranford Station and points west on the Raritan Valley Line.

Project Scope
The original NRL project would have connected Newark Liberty International Airport with downtown Elizabeth, traversing an alignment of slightly less than seven miles. The new proposed alignment envisions a 5.8-mile light rail route alignment that would run from Newark Liberty International Airport at Parking Lot D to downtown Elizabeth via Elizabethport including stops at the Jersey Garden Mall and connecting new ferry service to Manhattan. The Union Cross-County connection would be either a light rail line extension of NRL MOS-3 from Elizabeth to Cranford Station or a diesel multiple unit (DMU) extension of service from Elizabeth Station west to other points on the commuter rail system.

Project Cost

• 1995 Conceptual Planning Estimate: $410 million (Project is not funded.)
• Modified alignment from Newark Liberty International Airport to Elizabeth via waterfront: $400 million (Conceptual Planning Estimate) The project is not funded.
• Union County Cross-County: To be determined.

Current Status
The Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Study for MOS-3 has been prepared for the modified alignment. Union County is assembling much of the right-of-way. The initial planning study for Union Cross-County has been completed by Union County. More detailed studies have started to further define costs, benefits and technology.

Next Milestone
Responding to public comments from DEIS review process - May 2005.

Benefits
The project will provide a transit option for Elizabeth and Union County and spur significant economic development at Elizabethport.

NJ TRANSIT Department of Capital Planning and Programs
April 2005