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Home > About NJT > Capital Improvement Program > System Expansion Projects
Central New Jersey Route 1 Bus Rapid Transit Alternatives Analysis
Background
The Route 1 Corridor has experienced considerable growth and increasing traffic congestion during the last two decades. By the year 2020, traffic volumes are expected to increase by as much as 55 percent, vehicle hours of travel will increase by 118 percent, and average roadway travel speed will drop by 29 percent. Presently, there is limited public transit in the area to provide an alternate means of travel. Analyses completed to date suggest that a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, together with smart growth land use development, implementation of travel demand reduction strategies, and highway improvements, could reduce the anticipated growth in roadway congestion.
Project Scope
The alternatives analysis is being managed by NJ TRANSIT and advanced in close collaboration with its funding partners: New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) and North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). The study is an outgrowth of the work of the Central New Jersey Transportation Forum and the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association. STV Incorporated will perform the planning and engineering tasks for the study. The study will evaluate route alternatives, including use of existing roads with improvements and new alignments, station locations, ridership, potential for coordination with private sector development, municipal plans and cost effectiveness.
Among the priority items to be addressed by the study will be to assist municipalities in preserving BRT right of way on properties under immediate threat of development, and to examine the long-term future of the Princeton Branch (Dinky) including additional service to Princeton University.
Project Cost
$916,000
Current Status
Work on the alternative analysis study began in January 2004 and is scheduled for completion in early 2005. Open Houses with project information will be held within the study area. Dates and locations will be advertised inviting the public to attend. For more information on the BRT system, click here.
Next Milestone
At the completion of the alternatives analysis, it will be determined if a BRT system serving the Route 1 corridor in Central New Jersey could be a justifiable investment.
Benefits
A BRT system would provide a transit alternative to travel on the congested road system in the Route 1 corridor and also has the potential to support smart growth development oriented to BRT station stops.
Comments Welcome
Please send your comments on the Central New Jersey Route 1 Bus Rapid Transit system to:
NJ TRANSIT Department of Capital Planning and Programs
March 2004
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