Orrin Getz to B.Conybeare-Advisor to TZB

Brian Conybeare

Special Advisor to the New Tappan Zee Bridge,

Here is some information about a new diesel light rail system to operate in 2015 in California. In my opinion, diesel light rail could be a preferred alternative to the bus rapid transit system that is being proposed for the new Tappan Zee Bridge. Unfortunately, the MTA has a strong prejudice against any type of light rail system and, therefore, does not operate any light rail systems, nor is the MTA considering any new light rail systems in the future. This is probably a good reason why bus rapid transit is being pushed as the best mass transit system for the New Tappan Zee Bridge.

New Jersey Transit, on the other hand, operates three (3) light rail systems. Two (2) of New Jersey Transit's light rail systems (the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and the Newark Light Rail) use electric powered vehicles and one (1) system (the River Line) uses diesel powered light rail vehicles. Perhaps, it would be a good idea if members of the New Tappan Zee Bridge Mass Transit Task Force would take a field trip to ride these light rail systems operated by New Jersey Transit in order to get a better understanding of light rail systems.

The task force could also take a trip into Manhattan and ride the M15A SelectBus on First and Second Avenues and the M34A SelectBus on 34th Street. These are two (2) of the new bus rapid transit systems that are operated by the MTA.

Thanks,
Orrin Getz
New City, NY

Map 1

NJ-ARP was founded in 1980. The rail map looked far different than it does today. It was predominantly black lines. During the intervening 30+ years, our members were on the forefront advocating for more rail and light rail lines.

NJ-ARP was founded in 1980. The rail map looked far different than it does today. It was predominantly black lines. During the intervening 30+ years, our members were on the forefront advocating for more rail and light rail lines.

Map 2

Watch green appear on the map. NJ-ARP fought for all these lines, stations, and connections. They include the Waterfront Connection, MidTown Direct, the Montclair Connection, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, Secaucus Junction Station, Newark Airport Station, 2 Newark City Subway extensions, Cape May Seashore Lines. Atlantic City Line, and the 34 mile River Line from Trenton to Camden.

Watch green appear on the map. NJ-ARP fought for all these lines, stations, and connections. They include the Waterfront Connection, MidTown Direct, the Montclair Connection, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, Secaucus Junction Station, Newark Airport Station, 2 Newark City Subway extensions, Cape May Seashore Lines. Atlantic City Line, and the 34 mile River Line from Trenton to Camden.

Map 3

Continue watching as yellow lines are added. These are projects in planning stages or currently already under construction. Our work is far from finished, as the map will soon be changing again and 13 new red lines are added.

Map 4

These red lines have been in planning - some as long as NJ-ARP has existed. Lackawanna Cut-Off, Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex (MOM) rail (proposed by NJ-ARP in 1985) are just two. Member support has enabled us to keep reminding media and elected officials of the valuable role rail plays in New Jersey.

These red lines have been in planning - some as long as NJ-ARPhas existed. Lackawanna Cut-Off, Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex (MOM) rail (proposed by NJ-ARP in 1985) are just two. Member support has enabled us to keep remind-ing media and elected officials of the valuable role rail plays in New Jersey.

Orrin Getz to B.Conybeare-Advisor to TZB

Brian Conybeare

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