Rail opposition points to solution of more bus service

When it comes to supporting one of the three proposed rail line options it is now time to look at the hard facts when reviewing the proposed routes.

Recently released figures from an NJ Transit spokesman estimated the costs for the Monmouth Junction option to be $860 million, the Matawan option at $730 million and the Red Bank option at $600 million. The necessary stations for each would be eight for Monmouth Junction, seven for Matawan and six for Red Bank. The daily passenger trips for each would be 9,000 for Monmouth Junction, 10,900 for Matawan and 7,900 for Red Bank. The estimated time for a trip originating from Lakehurst to Newark Penn Station is 1 hour 50 minutes for Monmouth Junction, 1 hour 35 minutes for Matawan, and 1 hour 37 minutes for Red Bank.

Once NJ Transit makes a decision recommending a particular route it will be submitted to the Federal Transit Admin-istration (FTA) for final approval. As such the FTA will need to see that a decision was made by NJ Transit based on costs, efficiency and proposed usage.

The FTA will not likely offer funding to a project if a proposed route was selected over the others based on which residents scream the loudest in town hall meetings. This seems to be the case of the staunch opposition to the proposed Red Bank alternative.

Based solely on the facts, the one alternative that should be immediately taken off the table is the Monmouth Junction route which is by far the most expensive option, requires the most number of stations and would be the lengthiest alternative for a trip to Newark Penn Station from Lakehurst.

The Monmouth Junction option is simply not the most efficient and cost effective alternative based on all of the above factors.

The remaining two options being the Matawan and Red Bank alternatives require almost the same time for a trip to Newark Penn Station. The big differences are the costs and daily passenger trips. The cost difference, however, does not justify the increased passenger trips.

Therefore, the clear federal fundable option is the Red Bank alternative with only a $600 million cost and the lowest station requirement.

However, based on the unsupported constant opposition to the Red Bank route from those plagued by “Not In My Back Yard” syndrome, Monmouth County residents should be prepared to settle with enhanced bus service on Route 9 and the idea of increased rail service finally put aside.

Andrew Rohmeyer

Englishtown