Community Corner

Towns Petition for Non-Stop Ride to NYC on Raritan Valley Line

Dual-powered locomotives make it possible for train to travel through Hudson River tunnels.

Riders of the Raritan Valley Line are still pushing for a non-stop trip to New York City as NJ Transit officials have called the dual-powered locomotive that might make a "one-seat ride" reality for the Somerset County train a "game-changer," according to NJ.com.

Residents of the area have long requested that direct transportation be considered for the rail line, with a Raritan Valley Rail Coalition being formed to consider the feasibility. NJ Transit began testing dual-powered locomotives earlier this year that could run on the Raritan Valley line and create a so-called "one-seat ride." Currently, commuters traveling to New York must switch trains in Newark.

The dual-powered locomotive solves the issue of the existing trains not being electric-powered, which is necessary for the trains to operate in the tunnels under the Hudson River, according to NJ.com. Since NJ Transit has been able to install trains that can switch from diesel-powered to electric, several area towns have begun petitioning for a "one-seat ride" to be considered for the Raritan Line.

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Local officials in Bridgewater have called the non-stop transportation "crucial for our continued growth" and have joined commuters in lobbying for the change. In addition to convenience, some have said New York could see an economic boost from transportation lines being further opened from the Raritan Line.


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