Matheussen and Haley announce actions to
address Gloucester County's transportation needs
State Senator John Mattheussen and Transportation Commissioner John J. Haley, Jr. today announced a series of actions to address Gloucester County’s transportation needs. The actions include expanded bus service and development of park and ride lots.
"Gloucester County’s transportation needs are real and must be addressed sooner rather than later," Senator Mattheussen said. "I thank Governor Whitman and Commissioner Haley for taking concrete steps to improve the quality of life in our county."
"Gloucester County is one of New Jersey’s fastest growing counties," Commissioner Haley said. "As daily users of the county’s transportation network well know, traffic congestion is growing. It is clear that we cannot build our way out of congestion, but we’re here to announce interim and effective steps to meet this challenge. I applaud State Senator John Matheussen for his leadership on this critical issue for Gloucester County."
"As the state’s public transit provider, NJ TRANSIT is well-positioned to help Gloucester County effectively address this unparalleled recent growth," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Shirley A. DeLibero.
NJ TRANSIT has already expanded existing bus service from National Park and Paulsboro, and will add more express service from key points in Gloucester County to Philadelphia. Locations along the Route 42 and 55 will be explored in order to site convenient, well-positioned park and ride lots that complement expanded bus service.
"We will confer with local officials and property owners to evaluate potential sites for park and ride lots," the Commissioner said. "We would then proceed with acquisitions or leasing arrangements."
The Commissioner also cited Mayor Jerry Luongo of Washington Township for his support of improved transportation in the county.
Last summer, NJ TRANSIT presented a $330,000 check to Gloucester County to fund Work First New Jersey efforts. The Gloucester County project involves the creation of a feeder bus service using existing county public transportation to shuttle participants to nearby bus routes.
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