So. Amboy rail station improvements heralded

Local, state and NJ Transit officials on Tuesday celebrated the completion of improvements to South Amboy’s train station on Mason Street.

The $46 million project was a multi-year effort that was completed slightly ahead of schedule and on budget, NJ Transit spokesman Dan Stessel said last week.

NJ Transit constructed a passenger walkway in 2005 and in recent weeks finished expansion work and other improvements to the station and platform. An important feature of the new platform, Stessel said, is that it allows passengers to step right into the trains.

“Previously it was a situation where people had to step up,” Stessel said. The new station is much more accessible for people with disabilities or those carrying luggage or packages, with an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pedestrian overpass linking customers to the new platform.

Hall Construction Co. of Howell performed the platform work, according to NJ Transit.

The high-level platform is equipped with climate-controlled waiting areas, upgraded passenger communication systems, closed-circuit cameras, a new ticketing office and public restrooms.

The station has a new center island and is now operating on a two-track system. Track realignment was completed in 2008, and trains were slated to start using the new station Tuesday morning.

“The improvements at South Amboy Station benefit commuters and residents alike, ensuring safe rail access for everyone and augmenting the value of our city’s downtown,” South Amboy Mayor John O’Leary said. “The completed project ensures that the station will remain a focal point of our community for generations to come.”

Stessel said a variety of newly constructed or remodeled stations influenced the design of the South Amboy station, including the Trenton Transit Center, the Montclair State University station, and those in Ramsey and Mount Arlington.

The project was completely funded through state and federal sources, Stessel said. According to NJ Transit documents, the Federal Transit Administration provided $18 million for the station, and the state Transportation Trust Fund contributed $28 million.

Stessel said the project was completed on time despite a delay in obtaining a permit for the passenger elevator.

“It was built into the project schedule,” he said.

O’Leary said it is important to invest in and encourage mass transit in order to protect air quality. “It helps take cars off the road,” he said.

The mayor said the city has a long history with rail travel, going back to the Camden & Amboy Railroad in the 19th century. He said the city lobbied for years to have NJ Transit update the station.

State Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski of Sayreville also took part in Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“The completed South Amboy Station project provides a true gateway for the residents of South Amboy, Sayreville and Middlesex County,” Wisniewski said. “The new platform and station improvements, together with the pedestrian overpass and new grade crossing that were previously completed, provide a safe, comfortable commuting environment for all who use the station.”

O’Leary said the improved train station will help the city build a “first-class intermodal [transportation system],” explaining that South Amboy commuters will have a variety of mass transit options when the ferry begins operation, which is slated for later this year.The South Amboy station is the sixth busiest on the North Jersey Coast Line, Stessel said.

“It’s certainly a busy station, but there are busier,” he said. The station serves more than 1,200 people daily, but is bested by Aberdeen- Matawan, Middletown, Woodbridge, Red Bank and Long Branch. Figures tend to change, however. “It fluctuates seasonally, as all of ridership does,” Stessel added.

Overall ridership is down about 4 percent when comparing the third quarters of 2008 and 2009 (the most recent quarter for which data exists). However, Stessel pointed out that gas prices were much higher in 2008 than they are now, prompting more people to use rail at that time.

NJ Transit has no current plans to increase parking at the station, which has 450 parking spots, Stessel said, adding that something may be pursued down the road

as part of a separate project.” However, according to published reports, the city will pursue construction of a 900-space lot in the future.

Stessel also said he was not certain about any partnership with the proposed ferry project, though he said NJ Transit does have an existing partnership with NY Waterway.

“I wouldn’t be surprised,” he said of any partnership South Amboy looks to create between the train and ferry systems.