“The vote drew praise from transit advocates and New Jersey lawmakers who had joined across party lines to urge the Port Authority to approve the plan for a new building, which will replace the 65-year-old complex now in use. Already outdated and overcrowded, experts say the existing facility will be unable to accommodate the estimated 50 percent hike in ridership anticipated by 2040.”
Lilo H. Stainton, NJ Spotlight
A long-overdue replacement for the dilapidated Port Authority bus terminal is slowly taking shape, with Port Authority commissioners giving the go ahead to begin the processing of building a new bus terminal one block west of the current building. Large infrastructure projects like building a new bus terminal in Midtown Manhattan take decades to go from an idea to reality. Even before the first shovel of dirt is lifted, there are studies to understand usage patterns and trends, regional plans for related projects, seeking public opinion, securing financing and land, drawing up plans, and myriad other steps. The initial steps aren’t as visible as construction cranes and hardhats on site, but they are just as important. And the efforts of New Jersey lawmakers on both sides of the aisle should be lauded here. Thank you Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), Minority Leader Tom Kean (R-Union), and others for leading the charge.
If there is one issue that should cross party lines, it is infrastructure. Infrastructure creates jobs, stimulates business, and improves the quality of life for all New Jerseyans.
Read the NJ Spotlight story here.
