Will Rails Bring Revival?

Will New Jersey Transit's newly-opened, $1.1-billion River Line bring new and investment to South Jersey towns?

1 minute read

March 16, 2004, 5:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


More than a decade in planning and more than a year behind schedule, NJ Transit's $1.1 billion River Line is "opening to low ridership expectations and some serious doubts. Proponents say the Trenton-to-Camden passenger line will revive depressed Delaware... At that time, studies predicted the line would cost $314 million and, once built, would carry 11,200 fares a day.Transit officials now say they expect the line to draw 5,700 fares a day in its first year - about one-sixth of the PATCO High-Speed Line's fares. And the total project cost, including debt payment over the next 13 years, has soared to $1.1 billion. In its first year, the line is expected to cost $20 million to operate, but generate just $2 million in revenue."

Thanks to Governing Magazine

Sunday, March 14, 2004 in The Philadelphia Inquirer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Rendering of proposed greenway design for downtown San Diego street.

San Diego Swaps Parking Lane for Kid-Friendly Mini Park

The block-long greenway will feature interactive play equipment and landscaping.

4 hours ago - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Oil well on hilltop in Los Angeles with city neighborhoods in background.

Tracking the Invisible: Methane Leaks From LA’s Neighborhood Oil Sites

Environmental advocates are using infrared technology to monitor and document methane leaks from neighborhood oil sites, filling regulatory gaps and pushing for stronger protections to safeguard community health and the climate.

5 hours ago - LAist

Downtown Billings, Montana with mountains in background.

Montana Bill Promotes Parking Reform

A bill before the Montana state senate would bar cities from requiring more than one parking spot per new housing unit.

7 hours ago - Montana Free Press