FOR RELEASE: March 20, 2000
CONTACT: Daniel Kerwin (732) 296-1985; Albert L. Papp, Jr. (800) 774-0778

RAIL GROUP HAILS GOVERNOR'S ENDORSEMENT OF MONMOUTH-OCEAN-MIDDLESEX RAIL LINE

JAMESBURG, N.J., March 20, 2000 -- The New Jersey Association of Railroad Passengers (NJ-ARP) hailed the statement by the Governor of New Jersey endorsing a long proposed New Jersey Transit (NJT) rail line through Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex (MOM) counties. This support appeared in a March 15 published report highlighting a meeting with Gannett newspaper representatives at the Governor's mansion at Drumthwacket.

"I commend Governor Whitman for assuming the leadership in this highly visible transportation project," said Daniel Kerwin, an NJ-ARP Director and liaison for the MOM project. "This is exactly what the line's advocates have sought for so long: recognition by the state's Chief Executive that the MOM alignment is a viable rail corridor through the heart of this historic region for New Jersey in the 21st Century."

NJ-ARP (http://www.nj-arp.org), founded in 1980, is the statewide rail passenger advocacy group that has consistently backed this central New Jersey routing since 1985. Its members include citizens in Jamesburg, Monroe Township and South Brunswick.

"This endorsement should put to rest the often contradictory, and in NJ-ARP's view incorrect and unfounded, claims of the line's vocal opponents that the MOM project would be a liability rather than an asset to the communities through which it passes," said Albert L. Papp, Jr., a Director of NJ-ARP.

Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex residents, especially senior citizens, will gain access to both NJT and Amtrak rail systems, broadening their travel options once the MOM project is completed. At the same time, northern New Jersey rail riders will be able to reach additional towns, employment locations and recreational sites in the central part of the state.

Passenger trains have operated on various portions of this route, but the MOM alignment is brand-new and designed to address New Jersey intrastate transportation needs in the 21st century as well as serve traditional New York City commuters and regional rail customers.