July 11, 2001

ROUTE 17 STATION CAN SERVE MYRIAD REGIONAL NEEDS

The New Jersey Association of Railroad Passengers, the statewide not-for-profit rail passenger advocacy group, fully supports the concept of the Route 17 station.

NJ-ARP believes that the Constantine Drive location in Mahwah is larger and can allow for expansion. With a simple modification of the Route 17 overpass, access can be had from both north and south without impacting local streets. The Ramsey Lumber site would require extensive ramping to bring cars to and from Route 17. The Ramsey site would also cause extra traffic on local streets, as traffic congestion would lead drivers to search for shortcuts.

More importantly, NJ-ARP sees Constantine as a bus feeder hub allowing bus routes to Montvale and Oakland as two examples. NJ-ARP has always been concerned about transitless jobs at Chestnut Ridge. By the time North Ramsey (or whatever station name) is in operation, the Pascack Valley Line will be upgraded to all day service. Reverse commute, as well as local travel needs, can be served by feeder bus linking North Ramsey with the Pascack Valley Line at Montvale. To the west, feeder buses can link western Ramsey and Mahwah to the Susquehanna train service which will be in operation by then. This would interconnect the outer ends of the three rail lines.

For the convenience of employees of nearby industries and residents within walking distance, full pedestrian access is important. Growing realization of the need for both pedestrian and bike access would thus be addressed.