NJ Lawmakers Support Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Extension
ENGLEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey officials said a proposal to extend the Hudson-Bergen light rail system into Bergen County has enough support from lawmakers to make the plan a reality.
State Senator Loretta Weinberg is pushing to get started on the project immediately, but funds are still needed to support the plan, WCBS 880's Levon Putney reported.
"The latest environmental impact study said more than 20,000 people would use this rail every day," Weinberg said. "So if you're going to start prioritizing projects, might as well take the one with the most ridership."
Democratic Senate President Steve Sweeney said extending light rail service in South Jersey will also happen. They are also considering plans to extend the lines in Patterson and Jersey City -- but the Hudson-Bergen line is the priority, once they receive proper funding.
"We will not support any transportation master plan that does not have the initial funding that we need," Sweeney said.
Under the plan, the light rail service would extend into Bergen County, north of the rail line's current last stop at Englewood Hospital.