N.J. Transit launches Meadowlands rail service

New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine inaugurated New Jersey Transit's (NJ Transit) new rail service to the Meadowlands Sports Complex, launching an era of travel convenience for the millions of residents and visitors who attend year-round events at the Meadowlands.

Dozens of officials and guests, including players from the New York Jets and New York Giants, joined the Governor for the train ride, which originated in Hoboken and finished with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Meadowlands Station.

"This line will play an increasingly important role in the development of green transportation practices by helping fans avoid traffic congestion, resulting in fewer cars on our roadways and reduced emissions," Gov. Corzine said.

The new line gives customers statewide rail access to the Meadowlands from 11 of 12 NJ Transit rail lines. Train service will operate frequently, approximately every 10 minutes to 20 minutes between Frank R. Lautenberg Station at Secaucus Junction and Meadowlands Station, both before and after major events expected to draw 50,000 or more spectators. These events include all Jets and Giants pre-season and regular season home games, major concerts at Giants Stadium and Gold Cup soccer.

NJ Transit will be able to accommodate about 10,000 customers traveling to and from an event on the new rail line.

The line and station are the centerpieces of a $213 million Meadowlands Railroad and Roadway Improvement Project funded by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, the New Jersey Department of Transportation, NJ Transit, and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.