NY Times: The Light Rail Is Awesome!

The New York Times writes about the success of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Line. A new study by Rutgers University notes that the system generated $5 billion in property values. Ridership increased fastest near the PATH trains.

The light rail line is a major deviation from normal transportation policy because it was built as a proactive solution. During the planning stages of the system, much of the property traversed by the line was vacant or underutilized. Most of the time the state takes on reactionary projects-- a highway is congested, build a new lane; trains are crowded, add another rail car.

Still, back in March, NJ Transit was griping that despite increased ridership, the light rail line was still losing money.