Singleton to Host Public Meeting with NJ Transit Execs on River LINE's Safety, Reliability

PALMYRA, NJ — State Senator Troy Singleton will be hosting a public meeting next week with NJ Transit executives regarding the River LINE — and the public is invited to attend and participate.

The meeting will focus on service reliability and public and pedestrian safety.

The meeting is taking place on Tuesday, October 22 from 6PM to 8PM at the Palmyra Community Center, located at 30 West Broad Street in Palmyra.

A public comment session will follow a presentation by NJ Transit staffers.

The meeting was announced earlier this month, before the fatal accident that occurred in the early morning hours of October 14 when the River LINE was traveling southbound from Trenton and collided with a downed tree on the tracks near the Roebling station. The train's operator was killed, and 23 passengers were injured. 

“My prayers go out to the family, friends and colleagues of the NJ Transit operator who was killed in yesterday's tragic accident on the River LINE,” said Singleton on Tuesday, noting that the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident. “Ensuring that the River LINE is a safe and reliable mode of mass transit — for Burlington County residents and beyond — is of utmost importance and that safety and security extends to the NJ Transit workforce, the River LINE riders, pedestrians and the communities it passes through.” 

Singleton in July pushed for public hearings into the River LINE’s performance, citing the "disappointed customers" who had contacted his office throughout summer about repeated delays and cancelations. NJ TRANSIT had blamed the incidents on the need for customized parts, excessive temperatures, signal malfunctions, grade crossing incidents, medical emergencies and flooding. 

He also urged NJ Transit to consider lower speed limits, fencing around tracks and increasing public education efforts about pedestrian safety after a 15-year-old boy was struck and killed by the light rail when crossing the tracks in Palmyra in August. 

Singleton, along with the Burlington County Commissioners, Burlington County Sheriff James Kostoplis, Bordentown City Police Chief Shaun Lafferty, Riverton Police Chief Andrew Beuschel and Assemblywoman Andrea Katz announced in August a new proactive law enforcement initiative along the River LINE system, aimed at improving public safety, deterring crime and assisting local police departments. Special patrols made up of multiple Sheriff's Officers will now operate at River Line stations and their communities at peak times. In addition to being a visible presence with the goal of deterring crime, the Officers will be able to respond to incidents and engage with commuters in order to help build trust. The patrols are being funded with $150,000 secured by Singleton and Katz in the FY2025 New Jersey State Budget. 

The public can attend the October 22 NJ Transit meeting by RSVPing at https://www.troysingleton.com/riverline.

“The River LINE is the only rail service that serves commuters in this region, so when it has service disruptions or commuters don’t feel safe there are simply no other alternatives,” said Senator Singleton. “I thank NJ Transit for their willingness to participate in this meeting. I also encourage riders and residents to attend so they can share their experiences directly.”

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