■ Transportation
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Last spring , eight electric vehicle chargers were also installed at the Newton Avenue Bus Garage in Camden as part of a $ 3.23 million infrastructure project . Eight electric buses will operate out of the garage in a test study as NJ TRANSIT explores electrification .
Corbett is the North American representative to the International Association of Public Transport , a worldwide association of transit stakeholders , and he is eager to use their research to help his agency transition to electric vehicles .
NJ TRANSIT is also investing $ 190 million in a comprehensive renovation of Newark Penn
NJ TRANSIT is also investing $ 190 million in a comprehensive renovation of Newark Penn Station . Corbett said the plan is to integrate Penn Station as a vital element of the state ’ s largest city , in much the same way that Grand Central Station was developed for Manhattan .
Train Photo from Folder By NJ TRANSIT
Station . Corbett said the plan is to integrate Penn Station as a vital element of the state ’ s largest city , in much the same way that Grand Central Station was developed for Manhattan .
He also noted his agency continued many capital projects over the past few years despite the pandemic . At the onset of the Covid crisis , NJ TRANSIT cut back on service , but within a month full operation resumed . For essential workers , Corbett said the system had to keep to its schedule . “ Or we would have become irrelevant ,” he said . The public health crisis also presented an opportunity to improve the system ’ s technology . Corbett said advances were made in fare collection and his staff is now more efficient at getting alerts to passengers .
Riders have returned to 75 percent of the pre-pandemic volume on the buses and light rail system . But Corbett said the rail lines average only 60 percent . There is an “ interesting social phenomena ,” he observed , however , because weekend volume is at 80 or 90 percent , indicating passengers use the trains for concert , ballgames and other social events , despite an aversion Monday through Friday .
As the system emerges from the pandemic , Corbett said discounts and special programs are being offered to passengers . One is the NJ TRANSIT Awards program that offers riders points that can be used at restaurants , performing arts centers , museums and other attractions .
“ We like to make it a little fun for our riders ,” Corbett said .