NJ TRANSIT HIGHLIGHTS BENEFITS OF FULL SERVICE AT AVENEL STATION
September 13, 2019
WOODBRIDGE, NJ — NJ TRANSIT and community leaders marked the first week of full service in 34 years at Avenel Station today with a ceremonial train ride and press conference at the station. NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett, Mayor John McCormac, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, and other local dignitaries rode North Jersey Coast Line train 3232 from Woodbridge Station to Avenel to highlight the benefits the expanded service brings to the area.
“NJ TRANSIT’s expanded service at Avenel is an example of the steps we are taking to be more responsive to customers who rely on our trains every day,” Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “More trains during the week and the first weekend service in more than three decades means more convenience for riders in Woodbridge.”
“This week, NJ TRANSIT expanded weekday service at Avenel by more than 40 percent, adding a full 11 train stops every day,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett. “We’re also running a full schedule of weekend service here for the first time in 34 years, including 21 stops each day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. This robust service expansion will prove to be a major milestone in the life of this community – spurring economic growth in and around Woodbridge Township. It’s my great pleasure to be here today to celebrate this milestone with Mayor McCormac, Assembly Speaker Coughlin, Assemblywoman Lopez and so many others.”
NJ TRANSIT expanded service at Avenel Station beginning Sunday, September 8 in response to local community requests and in recognition of area residential and business growth. Weekday service increased by 40-percent and weekend service instituted now stops at the station for the first time since 1985.
“NJ TRANSIT committed to us that they would add stops if ridership increased and they fulfilled their promise, and we are thrilled,” said Mayor McCormac. “I want to personally thank President Kevin Corbett and his staff. This announcement is great news for the residents of Avenel and for the patrons of the Avenel Performing Arts Center and Curtains Restaurant. It is also important to note that in anticipation of NJT adding stops at the Avenel Station, we added daily and monthly parking near the station to accommodate commuters and visitors.”
“I am very happy to be here today with NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin Corbett, my 19th legislative district mates, Senator Joe Vitale and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, and Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac,” said Assembly Speaker Coughlin. “The Avenel Station is now a full-service station with weekend service for the first time in over three decades. That’s great news for the increasing number of commuters who utilize this station. I firmly believe the service expansion will help grow the economy in and around the Avenel community. I’d especially like to thank Mayor McCormac for his vision of redeveloping a long-vacant site and advancing it in a smart and environmentally friendly way.”
“This is a landmark day for the community of Avenel, Mayor McCormac and NJ TRANSIT,” said Senator Vitale. “From the initial concept of the transit village to the expanded train service being delivered by the agency, this project proves what the right leadership and civic commitment can accomplish. It is an exciting time for the people of Avenel, and I look forward to many more projects like this throughout the district, and the state, in the future.”
“Thanks to the leadership of Mayor John McCormac and his administration, the Avenel Station has become much more than just a train stop,” said Assemblywoman Lopez. “The Station is now a major hub of activity with a thriving business and residential community. NJ TRANSIT’s decision to expand weekday and weekend service will serve to further strengthen the Avenel community and Woodbridge as a whole. I am excited to see continued growth and look forward to taking advantage of the increased transit options.”
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 251 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.
This document and others are available for translation on njtransit.com.