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NJ TRANSIT'S AWARD-WINNING WEBSITE CONNECTS WITH THE WORLDWIDE WEB

New Features Include Travel Alerts -- First of Its Kind in the Transit Industry

NEWARK, NJ, November 5, 2001 -- NJ TRANSIT's Board of Directors today approved a contract with Urbahn Associates/Daniel Frankfurt, PC, A Joint Venture, of New York (Urbahn/Frankfurt) to complete design of accessibility improvements for the Madison and Morristown stations on the Morris & Essex Lines.

Urbahn/Frankfurt will complete design work on two mini-high level platforms with canopies and lighting and two elevators at both stations. Transportation Trust Fund dollars will cover the project's $690,000 cost. Both Madison and Morristown stations are designated as key stations under NJ TRANSIT's Commuter Rail Accessibility Plan.

"As a statewide transportation agency, NJ TRANSIT remains committed to making its transportation network available to everyone," said NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman and State Transportation Commissioner James Weinstein. "Making these two stations accessible provides more transportation options for New Jersey residents with disabilities."

"Madison and Morristown are among the busiest stations on the Morris & Essex Lines," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Jeffrey A. Warsh. "They are also two of our 49 historic stations. Today's Board action allows us to be sensitive to their past while accommodating the needs of our customers with disabilities."

As part of the project, Urbahn/Frankfurt will develop plans to modify the pedestrian underpass at Madison Station. At Morristown Station, the firm will redesign the rest rooms to make them accessible for customers with disabilities and will extend the eastbound low-level platform. The contract also calls for Urbahn/Frankfurt to develop a plan to restore key historical elements at Morristown Station, which was built in 1915. Madison Station was completed in 1916.

Design work for both station projects is expe

NEWARK, NJ, November 5, 2001 -- The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today awarded three contracts in an ongoing effort to provide the Corporation's customers with a modernized bus fleet and reduce engine emissions.

The Board awarded a contract not to exceed $42.5 million to Neoplan USA Corporation of Lamar, CO to purchase 85 articulated buses with an option to purchase 70 more. The Board also awarded a contract not to exceed $8.8 million to MCII of Des Plaines, IL and ISE Reseach of San Diego, CA to purchase seven hybrid electric buses -- demonstration buses that will allow NJ TRANSIT to evaluate another fuel-efficient alternative for its bus fleet. Finally, the Board authorized the purchase of more than 20 million gallons of ultra low sulfer diesel fuel from Sprague Energy Corporation d/b/a RAD Energy Marketing for $54.2 million to fuel the Corporation's bus fleet.

"Today's Board action supports Acting Governor DiFrancesco's continuing commitment to meet growing passenger demands and give New Jersey commuters the latest in customer comfort," said NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman and State Transportation Commissioner James Weinstein. "It also allows New Jersey to stay at the forefront of the exploration of new fuel technologies that meet and exceed all federal clean air standards."

"NJ TRANSIT is in the midst of its largest fleet modernization in the Corporation's 21-year history," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Jeffrey A. Warsh. "These new buses --combined with additional bus and rail fleet purchases now underway --will increase the reliability of service and offer our riders the latest in customer amenities. On the environmental side, with the world's newest clean diesel bus fleet fueled by ultra low sulfur diesel fuel, we will have one of the world's mo

NEWARK, NJ, November 5, 2001 -- NJ TRANSIT customers and internet browsers can take advantage of the Corporation's new and improved website -- www.njtransit.com -- offering a variety of services including schedule and fare information, trip planning, personalized electronic travel alerts, late-breaking Corporate news, transit shopping and e-mail access to customer service.

The new website -- which recently won the "Gold Jasper Award" for the Government Website Development category from the Jersey Shore Public Relations and Advertising Association -- was designed by the Princeton Internet Group (PInG). NJ TRANSIT began distributing customized NJTRANSIT.com mousepads to its customers last month and again today at the Corporation's Board of Directors meeting in Newark.

"Since the events of September 11 in New York, public transportation in the New Jersey/New York region has become a more valuable commodity," said NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman and State Transportation Commissioner James Weinstein. "The new NJ TRANSIT website provides instantaneous information to customers, bringing a 21st Century tool into the daily lives of thousands of riders."

"The new user-friendly NJ TRANSIT website is the direct result of months of research and input from our customers," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Jeffrey A. Warsh. "The value of the new website was demonstrated September 11 when the number of 'hits' on the NJ TRANSIT website increased from one million to four million per day. Whether people are looking for late-breaking service adjustments, schedule information or other NJ TRANSIT services, the new website is just a keystroke away on the worldwide web."

"We are pleased to have played su

NEWARK, NJ, November 5, 2001 -- In a continuing effort to meet growing passenger demands, NJ TRANSIT's Board of Directors has advanced a project to increase parking capacity at Towaco Station -- located in Montville Township -- by purchasing a vacant one-acre parcel of land adjacent to the rail facility.

Today's Board action allows the Corporation and Montville Township to jointly purchase the property for $550,000, with each entity paying half the purchase price. NJ TRANSIT would use the property to add 132 spaces to its current park/ride facility at Towaco Station, bringing the total number of spaces to 244.

"This project helps to meet New Jersey's expanding commuter base," said NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman and State Transportation Commissioner James Weinstein. "I commend Montville Township officials for working with NJ TRANSIT to make the Towaco Station parking expansion project a reality."

"Next year's opening of the Montclair Connection will mean more customers using NJ TRANSIT's Boonton Line," said NJ TRANSIT Executive Director Jeffrey A. Warsh. "The promise of faster service to Hoboken and a new service to midtown Manhattan will increase demand for parking at stations such as Towaco. I, too, applaud the township for their commitment."

Last year, NJ TRANSIT constructed a new low-level platform, a mini-high level platform and shelters for rail and bus customers at Towaco Station. The station was also enhanced with new lighting, historic platform railings, new curbs, brick pavers and landscaping. Montville Township contributed toward that project as well.

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cted to be completed in fall 2002. Construction contracts will be awarded at a later date.

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing bus, rail and light rail services for 380,600 daily commuters on 240 bus routes, two light rail lines and 12 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 163 rail stations, 26 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

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st environmentally-friendly bus systems years ahead of the 2007 federal mandate."

The articulated buses -- which are 60 feet long and include an "accordion," or bendable section in the middle -- can carry 59 seated passengers and additional standees. The buses will primarily be used on NJ TRANSIT's heavier traveled local and intercity bus routes. The new buses -- along with cruiser buses to be purchased in the future -- will be used to replace existing articulated buses that were bought by NJ TRANSIT in 1985 and have exceeded their 12-year useful life.

All of the new articulated buses have "kneeling" capabilities, wheelchair lifts and wheelchair seating areas, in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The buses also will be equipped with emission controls that meet or exceed federal regulatory standards.

The first 85 articulated buses would consist of 50 transit style buses -- which are primarily used on local bus routes -- and 35 suburban style buses, which are used on longer distance intercity bus routes, mainly in New Jersey and New York. The first prototype vehicles are scheduled for delivery in August 2002. Final delivery of the vehicles is scheduled for winter 2003.

The seven hybrid electric buses purchased today by the Board of Directors will consist of four cruiser buses for use on intercity routes from MCII and three transit buses for use on local routes. The hybrid electric buses will compliment NJ TRANSIT's existing alternative technology bus fleet, joining 77 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) cruiser buses purchased by NJ TRANSIT in 1998.

Hybrid electric buses use a smaller diesel engine and generator to create electric power, which in turn feeds an electric motor to propel the bus. Hybrid electric buses are designed to improve fuel efficiency and significantly rch an integral part with the NJ TRANSIT team in providing comprehensive, easy to use internet services for NJ TRANSIT's ridership and the Corporation's vendors," said Mark Meara, CEO, Princeton Internet Group, Inc.

NJ TRANSIT invites riders and the general public to visit the new website, which provides the following features:

  • "My Transit" -- This new feature allows NJ TRANSIT riders to register for personalized NJ TRANSIT information including customized transit schedules, free weekday peak-period travel alerts for delays of 30 minutes or more and links to other transportation websites. The travel alerts -- the first of its kind in the transit industry -- can be received via desktop computer, pager, cell phone or other electronic devices, offering passengers real time travel information that enables them to alter their travel plans in the event of a service disruption or adjustment. To date, 5,800 customers have subscribed to My Transit.
  • Travel Alerts -- This information, which can be found on the homepage of njtransit.com, provides customers with late-breaking peak-period service disruptions or other travel advisories such as construction or significant service adjustments.
  • Schedules and Fares -- Offering complete bus, rail and light rail schedules, personalized rail or light rail scheduling services, connecting transportation service information, information on accessible services for people with disabilities and general ticketing, fare and refund information. Schedules and fares are NJ TRANSIT's most frequently asked questions.
  • Trip Planner -- A travel tool that allows riders to find the easiest NJ TRANSIT travel option from their point of origin to final destination. The tools include itinerary peduce vehicle emissions. Use of these buses also allows NJ TRANSIT to reduce additional capital and operating costs associated with alternative fuel vehicles such as required infrastructure and safety upgrades for the operation and maintenance of CNG buses.

    Hybrid electric buses are projected to offer an improved fuel efficiency of 20 to 40 percent compared to conventional diesel buses. Information gathered during the demonstration project will help NJ TRANSIT determine the potential use of this or other technologies in future bus purchases.

    Today's ultra low sulfur diesel fuel purchase spans three years, with two additional one-year options. Ultra low sulfur diesel fuel enables the Corporation to continue reducing engine emissions on its diesel-powered buses -- beyond federal standards. It also allows NJ TRANSIT to make a prudent business decision by "locking in" to diesel fuel prices in today's volatile oil market.

    Ultra low sulfur diesel fuel goes through an extensive refining process, removing most sulfur from the product -- approximately 10 times less sulfur than standard diesel fuel. The new fuel, combined with other technological emission advances, helps to reduce particulate emissions by up to 75 percent.

    NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing Bus, rail and light rail services for 380,600 daily commuters on 240 bus routes, two light rail lines and 12 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 163 rail stations, 26 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

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    lanning, schedule information, locating the nearest rail/light rail station or bus stop, NJ TRANSIT maps, connecting services and accessible services.

  • Accessible Services -- Offering information on transportation for senior citizens and people with disabilities, including accessible rail stations and rail cars, lift-equipped and "kneeling" buses, the Reduced Fare Program and Access Link and county paratransit services.
  • News and Events -- Turn to the News and Events page for the latest press releases, publications or other announcements provided by NJ TRANSIT, offering timely information on projects, service improvements, actions taken by the Board of Directors and special transportation promotions.
  • Business Opportunities -- This page offers information to the business community on procurement opportunities, sales of surplus materials and key employee business contacts at NJ TRANSIT.
  • About NJ TRANSIT -- Visitors to this web page can find a wide variety of information about NJ TRANSIT including Corporate information, career opportunities, the Corporation's capital improvement program and links to other websites.
  • Customer Services -- A direct customer connection to NJ TRANSIT for information and inquiries. In addition to having the ability to voice customer comments and concerns, users will learn how to ride the system, find survey results, gather group travel information, learn about sales/employer services and be able to download an NJ TRANSIT screen saver.
  • FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) -- This page provides users with answers to the Corporation's most frequently asked questions including travel discounts, promotional announcements, how to get a refund, lost and found information and the Corporation's policy on transportation of bicycles.
  • Transit Shoppe -- Looking for the perfect holiday gift this year? Visit the Transit Shoppe web page to choose from more than 40 NJ TRANSIT memorabilia and railroadiana items including model buses and trains, hats, shirts, attaché cases, sports bags, pens and watches.

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing Bus, rail and light rail services for 383,900 daily commuters on 240 bus routes, two light rail lines and 12 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 162 rail stations, 26 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.

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