Commuters and travelers who cross the Hudson River by transit into New York City hope a just-finished track upgrade at Penn Station will improve recent delays, derailments and other malfunctions. But transportation officials and politicians know the region needs long-term solutions for an aging and inadequate transit system. The Regional Plan Association, a research and advocacy group, is calling for faster action on several previously floated proposals.
Topping its list, announced on Aug. 16, is to accelerate the Gateway Project, a planned expansion of the Northeast Corridor rail line between Newark, N.J., and Manhattan that would include a new Hudson River tunnel. The project was canceled several years ago by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), who claimed the state would have to make up cost overruns. He leaves office in January.