Somerset Times

Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. has reintroduced the One Seat Ride Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at directing the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a cost/benefit analysis of one-seat-ride trips versus transfer trip options during peak hours on NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line.

“Long, inefficient rush-hour commutes mean lost time at kids' sporting events and missed family dinners for countless households in our area,” Congressman Kean stated. “No one should have to switch between multiple trains just to get to New York City. This study will be the first to highlight on a national scale the inefficiencies of multi-stop journeys and the impact on our economy. Commuters in New Jersey deserve better.”

The legislation is led by Congressman Kean and cosponsored by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. It seeks to direct an analysis of obstacles to implementing single-seat trips on certain commuter rail services during peak hours, specifically targeting the Raritan Valley Line.

Currently, passengers on this line must change trains at Newark Penn Station to reach New York City and make the same change when traveling westbound. A ‘One-Seat-Ride’ would allow passengers from stations like Westfield, Somerville, and Lebanon to travel directly into New York City without changing trains.

“The Raritan Valley Line serves over 23,000 commuters each day – and many of those commuters have to switch trains at Newark Penn Station during peak commuting hours, unnecessarily extending an already lengthy commute. This report is a necessary step towards a more efficient system that better serves the hard working people of New Jersey, allowing them to spend more of their valuable time with their families,” said Congresswoman Watson Coleman.

Previously introduced in the 118th Congress by Congressman Kean, the One-Seat-Ride Act was successfully championed through the House.