Bateman Praises Restoration of RVL One-Seat Ride to Manhattan

Calls for Establishment of One-Seat Service During Peak Hours

Senator Kip Bateman praised the decision by NJ Transit to restore the Raritan Valley Line’s (RVL) one-seat ride during off-peak hours to New York Penn Station.

“This off-peak, one-seat ride on NJ Transit is a great first step to help the thousands of New Jerseyans who commute on the RVL each day,” said Bateman (R-16). “While this will make for a shorter and smoother commute for some, we must do more to alleviate the stress and frustration for commuters at all times of the day. I continue to stand with the Raritan Valley Line Mayor’s Alliance and the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition in calling for the establishment of a one-seat ride to Midtown on the RVL during peak hours.”

Senator Bateman has devoted much of his time in the Legislature to help commuters along the Raritan Valley Line. In 2014, his calls for the creation of the one-seat ride on the RVL were met. When non-stop service was suspended last year, he vigorously fought for its restoration. Bateman also co-sponsored legislation to conduct a feasibility study on reestablishing the one-seat-ride.

Bateman has advocated tirelessly to improve NJ Transit service for commuters across both his district and the State. He worked on a bipartisan basis with local leaders to restore service on the Princeton “Dinky” Line. Bateman has also sounded the alarm for the need to advance federal funding for the Gateway Tunnel project.

Recently, Senator Bateman was appointed to serve on the Senate Select Committee on New Jersey Transit to investigate the continuing failures of the troubled commuter rail agency and develop an action plan to improve service.

“I am happy to see off-peak service restored so that riders will be able to commute to work and home – hopefully on time – once again,” added Bateman. “Still, NJ Transit must do better. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the Legislature, advocacy organizations, and concerned constituents to get NJ Transit back on track.”