Mazzeo and Armato Statement on Continued Closure of Atlantic City Rail Line by NJ Transit

(TRENTON) – In response to recent reports of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) clarifying that New Jersey Transit does not need approval from the organization to restore service on the Atlantic City Rail Line, Assemblymen Vince Mazzeo and John Armato released the following statement:

“In another swift blow to commuters, this week the FRA revealed one of NJ Transit’s primary reasons for the prolonged closure of the Atlantic City Rail Line was nothing more than a deceitful excuse,” said Mazzeo (D-Atlantic). “The installation was completed in December, yet NJ Transit asserted it needed federal approval to reopen the line. Now we know that isn’t the truth. Commuters and passengers deserve answers; they’ve carried an unnecessary burden since the line closed in September, with seemingly no end in sight. It’s time for NJ Transit to disclose the real reasons for why it won’t restore service, and provide a specific date for when riders can get back aboard.”

“My worst fears about the consequences of the Atlantic City Rail Line closure have proved true; it’s a tremendous headache for thousands of commuters, and may have a negative impact on Atlantic City’s tourism if it continues,” said Armato (D-Atlantic). “I’m disappointed that we were told the line could not be restored without FRA approval. All of the people who depend on the Atlantic City Rail Line to go about their daily routines deserve far more respect. We are beyond ready to see the line back up and running, and restore normalcy for Atlantic City commuters and tourists.”