NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has awarded New Jersey Transit more than $2.1 million in federal funds for transportation upgrades in Rutherford and Secaucus.  The funds will be used to make improvements at Rutherford Station and to purchase new buses in the two communities.

    “With ridership on trains and buses increasing in New Jersey and across the nation, we must continue to upgrade our stations and provide communities with handicap-accessible buses so travelers are able to get to destinations safely, comfortably and on time,” Sen. Lautenberg said.  “These funds go a long way in the effort to modernize our public transit systems, giving commuters options, helping keep cars off the road and reducing our reliance on oil.”

    Sen. Menendez said, “As more and more New Jerseyans rely upon our public transportation system to commute, we have to keep it modern, safe and efficient.  These investments in our transit system will help ensure public transportation is a viable option for all who want to use it.”

    NJ Transit will use $195,499 in funds to purchase three 30-feet buses that are wheelchair accessible.  Two of the buses will be used by Secaucus to transport riders from the town to the Secaucus Transfer station.  The third bus will be used by Rutherford for riders going to the Rutherford Station.

    NJ Transit will also use $1,980,000 as part of the major upgrades project at Rutherford Station.  Improvements to the station include:

        •    Replacing the doors leading to the interior of the station;
        •    Repairing and painting the waiting room walls and ceilings;
        •    Replacing waiting room floor tiles;
        •    Restoring the waiting room benches;
        •    Installing new lighting in the waiting room; and
        •    Restoring the waiting room’s exterior windows and doors.

    Earlier this month, Sens. Lautenberg and Menendez announced more than $10 million for NJ Transit to make improvements to the Ridgewood Intermodal Station and to purchase a handicap-accessible bus for Valley Hospital.

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