New Jersey Moves Closer to Funding Hudson River Rail Tunnel

New Jersey, USA, took a step toward funding better mass transit into Manhattan as it announced plans this week to use $1bn in federal highway money for a rail tunnel under the Hudson River.

The state's share of constructing the tunnel would be $1.5bn, New Jersey Transit said. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has committed $2bn and roughly $4bn will be needed from the federal government, said Kris Kolluri, chairman of New Jersey Transit.

"Our goal is to be sure that mass transit becomes a meaningful alternative to driving," he said.

NJ Transit expects construction of the tunnel to begin in 2009.

The $7.4bn Access to the Region's Core project promises to deliver what Rockland commuters want from mass transit: the ability to get to work in Manhattan from the county without ever having to get out of their seats.

Rockland commuters could save about 15 minutes each way.

The announcement puts the state closer to funding a project that it says will more than double commuter rail capacity under the Hudson, from the 23 to 48 trains per hour.