Wagner Bill to Make Use of Mass Transit on Weekends During Special Events Easier Advanced by Assembly Panel

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Connie Wagner requiring publicly owned or operated parking facilities associated with rail service be open on weekends when a special event is taking place in New Jersey was approved Monday by an Assembly panel.

"New Jersey has a tradition of providing its citizens with the finest in sports and entertainment, namely at the Meadowlands, but the state hasn't always made it convenient to use mass transit to get to these events," said Wagner (D-Bergen).  "The Meadowlands rail line, for instance, provides the public with the ability to enjoy these events while avoiding the stress and hassle associated with driving and parking, but public parking at the local rail passenger service, would have to be open to the public on the weekends and other times outside weekday commuting hours during a special event.

Special events would include spectacular sporting events, trade shows, expositions, concerts and other public events in the state.

"When the public cannot easily access public transit on the weekends when big events are taking place at the Meadowlands, the rail station is underutilized, wasting the extensive monetary investment made in the facility," Wagner said.  "We should be doing all we can to promote mass transit use in this state, and this bill is a common sense step forward."

The bill was released by the Assembly Transportation, Public Works and Independent Authorities Committee for consideration.