In response to feedback, NJ Transit is performing a comprehensive assessment of all River Line stations and platforms that began on Nov. 5.
“You spoke, NJ Transit listened,” said State Sen. Troy Singleton as he updated on the River Line issues. “At our public meeting two weeks ago, many riders expressed disappointment at the unsanitary and unsafe conditions at River Line stations.”
NJ Transit sent correspondence to members of Congress, legislators, county and municipal officials and stakeholders. Throughout the coming weeks, a special task force comprised of representatives from multiple NJ Transit divisions will assess current station conditions and identify areas for improvement.
During the process, the public may see NJ Transit staffers at the stations easily identifiable by their apparel and yellow safety vests, along with their employee identifications.
Some 150-plus residents filed into the Palmyra Community Center on Oct.22 for a public meeting to question NJ Transit officials about safety and other issues on the River Line. The communities of Palmyra and Riverton are still reeling from the August death of Matthew Dickinson, a 15-year-old who was struck and killed by a River Line train while heading to soccer practice.
Another River Line fatality occurred on Oct. 14, when train operator Jessica Healey, a 41-year-old from Levittown, Pennsylvania, was killed and 23 others injured as her train struck a fallen tree on the tracks in Mansfield Township.
There are 11 River Line stations in the county that run along Bordentown City, Bordentown Township, Florence, Burlington City, Burlington Township, Beverly, Delanco, Edgewater Park, Delran, Riverside, Riverton, Cinnaminson and Palmyra.