Stony Point, NY – In a move poised to dramatically transform commuter travel in Rockland County, New York State Senator Pete Harckham has voiced strong support for integrating the Bergen Loop into the ambitious Gateway Development Project. This initiative seeks to provide a direct, one-seat train ride from New Jersey’s Pascack Valley, Main, and Bergen lines to Manhattan’s New York Penn Station, eliminating the need for transfers and significantly reducing travel times.
The Bergen Loop, part of the comprehensive Gateway Program designed to modernize and expand rail service across the most congested sections of the Northeast Corridor, has lingered in the planning stages since its initial unveiling in 2018. Despite its early inclusion, progress toward realizing a one-seat ride for West of Hudson commuters has stalled, prompting Harckham’s recent call to action.
In a letter addressed to Balpreet Grewal-Virk and Alicia Glen, co-chairs of the Gateway Development Commission overseeing the program, Harckham emphasized the urgent need for enhanced public transportation options for Rockland County residents. The current requirement to transfer at Frank R. Lautenberg Station in Secaucus Junction, he noted, not only increases travel times but also discourages many from using public transit altogether.
“Rockland County commuters stand in dire need of streamlined public transportation into New York City,” Harckham wrote. “Revitalizing the Bergen Loop project will radically change the Rocklanders and all commuters West of the Hudson approach transportation, spurring drastic economic development from these communities and supporting New York State’s collective climate and traffic congestion goals.”
The senator highlighted the environmental and health benefits of reducing car travel, particularly in areas like Bergen and Rockland counties, which struggle with ozone levels that can affect residents’ health. The Gateway Program, including the Bergen Loop, aims to alleviate some of these issues by offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to road travel.
The Gateway Development Project promises to double the number of tracks entering Manhattan from New Jersey, incorporating a new tunnel under the Hudson River alongside extensive repairs and improvements to existing infrastructure. This ambitious undertaking seeks not only to enhance daily commutes but also to support economic growth, increase property values, and promote a more sustainable and interconnected regional transportation network.
“The Gateway Program’s success will be measured by its ability to champion equity and connectivity across all regions,” concluded Harckham. “Completing the Bergen Loop is not just a matter of convenience for one county; it is a step towards a stronger, interconnected network across our region and a healthier environment.”
As the Gateway Program continues to evolve, Harckham’s advocacy underscores the critical role of the Bergen Loop in achieving a more accessible, efficient, and sustainable future for public transportation in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area.