We, the undersigned agree that improvement for NJ Transit's Raritan Valley Line is long overdue. Here is what we can and must do.

First, we must extend the NJ Transit Raritan Valley Line to Phillipsburg. The line has not run to Phillipsburg since 1983 due to low ridership and unsafe track conditions between Phillipsburg and High Bridge. When the line was cut back, Warren County was left without rail service. This is unacceptable. As a matter of fact, in recent years, NJ Transit has discussed the feasibility of extending the Raritan Valley Line beyond High Bridge to Phillipsburg, though nothing has materialized, yet. This needs to change. These proposals MUST come to fruition.

In addition, the line should also be electrified with catenary as far west as Raritan station, as this is the terminus for all weekend trains along with weekday services not running to High Bridge.

Another thing. Most stations on the Raritan Valley Line are not wheelchair accessible, including the line's terminus at High Bridge. This is not acceptable. More stations need to be wheelchair accessible along the line. In particular, those with the highest ridership as well as the terminus of the line at High Bridge.

Lastly, the only yard on the line is the one at Raritan station, which is the terminus of weekend service. If possible, another yard should be built somewhere along the line, possibly at High Bridge, the terminus of the line in Hunterdon County.

Believe it or not, the Raritan Valley Line used to run to Phillipsburg up until 1983 when it was cut back to High Bridge due to low ridership. However, in recent years, the feasibility of resuming service to Phillipsburg was brought up by NJ Transit. This extension would allow for an easy connection to intercity rail at New York Penn Station for residents of not only Phillipsburg, but also Easton, Bethlehem, and Allentown; residents of the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas could easily drive to Philipsburg Union Station and board a train to New York City where they can connect to Amtrak.