SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE RESOLUTION No. 18

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MARCH 14, 1996

      The Senate Resolution Transportation Committee favorably reports Senate Resolution No. 18.

      This Senate Resolution urges Conrail to cooperate with the New Jersey Transit Corporation to restore passenger service on the West Shore Rail Line. Conrail owns the West Shore Line, which it currently uses extensively for intermodal freight service, and its cooperation with New Jersey Transit, including the possible sharing of the right-of-way to allow separate freight and commuter operators to operate simultaneously, as necessary to permit the quick restoration of rail passenger service on the line. Studies conducted in 1987, 1993 and as late as April, 1995, by New Jersey Transit have recommended that rail passenger service be restored on the West Shore Rail Line.