Myers Criticizes Adler's Opposition to MOM Rail Line

The words "mass transit" don't appear in Adler's so-called energy plan

          Mount Holly, August 19, 2008-John Adler's opposition to commuter rail service from Ocean County to New York City and North Jersey, and his failure to ever address the county's glaring mass transit needs in his so-called energy plan demonstrate how woefully out-of-touch the career Trenton politician is with the needs of residents struggling with higher gas prices, inadequate bus routes and oppressive traffic congestion along Route 9 and other major roads serving county residents, charged successful businessman and congressional candidate Chris Myers (NJ-3) today.

          On June 26, 2000, Adler voted "No" on A-2245, a bill that would have added Central Jersey commuter rail service terminating in Ocean County to the State's "Circle of Mobility," an essential group of related transit projects vital to NJ's future transportation infrastructure.  The bill passed the Senate 21-16 and was later signed into law as P.L. 2000, c. 59.

          "John Adler's mind-boggling opposition to the MOM (Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex) commuter rail line demonstrates a complete lack of understanding about the needs of Ocean County residents," said Myers, who included the support of the MOM line and increased mass transit funding in his 13-Point Energy Platform released earlier this month.  "John Adler has been asleep at the switch in Trenton when it comes to this state's transportation needs for 16 years.  The results are terribly congested roads, an inadequate mass transit system, and a Transportation Trust Fund that is broke courtesy of free-spending, big-borrowing politicians like John Adler.  It's a travesty."

          Myers said the MOM line will open up new job opportunities for Ocean County residents and boost the local economy; enhance home values along the line and encourage smart growth around rail stations; provide seniors who no longer drive much needed mobility; serve Navy Lakehurst; reduce auto and bus traffic on already congested roads; and improve air quality and protect the environment. 

          Myers said the original "Circle of Mobility" included projects such as the Secaucus Transfer Station, the Midtown Direct Service over the "Kearny Connection," the Newark Airport Link, and the Meadowlands Sports Complex Station.  He questioned Adler's failure to place the same level of priority on projects affecting Ocean County while in Trenton.

          "Now that's he's running for Congress, John Adler is pretending to care about Ocean County, but his 16-year record in Trenton tells a different story," said Myers.  "During his 16 years in Trenton, John Adler had no problem supporting projects in North Jersey to benefit Essex, Bergen and Hudson counties, but didn't seem to care much about the commuters in Ocean County who remained stranded on their Route 9 buses for hours bound for New York City every morning.  That's wrong."

          Myers promised better.

          "If elected to Congress, I pledge my full and unequivocal support to improving Ocean County's mass transit needs, and federal funding for the MOM rail line will be at the top of my list," concluded Myers.

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