Council Hears Options for Streetcars or Light Rail

Princeton Borough Council on Tuesday heard proposals to bring either streetcars or a light rail system to Princeton to someday replace the Dinky.

URS Corporation and students at The Urban Design Studio at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University were both commissioned by Princeton Future to study replacing the old and outdated train that currently operates between downtown Princeton and Princeton Junction.

The groups agreed to share their presentations with borough officials.

Jim Constantino, a Rutgers professor who helped lead the student project, said a major consideration is Princeton University’s wish not to have a transit line on its property.  

Therefore, a streetcar line would veer off the current Dinky track through the former Grover Lumber property, connect to Alexander Road and continue into Princeton.

“We believe this can be a win-win for both of the Princetons and the university,” Constantine said.

Council Member Jenny Crumiller asked if it would be better to maintain the route line along the existing right-of-way rather than veer off the existing route.

“Absolutely,” Constantine replied.

Princeton Future would like the university to work with Princeton municipal officials now to determine long-term transit needs and service to Nassau Street, said resident Sheldon Sturges, a member of the the organization.

But under the draft Memorandum of Understanding between the university, borough and township officials, such discussions – and funding- would not begin until the planning board approves the university’s arts and transit zone proposal.

A streetcar or light rail system would enhance property values, encourage local development and help employees who commute to and from Princeton, Tuesday’s presenters said.

Stephen Gazillo, director of transportation planning at URS, said light rail or streetcars would be a viable alternative for Princeton. URS has headed several similar projects in Portland, Ore, Little Rock, Ark. and New Haven, Conn. and the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Line, a partnership with NJ Transit.

Under the Rutgers proposal, there would be three stops in Princeton- one along Lower Alexander Street south of Faculty road, a second across from Forbes College and finally at the intersection of University Place and Nassau Streets, a two-minute walk to Palmer Square, Rutgers student Benjamin Jacobs said.

The cost for the project would be $13.2-$35 million, which could be offset by government grants, naming rights and public private partnerships.

Streetcars increase mobility, attract residents, commuters, tourists and occasional riders and compliment existing transit service.

Light rail would cost about twice as much as streetcars.

Princeton could start with a smaller project at first to keep costs down. Plus the cost would be less because a portion of the existing railroad track could be used, presenters said.

Borough Counselor Roger Martindell said the borough has an opportunity to build a transit system on the existing right of way and he would prefer to debate the issue now, rather than wait.

“It’s very important to preserve the right of way,” Martindell said.