Do Not Appropriate Funds for the Princeton, NJ Transit Study

To Princeton Borough Council,

As a tap payer and a concerned citizen, I appeal to you to not appropriate the funds for the Princeton, NJ Transit Study Project 21012-001.

I realize that this study, which grew out of the MOU, has gotten some very impressive public relations support. However, there is a difference between impressive public relations and prudent use of taxpayer monies. In order to understand the prudent use of taxpayer money we need to understand the realities of our current situation. The core reality of our situation is that Nassau Hall does not want rail.

We have heard loud and clear from Mr. Durkee in Monday’s Daily Princetonian the two reasons that it has fought tooth and nail to abandon Dinky service to its historic Princeton station:

1. To enhance commutation by automobile by building an access road to a parking garage, and
2. I quote: “a very strong feeling that you want ths whole [Arts and transit Neighborhood] to be integrated, and you just can’t do that if you have the tracks.”

So Council, why would we put one penny into any study that may look to put tracks up Alexander Street and University Place. In fact the only option that fits the University’s feelings involves busses. And as you know, this community overwhelmingly opposed the BRT idea. The last thing that we should be doing is helping to pay for a study that tells us that the only option that matches the University’s preferences is busses.

I commend Borough Council for its wisdom and courage for continuing to seek ways of preserving our valuable and historic rail transit service. It is a pity that my representatives in the Township as so willing to give away this vital public asset and with it part of the heart of Historic Princeton.

Alain. L. Kornhauser

Professor of Operations Research & Financial Engineering, Princeton University