New Jersey's growth potential is limitless. Smart rail policy can fuel it | Opinion
3-minute read
- New Jersey has high population density and traffic congestion, but also boasts the highest railroad density in the U.S.
- Freight rail is a successful, largely self-funded infrastructure system, with significant private investment exceeding public projects like the Gateway tunnel.
- Rail investments benefit the public by reducing congestion, improving air quality and creating jobs.
- New Jersey's congressional delegation should support policies that encourage rail investment, such as public-private partnerships and streamlined permitting.
- A national infrastructure bank, modeled after New Jersey's successful program, could provide transformative financing for large-scale projects.
New Jersey is America’s most densely populated state and also the most congested, with drivers spending an average of 48 hours in traffic annually.
Fortunately, we are also the top state for railroad density. Nineteen different railroads crisscross New Jersey, from the 9-mile Morristown and Erie Railway in Morris County to large, “Class I” operators CSX and Norfolk Southern, which run extensive networks in the Garden State. These railroads are cost-effective and safe and take millions of trucks off New Jersey roads every year.
Nationally, freight rail is one of America’s greatest infrastructure success stories — top-rated by the American Society of Civil Engineers and largely self-funded, as opposed to highway upkeep, which depends on taxpayer dollars. In 2023 the nation’s largest railroads alone spent about $27 billion across the U.S. rail network. For context, that investment figure far exceeds the entire budget of the Gateway tunnel project — an enormous $16 billion.
Private-sector railroad investments deliver public benefits — reducing congestion, improving air quality and supporting thousands of jobs — without placing additional burdens on taxpayers. A new study calculates that every dollar invested by railroads creates $2.50 in U.S. economic activity. In New Jersey, where transportation and logistics are the backbone of our economy and we host the East Coast’s largest port, trains are a critical driver of growth and mitigator of truck traffic.
New Jersey's congressional delegation must embrace rail
New Jersey’s Rail Freight Assistance Program recognizes the value of rail connections to state businesses. The grant program just delivered $25 million to 10 projects across the state, “investments in our future to provide for the safe and efficient movement of goods.” A nearby example is the rehabilitation of a railroad bridge in Morris County.
Yet, to fully realize the benefits of freight rail, we need a strong federal commitment. As Congress considers new transportation legislation, our lawmakers — like Rep. Nellie Pou, serving on the House transportation committee — should recognize rail’s contributions to a modern supply chain and work to encourage continued rail investment and innovation.
For example, any transportation bill should prioritize public-private partnerships like the CRISI (Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements) grants, which help improve rail lines, enhance safety at crossings and increase network capacity. Additionally, streamlining the permitting process for rail projects would prevent costly delays and allow for faster infrastructure upgrades, ensuring that the state remains competitive in the global economy.
At the same time, restoring financial stability to the Highway Trust Fund is crucial to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently on maintaining roads and bridges. As vehicles get more fuel efficient, the gas tax is increasingly unsustainable. Instead, a mileage-based user fee — particularly for commercial vehicles — would help to ensure all roadway users pay their fair share.
Congress should also consider how a National Infrastructure Bank could be a transformative financing tool for large-scale projects. Like the success of the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank — which has facilitated essential upgrades to roads, transit and water systems — this national initiative would offer long-term, low-cost loans for infrastructure improvements. By prioritizing projects that create jobs and provide public benefits, such a bank would strengthen both the state and national economy.
On the other hand, restrictive policies that lack scientific backing could undermine rail by increasing costs and deterring private investment in infrastructure. Instead, policymakers should focus on data-driven solutions that enhance rail safety and productivity while preserving its role as a critical economic engine for New Jersey and beyond.
As an electrician by trade, I know firsthand the value of strong infrastructure. It powers our homes, moves our goods and connects our communities. As a member of the New Jersey Assembly transportation committee, I also see how a robust and efficient logistics network is the foundation for growth across our state.
New Jersey federal policymakers have an opportunity to champion an infrastructure agenda that recognizes the immense value of freight rail. Congresswoman Pou and her colleagues in Washington should act now to ensure that trains remain a pillar of economic strength, job creation and environmental progress in New Jersey. The benefits are clear, and the time to invest in our rail network is now.
Assemblyman Christian Barranco, a Republican, represents New Jersey’s 25th Legislative District, which includes parts of Morris and Passaic counties, and is a member of the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.