Route
The DRPA study evaluated three route options (with some variations) extending south from Camden:
- NJ-1 - following the route of I-676 and State Highway Route 42 to the Avandale Park & Ride in Sicklerville, Winslow Township
- NJ-2 - following the route of I-676, State Highway Route 42, and State Highway Route 55 to Richwood, Harrison Township. .
- utilizes the alignment of the railroad tracks through the center of Woodbury to Glassboro near Rowan University. NJ-3
NJ-3 is the option selected for a future passenger rail system in Gloucester County.
The NJ-1 and NJ-2 options utilize one side or the medians of the highways. Stations would be park & ride facilities located away from population centers and accessible primarily by motor vehicles only. The number of passengers using such a system for discretionary travel beyond peak-hour peak direction would be very low. New development along these routes would induce sprawl, sapping vitality from existing population centers in the process.
The NJ-3 option utilizes an improved railroad right-of-way, passing through existing populations centers in the corridor, though certain staiton locations identified in the study are sub-optimal. The station list at left reflects preferred locations
Stations enviroments can be flexible. They may be primarily focused toward pedestrian access with limited parking, or may be a park & ride facility, depending on location. Population centers could be destinations as well as origination points for travel. Integration with existing transit services is easier to achieve. Passenger use would be more evenly distributed across the hours of operation due to the attractiveness of the system for discretionary travel. Economic viability in existing populations centers would be supported.
Direct access to Philadelphia would be dependent upon the type of system built. PATCO Light Rail would provide direct access to Philadelphia. A Diesel Light Rail system would require passengers traveling across the Delaware River to transfer onto another mode of transportation. See the Technology page for more information.
Click on the station names listed under the "Route" tab for more information about proposed station locations.