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NJ Transit board puts plan in motion for NYC, Atlantic City express train
By LARRY HIGGS
Gannett New Jersey
NEWARK -- An express train to take high rollers to and from the Big Apple to Atlantic City could hit the rails by fall 2007, and casinos are picking up the fare.
NJ Transit's board of trustees approved a three-year contract Monday with Atlantic City Express Service LLC, the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and a consortium of three casinos -- the Borgota, Harrah's and Caesars -- to pay $4 million a year to run weekend-only express trains.
Details on the fare and possible stops in New Jersey will be worked out between the Atlantic City consortium and NJ Transit, said Kris Kolluri, state transportation commissioner and NJ Transit board chairman.
The board also amended the transit agency's contract with Bombardier to purchase eight bi-level railcars for $11 million, which also will be charged back to Atlantic City Express partnership.
The casino train is scheduled to make the trip in 21¼2 hours, and about 1,100 people are expect to ride roundtrip on the Friday-, Saturday- and Sunday-only service.
The start date of nonstop service will coincide with the late 2007 opening of several major casino building projects of high-end restaurants, retail, night clubs and hotel rooms designed to cater to the patron who is interested in other entertainment than gambling.
"The timing couldn't be better," said Auggie Cipollini, senior vice president and chief administrative officer of the Borgota Hotel Casino and Spa. "By the end of 2007, Atlantic City will offer more to customers."
The trains, consisting of four leased Amtrak diesel locomotives and eight new bi-level cars, also will be better appointed than the average commuter train. Food and beverages will be offered on board, and the railcars will be upgraded with more comfortable seating, Cipollini said.
The train's route will take it on the Northeast Corridor Line, where it picks up NJ Transit's Atlantic City line north of Philadelphia, said Dan Stessel, NJ Transit spokesman.
One goal is to keep the ride to 21¼2 hours by limiting the number of stops, which the Amtrak Atlantic City service of the late 1980s didn't do, Cipollini said.
"There were too many stops, and it took too long. Two-and-a-half hours is the right time, verses three- to three-and-a-half hours, if there are too many stops," he said.
Board member Flora Castillo said discussions started three years ago with the casino industry. She said the train service also will create opportunities for South Jersey residents to take an express train to New York.
Transit advocates supported the partnership, saying it is essential to have the casino industry's support.
"Anytime there is a new service, it's good," said David Peter Allan, president of the Lackawanna Commuter coalition.
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