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NJ Transit Considers Replacing ‘Princeton Dinky’ With Light Rail, Buses

New Jersey Transit’s 2.7-mile ‘Princeton Dinky’ connects Princeton University with the Northeast Corridor. Photo by Adam E. Moreira

NJ Transit Considers Replacing ‘Princeton Dinky’ With Light Rail, Buses

By Railfan & Railroad Staff

PRINCETON, N.J. — New Jersey Transit would like to replace the “Princeton Dinky,” a 2.7-mile commuter rail line connecting Princeton University with the Northeast Corridor, with a more modern light rail system and buses. The Princeton Dinky has the distinction of being the shortest scheduled commuter rail line in the United States.

Presently, NJT uses two GE Arrow III self-propelled electric coach cars that date back to the late 1970s. The agency is currently trying to replace those cars across the system. On the Princeton line, however, it would like to rebuild as a light rail line that makes more stops and can also be used by buses that would go beyond the current terminus at Princeton University and serve a wider swath of the community. 

Walkable Princeton reports that such upgrades would cost more than $100 million. However, a timeline has yet to be set for such upgrades and an environmental impact statement would need to be completed first. 

The Princeton Dinky, when it was operated by Penn Central, in August 1971. Photo by Roger Puta.

This article was posted on: December 6, 2022