Forget the MOM line and give light rail system a try

Let’s face it, the ridiculous MOM railroad line will never materialize because of the infantile objections of the Middlesex County NIMBY communities. So, let’s get on to a light rail system that uses existing right of ways and rail lines that make sense.

One example would be to start service at Englishtown, continue through western Manalapan into Freehold, and then up the Matawan-Freehold line to Aberdeen-Matawan where it could connect with the rail line or allow transfer to the North Jersey Coast Line; and an additional light rail line from Lakewood up through Howell, east Freehold, Farmingdale and Colts Neck connecting with the North Jersey Coast Line in Red Bank.

Of course, throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties we will still have to contend with resident and town Nimbys, but a light rail line may not be as objectionable as a full blown rail line requiring heavy duty track and locomotives.

If they can do this between Camden and Trenton, why not here?

And how about putting the line between Aberdeen-Matawan and Atlantic Highlands back in service as a light rail rather than an underused nature trail frequented by a few bikes and loads of vagrants.

As more and more commuters from Toms River and south are coming of board, how about light rail lines on some of the “abandoned” lines running through Barnegat, etc.

Of course, DOT and NJ Transit may squeal and say these ideas are not practical while they continue to waste millions of taxpayer dollars on spurious studies. Who is benefiting from this while some one is making a ton of money?

If Jamesburg, Monroe, etc. don’t want in on this, let’s let them out. The line running west instead of north doesn’t make any sense anyway. Someone in NJ Transit should look at a map and study some geography.

Ronald Himmel

Aberdeen