D NJTPA T Concept Report Summary R F A CORRIDOR PROFILE Strategy Morris & Essex Line F Refinement T Background Data DRA Expansion of Shuttle Service and Park and Rides Candidate Concepts TRANSIT FACILITIES & SERVICES

CORRIDOR NEEDS N ♦ Many Park and Rides near capacity N ♦ Chatham—67% utilized ♦ Access at stations on the Morristown ♦ Madison—100% utilized Line where parking expansion is difficult ♦ Convent—86% utilized ♦ Transit access to major employers in ♦ Morristown—77% utilized Morris County ♦ Morris Plains—87% utilized ♦ 300 P&R spaces by 2035 in Madison ♦ Denville—89% utilized area ♦ Dover—59% utilized ♦ Successful employer shuttles at Convent Station and Morris Plains with limited service frequencies Residential & Employer ♦ Need for 300 park and ride spaces by 2035 in Madison- Station Access Study Convent Station area (NJ Transit)

Rockaway Twp

Mt Arlington ♦ Investigate rail shuttle service at Mor- ristown Line stations in Morris County TRANSIT SCORE AND DENSITIES Denville Chatham 8 1 Dover ⇒ Chatham Boro, Chatham Twp, N ♦ Transit scores generally range from Medium-High in areas 7 6 Florham Park Parsippany Madison surrounding stations, to medium and marginal as distances 2 Roxbury ⇒ Madison, Florham Park, Chatham to stations increase ♦ Existing densities are already proven to support park and Victory Gardens Twp. rides and commuter transit service Morris Plains Convent Station Randolph 3 ⇒ ♦ Residential densities are among the highest in Morris 5 Hanover Morris Twp, Florham Park Morristown County 4 ⇒ Morristown ♦ Highest density within corridor in Morristown Morristown Florham Park Morris Plains ♦ 6,300 people/square mile 4 5 ⇒ Morris Plains, Hanover, Parsip- ♦ Lowest density within corridor in Denville 3 pany ♦ 1,300 people/square mile Morris Twp Denville ♦ Morris County Average– 1,000 people/square mile 6 2 ⇒ Denville, Rockaway ♦ NJ State Average— 1,100 people/square mile Madison Dover 7 1 ⇒ Dover, Victory Gardens, Chatham Boro Randolph, Rockaway Chatham Twp 8 Mount Arlington TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY ISSUES ⇒ Mount Arlington, Roxbury ⇒ Parking Expansion N ♦ Study remote parking with shuttle ser- 1. At-grade park and ride locations along M&E Line with little vice where appropriate ability to expand and nearing capacity ♦ Coordinate with existing Wheels shuttle 2. Major employers in office parks with limited existing transit 1 service at non-peak hours services at Convent Station and Morris 4 Plains 3. Reverse commute market size potentially significant if job

2 sites are accessible ♦ Prioritize bus and van movements on 1 area roadways 4. Significant Environmental Justice Populations (>50%) in 4 Victory Gardens (79%) and Morristown (55%) 2 Existing FY 2009 1 5. Need priority given to moving buses on local area road- TIP Project: 1 ways 1 Morris County Intermodal Park and Ride— Ear- mark provided for construction of new intermo- dal park and ride facility in Morris County. T562 3

NJTPA Strategy Evaluation

Concept Report

Transit Support Improvement Strategies Morris & Essex Line Expansion of Parking and Shuttle Services

Table of Contents

1. Existing Facilities and Corridor Needs...... - 2 - 2. Candidate Concepts and Projects...... - 5 -

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NJTPA Strategy Evaluation

Draft Prototype Concept Report

Transit Support Improvement Strategies Morris & Essex Line Expansion of Parking and Shuttle Services

The NJTPA Strategy Evaluation process identified transportation needs in the NJTPA region, and then delineated areas throughout the region where certain types of transportation improvements might be appropriate. The types of improvements (referred to as “strategies”) were grouped into four general categories: Ridesharing and Transit Support; Public Transit Enhancement; Roadway Improvements; and Freight Movement. Within each of those Strategy Groups, more specific strategies were identified, for example, highway operational improvements, local buses, rail freight projects, and park and ride lots. The result of this process was the identification of 30 Refinement Areas to address needs affecting each NJTPA subregion, and the region as a whole.

Meetings were held with each subregion to gain input on their priorities. A workshop was held on December 10, 2008 with subregions and partner agencies to review and modify the list of 30 Refinement Areas. For each of the resulting 30 areas, additional analyses and site visits were conducted as appropriate and applicable agencies were contacted for data and technical input.

This Concept Report resulted from Strategy Evaluation and Refinement analysis within the NJTPA Congestion Management Process. The Concept Report does the following:

1) Defines concepts that address accessibility and mobility issues, and recommends projects that could be advanced to address them; and, 2) Presents background information including data and contextual information relating to the issues and which led to the identification of concepts and potential projects.

This document is the Concept Report for Transit Support Improvement Strategies to serve users along the Morris & Essex Line between Chatham and Mount Arlington in Morris County. The report considers parking expansion and new shuttle services around rail stations as well as general access improvements to enhance community mobility and improve the connectivity of existing transit service.

1. Existing Facilities and Corridor Needs The Morris & Essex Line is the second busiest rail line in the NJ Transit system, and has seen dramatic growth since the opening of Midtown Direct service in 1994. Some service along the Morristown Line originates at Hackettstown in Warren County before entering Morris County where most Morristown Line service originates at Dover. At Denville, the Montclair-Boonton

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Line diverges, while the Morristown Line turns south through eastern Morris County. At Summit in Union County, it joins with the Gladstone Branch, which serves western Union and northern Somerset counties. Both branches of the Morris & Essex system then serve Essex County before reaching Newark Broad Street Station and terminating at either Hoboken or Penn Station New York. The Morristown Line sees the majority of the service on the Morris & Essex system. During peak periods, the Morristown Line is served by 2-3 trains per hour to New York and 1-2 trains per hour to Hoboken. In the off-peak, hourly service is provided to New York and service every two hours is provided to Hoboken. Transfers are available between New York and Hoboken services and between Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch trains at Summit and Newark Broad Street.

Due to a two-track configuration through Morris County, trains on the Morristown Branch always serve all stations between Chatham and Dover with the exception of Mount Tabor. The track is not electrified west of Dover, and stations between Mount Arlington and Hackettstown are served by more limited Diesel service, which also operates down the Montclair-Boonton Line east of Denville.

The nine stations of the Morris & Essex Line in Morris County between Chatham and Mount Arlington served about 10,000 daily boarding passengers in 2008. Other than Mount Tabor, which has minimal service, and Mount Arlington, which opened halfway through the fiscal year in January 2008, every station sees more than 600 daily boarding riders per day, placing them in the top half of all rail stations in the system. Most stations have more than twice that amount. For full details on the ridership of Morris & Essex Line stations in Morris County, see the table below:

STATION 2008 DAILY NJ TRANSIT PASSENGER STATION BOARDINGS RANKING Chatham 1,531 31st Madison 1,581 29th Convent Station 1,321 36th Morristown 2,218 22nd Morris Plains 808 57th Mount Tabor 48 147th Denville 600 70th Dover 1,590 28th Mt. Arlington 81 (partial year) 142nd Source: NJ Transit Rail System Report FY08

Most Morristown Line stations are generally located in traditional downtown areas, near commercial districts and medium-density housing. Exceptions to this are Convent Station, near the College of Saint Elizabeth, Mount Tabor, which serves a small residential area, Denville, which is located approximately one mile from the town’s commercial core, and Mount Arlington, which was recently built to serve as a regional park and ride for bus and rail service. The Dover and Morristown stations are located in a relatively dense urban area.

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With the growth of rail ridership due to Midtown Direct service to New York, parking availability has become a critical issue for most of the towns along the line. Most of the stations have limited room for parking expansion, and most have resident restrictions, which limit train utilization by residents of nearby towns without stations of their own. For details on parking availability along the Morris & Essex Line in Morris County, see the table below:

STATION 2007 PARKING 2007 PARKING SPACES UTILIZATION Chatham 480 67% Madison 411 100% Convent 592 86% Station Morristown 447 77% Morris Plains 238 87% Mt. Tabor 48 39% Denville 237 89% Dover 870 59% Mt. Arlington N/A N/A TOTAL 3,323 76% Source: NJ Transit 2007 Parking Guide

There is little room for future parking expansion, yet the population of Morris County, and with it transit ridership, will still grow. Though much of the county is in the Highlands Region, where growth is restricted, Morris County is forecasted to grow by 11%, or 52,000 people between 2000 and 2030. Most of the growth will occur in towns without a rail station, further straining existing parking resources. And with the completion of the Mass Transit Tunnel as a part of the ARC project, additional trains will only increase the number of people using transit at Morris County stations. NJ Transit forecasts for 2030 foresee a need for an additional 300+ spaces between Chatham, Madison and Convent Stations even with improved parking management.

Some services already exist within the corridor to provide local transit access to Morris & Essex Line Stations. The local Morris County Metro (MCM) bus network is centered on Morristown, and operates infrequently. Coach USA’s route 77 serves Morristown Station on its trip to New York. At Convent Station, three employer shuttles exist, two Wheels routes operated by NJ Transit, serving employers in Florham Park, Madison and Morris Township, and the third operated by the TransOptions TMA, which serves employers in Madison and Chatham Township. At Morris Plains, TransOptions runs an employer shuttle to major employers in Parsippany. For full details of the bus service at rail stations, see the following table:

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LINE FROM TO STATIONS DAILY TWO- OTHER TOWNS SERVED DIRECTIONAL SERVED BUSES MCM1 Morristown Willowbrook Morristown 21 Morris Twp, Hanover, Mall Parsippany, Boonton, Montville, Lincoln Park, Wayne MCM2 Randolph Morristown Morristown, 18 Dover, Victory Gardens, Morris Plains, Denville, Parsippany, Dover Morris Plains, Morris Twp MCM4 Dover Morris Twp Morristown 6 Randolph, Chester, Mendham, Morristown MCM10 Rockaway Morristown Dover, Morris 27 Wharton, Dover, Plains Rockaway, Denville, Parsippany, Morris Plains, Hanover Coach #77 Morristown New York Morristown 37 Hanover, Florham Park, East Hanover, Livingston, West Orange, Orange, East Orange, Clifton Wheels #966 Convent Convent Convent 10 Madison, Florham Park, Route 1 Station Station Station Morris Twp Wheels #966 Convent Convent Convent 10 Madison, Florham Park Route 2 Station Station Station TransOptions Convent Convent Convent 11 Madison, Chatham Twp Convent Stn. Station Station Station TransOptions Morris Plains Morris Plains Morris Plains 9 Hanover, Parsippany Morris Plains

2. Candidate Concepts and Projects Morris & Essex Line stations in Morris County are frequently located in suburban downtowns where it is often difficult to expand parking. Where parking cannot be expanded, frequent and well planned shuttles should connect to the stations, allowing rail access for a growing population. Given these considerations, the following planning study is recommended, including suggested implementing agencies and rough cost estimate:

• Morris & Essex Line Residential and Employer Station Access Study. (Sponsor: NJ Transit)

It is recommended that this study evaluate the need for additional access at Morris & Essex Line stations and investigate the possibility of new residential and employer shuttles along with improvements to current shuttle services at stations between Chatham and Mount Arlington. Each station area has its own characteristics, and the techniques and markets served by shuttles around each station should take those unique characteristics into account. Major issues to be studied should include: • Ability to add parking • The location of major employers • Cost of parking projects

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• Major residential concentrations • Frequency and span of service

This study will also need to consider that, in order to implement any recommended increases in transit operations, increases in NJ Transit’s operating budget will be required.

Walking is the preferred mode of access for station shuttles. To ensure that they are effective and will have sufficient ridership, the areas served must be dense enough to serve walk-up ridership. One indicator of density to help determine whether shuttles are warranted is the Transit Score index. NJ Transit’s Transit Score is a way to measure the appropriate investment in transit service based on the socioeconomic characteristics of a given area. Transit Score is a numerical index, calculated through a regression equation that includes population density, employment density, and density of zero-car households—three factors that strongly influence the potential for transit ridership. A Transit Score is estimated for each of the 2,050 Census Tracts in New Jersey, which provides a common statewide unit of geography to estimate and compare the Transit Score. Transit Scores are based on year 2000 data, and can also be estimated for future forecasts for each of the three factors.

These scores are then put into categories, from high to low, indicating the type and intensity of transit service appropriate for the given area. For example: • A high Transit Score indicates the possibility of utilizing express bus service from walk- on locations • A medium score may suggest the development of local circulator service may be worthwhile. • A low score indicates that an area will not support local transit service, but should still be provided with access to regional park and rides.

While not by any means a full analysis of transit feasibility, Transit Score allows a quick look at whether the land use in an area is supportive of increased transit service, and provides a tool through which municipalities can plan for increased densities in preparation for enhanced service.

Specific issues related to parking expansion and shuttle service at specific stations, including densities and transit scores are listed below:

1. Chatham Station: • Station location and land use o Located in Chatham Borough ƒ Residential density: 3,997 residents per square mile ƒ Employment density: 1,598 employees per square mile ƒ Medium-High transit score o Located near Chatham Township ƒ Residential density: 1,081 residents per square mile ƒ Employment density: 358 employees per square mile ƒ Medium to Low transit score o Located near Florham Park

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ƒ Residential density: 1,192 residents per square mile ƒ Employment density: 1,193 employees per square mile • Areas near Chatham are mostly residential ƒ Medium-Marginal Transit Scores • Residential shuttles potentially productive in Chatham Borough, and nearby areas of Chatham Township and Florham Park with sufficient residential density • Employer shuttles not recommended o Most nearby employers are within walking distance of rail station in downtown Chatham o Major employers are closer to other stations • Parking Expansion o Little room for expansion o Consider utilizing little used carpool lot at corner of Division Avenue and Main Street as remote parking ƒ Serve with residential shuttles, or dedicated service

2. Madison Station: • Station location and land use o Located in Madison Borough ƒ Residential density: 3,926 people per square mile ƒ Employment density: 1,451 employees per square mile ƒ Medium-High to Medium Transit Scores indicate walk-on service is possible if well planned ƒ Drew University located in municipality o Located near Chatham Township ƒ Residential density: 1,081 residents per square mile ƒ Employment density: 358 employees per square mile ƒ Medium to Low transit score o Located near Florham Park ƒ Residential density: 1,192 residents per square mile ƒ Employment density: 1,193 employees per square mile • AT&T Research facility located off Ridgedale Avenue • Headquarters offices at Giralda Farms • Residential shuttles potentially productive in Madison Borough, and nearby areas of Chatham Township and Florham Park with sufficient residential density • Employer shuttles worth investigating o AT&T research facility could be served from Convent Station or Madison, depending on orientation of demand o Drew University shuttle could serve employees and students, and provide access to areas on campus far from station • Parking Expansion o Little room for expansion o Consider shared parking with retail uses

3. Convent Station: • Station location and land use

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o Located in Morris Township ƒ Residential density: 1,382 people per square mile ƒ Employment density: 898 employees per square mile • Major employer at Honeywell Headquarters ƒ Medium to Marginal transit score o Located near Florham Park ƒ Residential density: 1,192 residents per square mile ƒ Employment density: 1,193 employees per square mile • Major employment centers at Fairleigh Dickenson University, College of St. Elizabeth, and off of Park Avenue • Residential shuttle o Low density of nearby development indicates shuttles may not be warranted • Employer shuttle o Build on existing shuttle services to Park Avenue, colleges and Honeywell ƒ Expand existing span of service to allow for midday trips ƒ Meet reverse trains to ease transit from both directions • Opportunities to coordinate with existing Wheels services • Parking expansion o May be possible on some parcels o Investigate shared parking with other land uses

4. Morristown: • Station location and land use o Located in Morristown ƒ Residential density: 6,307 people per square mile ƒ Employment density: 5,800 employees per square mile ƒ High transit score • Residential shuttle o Investigate providing shuttle service from areas of town not near station or with difficult walks due to hilly terrain • Employer shuttle o Investigate providing shuttle service to downtown area due to hilly terrain • Parking recently expanded as part of transit village project

5. Morris Plains Station: • Station location and land use o Located in Morris Plains Borough ƒ Residential density: 2,014 people per square mile ƒ Employment density: 3,370 employees per square mile • Office concentrations on Hanover Road ƒ Medium-High to Medium transit score o Located near Parsippany-Troy Hills Township ƒ Residential density: 2,115 residents per square mile ƒ Employment density: 2,211 employees per square mile

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• Many major office complexes on Route 10, Route 46 and Route 202 ƒ Medium-High to Medium transit scores o Located near Hanover Township ƒ Residential density: 1,210 residents per square mile ƒ Employment density: 2,974 employees per square mile • Many major office complexes on Route 10 ƒ Medium transit score • Residential shuttle o May be warranted within Morris Plains Borough • Employer shuttle o Build on existing shuttle service to Parsippany and Hanover ƒ Expand existing span of service to allow for midday trips ƒ Meet reverse trains to ease transit from both directions • Opportunities to coordinate with existing Wheels services • Parking expansion o Minimal land for parking expansion o Investigate shared parking with other land uses

6. Denville Station: • Station location and land use o Located in Dover Borough ƒ Residential density: 1,308 people per square mile ƒ Employment density: 987 employees per square mile • Downtown not near train station ƒ Medium to Marginal transit score o Located near Rockaway Township ƒ Residential density: 665 residents per square mile ƒ Employment density: 527 employees per square mile ƒ Medium transit scores • Residential shuttle o May be warranted within Denville and in appropriate areas of Rockaway near Main Street • Employer shuttle ƒ Investigate shuttle to downtown Denville to provide access to local businesses • Parking expansion o Some parking expansion may be possible o Environmental screening necessary to determine feasibility

6. Dover Station: • Station location and land use o Located in Denville Town ƒ Residential density: 6,787 people per square mile ƒ Employment density: 2,217 employees per square mile ƒ Medium-High transit score

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o Located near Rockaway Township ƒ Residential density: 665 residents per square mile ƒ Employment density: 527 employees per square mile • Rockaway Mall north of station ƒ Medium transit scores o Located near Victory Gardens Borough ƒ Residential density: 10,307 residents per square mile ƒ Employment density: 427 employees per square mile ƒ High transit scores o Located near Randolph Township ƒ Residential density: 1,185 residents per square mile • Higher density areas located near Dover ƒ Employment density: 426 employees per square mile ƒ Low to Medium-High transit scores • Residential shuttle o May be warranted within Dover and Victory Gardens, and in appropriate areas of Randolph • Employer shuttle ƒ Investigate shuttle to downtown Rockaway Mall • Parking expansion o Minimal land for parking expansion o Investigate shared parking with other land uses

6. Mount Arlington Station: • Station location and land use o Located in Mount Arlington Borough ƒ Residential density: 2,210 people per square mile ƒ Employment density: 435 employees per square mile ƒ Medium transit score o Located near Roxbury Township ƒ Residential density: 1,118 residents per square mile ƒ Employment density: 427 employees per square mile ƒ Low to Medium transit scores o Located immediately adjacent to I-80 at Exit 30/Howard Boulevard • Residential shuttle o May be warranted within Mount Arlington • Employer shuttle not warranted • Parking expansion o Land available for expansion o Needed to provide adequate parking for bus and rail o Site close to I-80 provides options for eastbound drivers, if parking is available o Environmental screening needed for any new development.

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