Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon’s transit plan includes having the PATH provide a direct stop to Newark airport, fighting the $10.7 billion Turnpike expansion, and having representation on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey board.
(2/2) I am proud to announce my transit policy proposal for the future of Jersey City. We will double down on Vision Zero. Reliable, improved PATH and NJ Transit service will be my top demand from Trenton. Check out my full plan by clicking the link in bio. pic.twitter.com/orcr0N9WNd
— James Solomon (@SolomonforJC) February 19, 2025
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Jersey City deserves transit services that work for every resident, along with streets that are safe for all. As mayor, I am going to expend real time and energy to make sure we expand transit, Solomon said in a statement.
“Our community needs modern solutions, and my plan will deliver just that. Rethinking our transit and street safety will not only improve commutes but also enhance the quality of life for all Jersey City residents. I’m committed to making Jersey City a model for efficient and safe urban transportation.”
Solomon’s vision includes holding PATH and NJTransit accountable for consistent, reliable transportation.
His plan demands expanded PATH service on weekends and evenings, along with direct routes from Jersey City to New York City.
Furthermore, he aims to extend PATH services to Newark Airport and secure meaningful representation for Jersey City on the Port Authority Board that oversees PATH operations.
Additionally, Solomon is committed to enhancing NJTransit bus services. This includes advocating for increased frequency and reliability, especially during nights and weekends on critical routes such as the 119, 123, and 125.
The downtown councilman also calls for modernizing bus infrastructure with safe, heated shelters, and adequate platform space.
Solomon further stated that he would prioritize street safety, which includes seeking maximum penalties for traffic offenses, exploring the use of red light and speed cameras in school zones, and holding delivery companies accountable for violations.
He is also calling for reducing the wait times for Hudson-Bergen Light Rail riders, as well as expanding it to underserved areas such as the Bayfront development, and remains adamantly opposed to proposed the $10.7 billion Turnpike expansion.
To that end, Solomon said he would file a lawsuit demanding a rigorous federal Environmental Impact Study on the true costs of turnpike expansion.
Additionally, a few hours after his transit plan was released, the mayoral hopeful wrote on X that Jersey City residents had benefited from congestion pricing, therefore, he disagrees with President Donald Trump’s (R) plan to end it (the MTA is suing to keep it in place).
“Donald Trump is going to turn Jersey City neighborhoods back into a parking lot on weekday mornings and Sunday evenings,” Solomon’s post says.
“Here are the facts: congestion pricing has reduced traffic and pollution in Jersey City immensely. We should join the fight to stop him.”
Solomon, who rolled out his anti-corruption plan earlier this month, is currently in a five-way race for mayor in the non-partisan November 4th contest.
For the moment, he will square off with former Gov. Jim McGreevey, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), Council President Joyce Watterman, and Board of Education President Mussab Ali.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with a comment from Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon on congestion pricing.
