The Regional Plan Association (RPA) has published “Economic Promise of the Gateway Program,” a study of the long-term economic and employment benefits of the Gateway Program, the series of projects aimed at modernizing and expanding the Northeast Corridor’s rail infrastructure, specifically between Newark, New Jersey, and New York Penn Station.
- Job Creation and Retention: The program will generate a significant number of construction jobs during the building phase. More importantly, it will also support and create permanent jobs across the region by improving connectivity and making the area more attractive to businesses. The study estimates the creation and sustenance of 46,100 jobs.
- Increased Economic Output: By improving the reliability and efficiency of rail travel, the Gateway Program will boost overall economic productivity. Businesses will be able to operate more efficiently, and workers will be able to commute more reliably, leading to increased output and economic growth. The study estimates approximately $445 billion in economic benefits.
- Reduced Congestion and Pollution: A modern, efficient rail system will encourage more people to choose train travel over driving. This modal shift will reduce traffic congestion on roads and highways, leading to less time wasted in traffic and lower levels of air pollution.
- Improved Reliability and Travel Times: The Gateway Program will significantly improve the reliability of train service, reducing delays and disruptions. It will also enable increased train frequencies and potentially reduce travel times, making rail travel a more attractive and viable option for commuters and travelers.
The RPA analysis concludes that the Gateway Program is a critical investment in the economic future of the entire Northeast Corridor. The benefits of the program, including job creation, increased economic output, reduced congestion and pollution, and improved travel times, far outweigh the costs, making it a vital project for the region’s long-term prosperity.
Read the full report here: https://rpa.org/work/reports/economic-promise-gateway
