Study sought on extending ‘Dinky’

   Two state Assembly members introduced a bill Thursday for a feasibility study on the possible expansion of the NJ Transit rail line between Princeton and Princeton Junction.
   Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton Borough) and Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) are calling for $250,000 from the Transportation Trust Fund to pay for the study, which would be administered by the New Jersey Transit Corp.
   "The future of New Jersey will be blazed by rail service," Assemblyman Gusciora said. "As the state’s population increases in Mercer County, the time is ripe to study ways of providing quality mass transit to communities in a safe, efficient and environmentally friendly manner."
   The study would examine the possibility of light and conventional rail, the location of station stops and parking, projected ridership and estimated costs.
   "Not only would an extension of the ‘Dinky’ serve the state’s transportation needs by providing commuters with a cost-effective alternative to cars and buses, but it also could create jobs and increase local property values," Assemblywoman Watson Coleman said.
   The two State Assembly members said extension of the passenger line would move forward only if the study indicates a compelling need.