10. Circulate NJ
Let’s start with the organization that should not need to exist — but one the state is
lucky to have.
Circulate NJ represents the transportation, logistics and distribution industries that fuel
our supply chain — including port workers, warehouses, retail developers and trucking
companies. You know, the group that has saved the state’s economy since the
pandemic showed just how essential they are.
Circulate NJ, which has nearly four dozen members so far, provides a voice on key
issues — such as proposed regulations that may not be what they seem.
Click here to read BINJE’s Year in Review 2025 Digital Edition
9. New Jersey Turnpike
Perhaps overlooked in all of the improvements coming to the Port, Newark Airport, NJ
Transit and Amtrak (more on all later), is the project to widen the N.J. Turnpike.
In May, the extension project received a ‘Finding of No Significant Impact’ on
environmental issues — clearing way for it to begin.
The finding, issued by the Coast Guard, covers area of Turnpike extension between
Interchanges 14 in Newark and 14A in Bayonne and Jersey City
8. Carteret Ferry terminal
Did we say overlooked? Don’t forget about the multi-level ferry terminal coming to
Carteret. The project, which broke ground earlier this month, not only will be a boost
to transportation infrastructure, it also will bring an economic boost to Carteret.
The project is a central component of Mayor Daniel Reiman’s vision to transform
Carteret’s once industrial Arthur Kill waterfront into a regional destination,
complementing existing features like a fishing pier, marina, park and the soon-to-open
Riverwalk.
The entire ferry project site is on a former Dupont property, with future plans for a
movie studio and hotel on the balance of the land.
7. Amtrak upgrades
The Gateway Tunnel project is about far more than just getting commuters to New York
City.
Amtrak Chairman Tony Coscia, a driving force behind the Gateway project for more
than a decade, explained how the tunnel will help transform train travel throughout
New Jersey.
And while you need to wait for the tunnel, know that you can travel in style today.
Amtrak launched a faster and more business-friendly Acela train for the Northeast
Corridor — a comfortable and more reliable way to get from D.C. to Boston for sure.
6. Love for South Jersey
Don’t forget about the seven-county area that Gov. Phil Murphy said had the most
potential for business growth in the state.
This, despite that fact it financially does not get its fair share of money it sends to
support the corporate transit fee.
Murphy, a friend of South Jersey, offered his thoughts on plans to modernize South
Jersey transit.
Others dream bigger, saying a long-awaited aim to expand Atlantic City international
airport would have the most economic impact in the region.
5. United Airlines
To be clear, the meltdown that led to dramatic delays, cancellations and a reduction of
service at Newark Liberty was not the fault of United.
But that doesn’t mean the carrier, which dominates traffic out of Newark hasn’t been at
the forefront of finding solutions, behind Jon Gooda, the vice president at United
Airlines who serves as the head of airport operations in Newark.
United also has been a leader in improving comfort and amenities, in Newark Airport
(check out the expanded Polaris lounge area — or the sensory room it opened for
those with special needs) and soon, in the air (these suites look comfy — and who
doesn’t want better Wi-Fi).
4. NJ Transit
Murphy repeatedly said he was going to fix it unless it killed him. Eight years later,
neither statement is true, but there has been plenty of progress.
NJ Transit continued its overhaul of rail cars (429 new ones) and buses (175 new
ones).
There’s plenty more on the wish list, including a Secaucus-Meadowlands Transitway
extension to Jersey City.
Looking ahead, the big question is whether it will be able to handle the World Cup next
summer. It certainly did last summer (for the Club World Cup) and while that event
isn’t nearly as big, the capacity of the stadium will be the same.
3. Strike 1, strike 2
The Great Transit Strike of 2025 lasted only a few days. And potential disruptions at
the Port last only a bit longer.
Having both issues resolved is a big step moving forward.
2. The LAND plan
The idea that NJ Transit should take advantage of the valuable property it owns at
numerous train stations throughout the state has been discussed for decades.
The introduction of the LAND plan may do just that. Leveraging Assets for Non-farebox
Dollars is a stretch of an acronym, but it works. There is a belief that the LAND plan could generate an additional $1.9 billion, all of which (in theory) will go to support NJ
Transit.
1. The Port’s capital plan
The Port Authority’s $45 billion capital plan for projects across the region in 2026-35
was approved just days ago. Its impact will be felt for years/decades/generations.
The plan will build a new Terminal B and state-of-the-art AirTrain at Newark Airport,
replace critical structures (Lincoln Tunnel Helix and Outerbridge Crossing) and improve
PATH service and more.
The update to Terminal B — not to mention the effort to better connect the airport to
Newark — are two great gets for the plan.
Just as a reminder, the Port brings 580,000 jobs and $18 billion in tax revenue to
the region. Hard to argue against that.
