Regional Plan Association (RPA) released a comprehensive analysis evaluating the economic benefits of the full build of 11 projects in the Gateway Program. The new report, titled The Economic Promise of the Gateway Program, outlines the need for the complete revitalization and expansion of transit infrastructure between Newark and New York Penn Station to provide more reliable service for millions of rail passengers on one of the busiest railway stretches on the Northeast Corridor (NEC).
Using the Transight model developed by Regional Economic Models, Inc. (REMI), the analysis shows that the full build of the Gateway Program will annually sustain 46,100 new jobs on average and generate an estimated $445 billion in economic benefits by 2060.
The 11 Gateway Program projects include:
- Hudson Tunnel Project
- Hudson Yards Concrete Casing
- Portal North Bridge
- Sawtooth Bridges Replacement
- Dock Bridge Rehabilitation
- Harrison Fourth Track
- Portal South Bridge
- Secaucus Expansion
- Bergen Loops
- NJ Transit Storage Yard
- NY Penn Station Capacity Expansion
“Through the creation of tens of thousands of jobs and enhanced infrastructure, the Gateway Program will provide a much-needed boost for our regional and national economies,” said Tom Wright, president and CEO of Regional Plan Association. “It’s essential that the Gateway Program continue to move forward to strengthen our region and the entire Northeast Corridor.”
The Gateway Program is a multiphase series of projects that will deliver critical rail infrastructure and double capacity along the 10-mile rail segment stretching between Newark and New York Penn Station along the NEC. While parts of the NEC are composed of four to six tracks, this critical section carries over 200,000 passengers on 450 daily trains and is only served by two tracks. Through its 11 core projects, The Gateway Program seeks to improve severely aging infrastructure and expand capacity through a systemized, phased approach that will minimize disruptions to current services.
In assessing the full Gateway Program, RPA found that in its first 15 years of operation (between 2045 and 2060), the Program will stimulate $230 billion in the Tri-State region’s economy and an additional $170 billion across the U.S. The Gateway Program supports the regional and national economy by expanding the regional labor market, inducing time and cost travel savings and boosting business productivity. Additionally, the Gateway Program’s core project construction is projected to generate $42.8 billion.
“With delays and canceled trains, commuters are reminded daily that the majority of the NEC’s current infrastructure hasn’t been replaced in almost a century,” said Kate Slevin, executive vice president of Regional Plan Association. “The projects outlined in the Gateway Program are vital upgrades that advance our infrastructure and environmental agendas while also providing transit riders with the smooth and reliable commute they deserve. An investment in the Gateway Program is an investment in improving the lives of those who rely on passenger rail service every day.”
“Every step forward in the Gateway Program reinforces New Jersey’s position as a vital regional crossroads — positioned to reap the full economic benefits of this historic project,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Completing the Gateway Program is not just about infrastructure — it’s about laying the foundation for a new century of American leadership.”
“Since first running for office, I’ve fought tooth and nail to secure federal funding to build our nation’s most important infrastructure project — the Hudson River Tunnel — but we have more work to do along the Northeast Corridor,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. “This exciting report tells us what New Jerseyans have known for a long time — that the impact of the Gateway Program will be immense, from reducing traffic and air pollution to lowering the commute times. These investments in public transit will boost our economy and improve the quality of life for families across the Garden State, so it is critical that we continue progress in modernizing this vital stretch of our rail system.”
“Regional Plan Association’s latest report on the Gateway Program presents a clear picture of the vital benefits the initiative provides not just to New Jersey but the entire Northeast Corridor,” said Senator Cory Booker. “The Gateway Program is, and will continue to be, an economic boon, creating and sustaining tens of thousands of good paying jobs and bolstering the well-being of New Jersey’s families and communities across the region. It’s also clear that the completion of the Gateway Program will strengthen the integrity of our nation’s busiest transit corridor, ensuring reliable, efficient service throughout. I look forward to seeing Gateway’s continued progress in the months and years to come, and I’ll continue to work to make sure we see the program’s eleven components through.”
“Gateway has long been a labor of love for me — from the thousands of jobs it creates to its resounding and reverberating economic impact,” said Senator Chuck Schumer. “As RPA’s analysis shows, Gateway is a lucrative investment that will deliver for the regional economy, commuters, union workers and the national economy — to the tune of nearly half a trillion in economic benefit. That is why I ensured the federal government committed tremendous support to getting one of the nation’s most important infrastructure upgrades done. Gateway is all systems go.”
“The Gateway Program is a once-in-a-generation investment in our region’s future. We’ve long known that modern, reliable public rail infrastructure doesn’t just move people — it powers our economy, improves our air and creates tens of thousands of good, family-sustaining jobs,” said Ed Potosnak, executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “We strongly support the full implementation of the Gateway Program as a critical step toward a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous future for New Jersey and the entire Northeast Corridor. As trains become a more attractive option, we’ll see fewer trips by car and bus, easing our roads and reducing pollution.”
