TETERBORO EMPLOYERS APPLAUD NEW BUS STOPS

TETERBORO - Two bus routes that pick up and drop off commuters at the borough's corporate center are getting good reviews from business owners who say the new service is making life easier for their employees.

The borough and NJ Transit officials hammered out the agreement two months ago, redirecting the 161 bus from New York to Paterson and the 165 bus from New York to Westwood onto North Street, rather than Route 46, reducing a walk of almost a mile.

"It helps our workers who normally don't have cars or can't afford cars in this economy," said Joe Celentano, president of Rudy's Inflight Catering, a business with 160 employees. "The adjustment by NJ Transit has made our place of business more palatable and more easily accessible for more workers."

For years, local officials complained that the long walk was treacherous for commuters during rain and snow and that crossing the busy state highway, where they are no crosswalks or pedestrian signals, could be lethal.

Plans are under way for more buses to travel through the borough to make stops closer to businesses, said Councilman Jim O'Dwyer, who said transit officials have been very accommodating.

Discussions are also being held with the state Department of Transportation to make the intersection at Route 46 and Hollister Road, a street heavily traveled by people walking to work, more pedestrian friendly, O'Dwyer said.

"There's a safety issue there," O'Dwyer said.

NJ Transit spokesman John Durso Jr. said bus changes were made at the request of the borough and several businesses.

"We wanted the bus service to better serve the commercial and industrial area," Durso said. "There are major employers in that area. ... This is a way to keep service for riders safe and convenient."

The borough thrives on its large industrial base and borough officials said improving public transportation is a way to attract and retain businesses.

About 10,000 people work at the borough's various offices, warehouses and airport hangars.

As part of a public-private agreement, several local businesses have agreed to do maintenance and cleanup of the new bus stops.

At Party Center Ltd., which has about 1,000 employees, the bus now stops at the door, a plus for commuting employees.

"It's been well-received," said Barney Drew, a vice president at the rental facility. "Before, some [employees] were paying much more to get to work using taxis."