1. Presented at Princeton Future Princeton Public Library, Princeton NJ
Ultimate Accessibility Through Modernization and Extension of the Dinky to Palmer Square
Alain L. Kornhauser
Resident, Montadale Circle
Princeton Township
Andrew Koontz
President, Borough Council,
Princeton Borough
Presented at Princeton Future
Princeton Public Library, Princeton NJ
September 25, 2010

2. Whereas, Princeton University located a parking garage without adequate accessibility
Fac ulty Road
Parking Garage
Dinky Station
Alexander Road
September 25, 2010

3. Whereas, Princeton University wishes to create a barrier-free pedestrian plaza as part of its Arts Center Development Project
September 25, 2010

4. Whereas, Princeton University, without using any of its infinite wisdom, initiated a “Land Grab” by proposing that the Dinky Station be moved 450 ft.
September 25, 2010

5. Whereas, Princeton University, without using any of its infinite wisdom, initiated a “Land Grab” by proposing that the Dinky Station be moved 450 ft.
September 25, 2010

6. Whereas, This would be the 2nd time the University has performed a “Land Grab” on the Dinky. The original station was moved “450 feet” to make room to create a “barrier free plaza” between Henry & 1901 etc.
September 25, 2010

7. Whereas, This would be the Nth time the University has opposed rail accessibility to the center of Princeton. Two interurban trolley lines connected Trenton and Princeton. Both succumbed to the contemporary “Marv Reed’s BRT” which rapidly transformed into the “606”.
September 25, 2010

8. Whereas, by using just a little wisdom, one observes that the elevation of the Dinky tracks at it Canal crossing is approximately 42 feet 42
feet
September 25, 2010

9. Whereas, one further observes that the Dinky tracks rise 66 feet so as to make a dangerous at-grade crossing with Faculty Road
September 25, 2010

10. Whereas, one further observes that the Dinky tracks rise another 37 feet to its current station location and creating the surface nuisance for the garage and the plaza
Climb 37 ft to Current Station Location
42 ft
Canal Xing Elevation
Climb 66 ft to Faculty Road Xing
September 25, 2010

11. Let it be Resolved, To re-grade the Dinky line so that it climbs only 46 feet so that it can safely pass under Faculty Road
After
Now
September 25, 2010

12. Let it be Resolved, To re-grade the Dinky line so that it climbs only 46 feet so that it can safely pass under Faculty Road
After
Now
September 25, 2010

13. Let it Further be Resolved, to continue the grading so as to relocate the Princeton Dinky Station 20 feet below its current location
September 25, 2010

14. Underground Dinky Station
Let it Further be Resolved, that NJ Transit grant “air rights” to Princeton University so that it can create a barrier free plaza and access drive to its parking garage
Underground Dinky Station
September 25, 2010

15. Development Opportunity
Let it Further be Resolved, that with its “air rights”, Princeton University will make better use of its otherwise barriered land holdings along Alexander Road
Development Opportunity
Development Opportunity
Cover Over
September 25, 2010

16. Let it Further be Resolved, that NJ Transit evaluate the feasibility of Modernizing the Dinky through Automation since its tracks are now completely grade-separated
Enabling 24-7 operation (if need be)
Meet of all trains at Princeton Jct.
5 minute headway integration with P. Jct. Transit Village
Many proven technology options; for example:
JFK Air Train Technology
September 25, 2010

17. JFK Air Train Technology
Linear Induction Motor Propulsion
Completely Automated
Other Implementations
Vancouver, BC SkyTrain
Largest system 1st opened in 1985
Toronto (1985)
Detroit (1987))
Kuala Lumpur (1998)
Beijing Airport Line (2008) Video Outside Video
Yongin, South Korea (under construction)
September 25, 2010

18. Let it Further be Resolved, Automation of the Dinky would enable the University to add an additional station east of the canal enabling intelligent accessibility and development of those lands
September 25, 2010

19. Whereas, The natural contour of the land is such that the elevation of the Kiosk at Palmer Square is 43 feet above that at the current Princeton Station
188
feet
145
feet
September 25, 2010

20. Whereas, Princeton University will have granted NJ Transit the right to tunnel under its campus at some future date
1,700
feet
February 16, 2010

21. Let it Further be Resolved, that NJ transit undertake a thorough study of the engineering and economic implications of extending the Dinky to an underground station at Palmer Square
September 25, 2010