September 25, 2010

Ultimate Accessibility Through Modernization and Extension of the

Dinky to Palmer Square

Alain L. KornhauserResident, Montadale CirclePrinceton Township

Presented at Princeton FuturePrinceton Public Library, Princeton NJ

Andrew KoontzPresident, Borough Council,

Princeton Borough

September 25, 2010

Whereas, Princeton University located a parking garage

without adequate accessibility

Dinky StationDinky Station

Parking GarageParking Garage

Fac ulty Road

Fac ulty Road

Alexander Road

Alexander Road

September 25, 2010

Whereas, Princeton University wishes to create a barrier-free pedestrian plaza as part of its Arts Center

Development Project

September 25, 2010

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

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

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 feet42 feet

September 25, 2010

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

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

42 ftCanal Xing Elevation

42 ftCanal Xing Elevation

Climb 66 ft to Faculty Road Xing

Climb 66 ft to Faculty Road Xing

Climb 37 ft to Current Station Location

Climb 37 ft to Current Station Location

September 25, 2010

NowAfter

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

September 25, 2010

NowAfter

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

September 25, 2010

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

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

Cover Over

Development Opportunity

Dev

elop

men

t O

ppor

tuni

ty

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

– 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

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

September 25, 2010

JFK Air Train Technology

• Linear Induction Motor Propulsion• Completely Automated• Other Implementations

– Vancouver, BC SkyTrain• Largest system 1st opened in 1985

– Kuala Lumpur (1998)

– Detroit (1987))

– Toronto (1985)

– Yongin, South Korea (under construction)

– Beijing Airport Line (2008) Video Outside Video

September 25, 2010

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

Whereas, The natural contour of the land is such that the elevation at the Kiosk at Palmer Square is 43 feet above that at the

current Princeton Station

188feet188feet

February 16, 2010

Whereas, Princeton University will have granted NJ Transit the right to tunnel under its campus at some future date

1,700feet

1,700feet

September 25, 2010

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