PATH Debuts 9-Car Service on the Newark-World Trade Center Line

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey took the first step this week in a planned major expansion of PATH service along the Newark-World Trade Center line. On Thursday, March 23, PATH began operating  9-car trains on the NWK-WTC line for the first time in its 100-year history. 

Gradually over the next 12 months, PATH will place increasing numbers of 9-car trains in service and, by the beginning of 2024, nearly all trains on the NWK-WTC line at peak times will be 9-car trains. The addition of a ninth rail car to trains during peak hours is part of an ambitious program to increase capacity and provide a safer, more convenient commuting experience for customers.

The increasing number of 9-car trains along the NWK-WTC line beginning later this year will utilize the start of delivery of 72 new rail cars later this year to augment PATH’s current operating fleet of 350 cars. The new cars will be added to service over the course of this year and 2024. The 9-car train is an essential element of PATH’s plan to increase capacity on the NWK-WTC line by 40 percent.

“The unveiling of 9-car PATH service builds upon my administration’s significant progress toward the modernization of one of the most important transportation networks in the world,” said Governor  Murphy. “By increasing capacity and enhancing efficiency on the Newark-World Trade Center line, we will better connect local communities to good-paying jobs, economic opportunity, and each other. Just as importantly, expanding PATH service will help deliver the comfortable, safe traveling experience New Jersey residents and visitors deserve."

Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy Cheer on Princeton Men's Basketball Team During March Madness

This week, Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy visited Jadwin Gym at Princeton University to show their support for the Princeton Men's Basketball Team as they prepared for tonight's NCAA March Madness Tournament Sweet 16 Game.  Princeton University's advancement in the tournament is the fourth time in history that a 15 seed has made it to the Sweet 16 during March Madness. 

Princeton Men's Basketball will tip off against Creighton University tonight at 9 p.m.

"It has been a great couple of weeks for Jersey hoops and Jersey sports, and we look forward to hopefully seeing that continue tonight," said Governor Murphy. "New Jersey is a college basketball state and at every corner, we prove to the nation that we should never be underestimated. Tammy and I will be rooting for the Princeton Men's Basketball Team and Coach Henderson tonight."

NJ Human Services Launches Grant Application to Help Child Care Providers Increase Child Care Services Available to Working Families

Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman  announced licensed child care centers and Head Start/Early Head Start programs can now apply online for the Thriving by Three Infant and Toddler Child Care Grant to help providers expand their capacity for infants and toddlers, and increase high-quality child care services available to families.

The Thriving by Three grant program, created by a law signed by Governor Murphy in 2022, will help support the development and creation of infant and toddler slots in child care settings, and provide technical assistance to eligible child care providers for the expansion of child care spaces.

“Access to affordable child care is a necessity for many parents,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Investing in our child care providers means investing in working families and local communities throughout our state. I encourage providers to apply for these Thriving by Three grants to help expand their capacity to offer high-quality child care for families across New Jersey.”

“These new state investments continue our goal to make quality and affordable child care a reality to New Jersey’s working families,” said Commissioner Adelman. “These grants are another step by our Administration to strengthen our early childhood education system and provide more access to high-quality child care services to working families. Through these grants, providers can grow their infant and toddler capacity and receive critical support and training to improve their overall quality, receive a rating through Grow NJ Kids and be eligible for a higher reimbursement rate.”

NJ FamilyCare to Resume Eligibility Reviews; Members Urged to Update Contact Information

The Department of Human Services this week noted the state’s NJ FamilyCare health insurance program will be required by federal law to restart eligibility reviews as of April 1 – and urged members to ensure the state has their correct contact information.

The federal government in March 2020 temporarily waived Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) requirements to help prevent people from losing health coverage during the pandemic. Under the federal FY23 Omnibus spending bill passed by Congress and signed by President Biden in late December, states must resume eligibility reviews as of April 1.

The Department of Human Services must complete eligibility reviews within twelve months for all current members. To ensure reviews are processed in a timely manner, members will be contacted on a rolling basis throughout this period about how to renew coverage.

To update their contact information, NJ FamilyCare members should call their NJ FamilyCare health plan or 1-800-701-0710 (TTY: 711).

“We want NJ FamilyCare members to be informed about renewing coverage,” Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “We’re asking members to make sure their address, email and phone number are up to date with NJ FamilyCare, and to be on the lookout for a renewal letter in the mail over the coming months. If you get this important mailing, please complete your renewal form by the deadline to help avoid any gap in your coverage.”