I luv the Light Rail use it almost everyday. But it would do so much better if they checked customers to see if they had paid or not....they really need to invest in that.

and some people said the light rail would be a white elephant

Marli Horwitz/The Jersey Journal

Sitting with the entire family while traveling on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail might not be a problem any longer.

A light rail train car that has been altered to add two additional sections was unveiled this morning at the Hoboken Terminal Light Rail Station. The "stretch" light rail car will increase seating capacity by 50 percent, officials said.

"Based on NJ Transit's Scorecard Initiative, we found that crowding on the light rail system was a top concern," said NJ Transit Vice President and General Manager of Bus Operations Joyce Gallagher. "This new vehicle will improve overall customer service in a cost-effective way."

The expanded vehicle is the result of a private-public partnership between NJ Transit and Twenty-First Century Rail Corp.

The prototype is 37 feet longer and increases seating capacity from 68 to 102, and also adds standing room, NJ Transit Deputy General Manager of Light Rail Operations John Squitieri said.

Over a sixth-month trial period beginning tomorrow, the new train will rotate through the three lines in the rail system. After the evaluation period, NJ Transit will look to expand up to 26 of the cars -- half of the fleet, Squitieri said.

The new car should provide at least a little relief for the tens of thousands of people expected to be on the waterfront for the Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks Show tomorrow. About 47,000 ride the rail daily.

"The effect of the light rail system in Hudson County cannot be understated," said Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise. "The state has been wise enough to make investments in our system."

Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner echoed DeGise. "Many people don't have cars and rely on public transportation such as the bus or rail system," he said.

The future looks bright for a more customer-friendly travel experience.

"Someday, we'll put Bergen in this rail and get to Bergen County," Mayor Turner said.