Thursday, Dec. 28, 2000 | 11:28 a.m.
NEWARK, N.J. -- New Jersey Transit has vowed to continue its train service in Atlantic City, though the line has been a consistent loser.
The trains, once known as the Gamblers Express, connect Philadelphia with Atlantic City. When the service began a few years ago, officials envisioned trains packed with casino patrons.
Instead, the line had a $9.9 million operating deficit in 2000 and ridership has decreased in each of the last two years. During that same period, ridership on NJ Transit's other lines has grown by more than 10 percent.
These bleak numbers, combined with NJ Transit's reports of potential budget shortfalls by 2005, have critics calling for an end to the service. But NJ Transit officials say that won't happen.
"We're going to make our stand on the Atlantic City rail line and we're going to continue to demonstrate our commitment to the region," Jeffrey Warsh, NJ Transit's executive director, said.
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