New Jersey Hudson River Cities and Their Subways: A Geographical Perspective
Why do cities across the Hudson River in New Jersey, such as Secaucus and Jersey City, have fewer subway lines compared to New York City's Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens? This article explores the geographical, historical, and socio-economic factors that play a role in this unique urban development pattern.
Why New York City's Subways Extend Inland but New Jersey's Do Not
Many misconceptions exist about the urban planning and geography of New York City and its surrounding areas. It is commonly believed that cities like Secaucus and Jersey City are suburbs of New York City, but they are actually part of the New Jersey state. While the five boroughs – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island – are considered integral parts of New York City, neighboring New Jersey does not share the same interconnected subway system.
Geographical Challenges
The Hudson River poses significant challenges for urban planning and transportation infrastructure. On the West side of the Hudson, the landscape is characterized by massive cliffs that limit development. This geographical feature is one of the primary reasons why the PATH, light rail, and NJ Transit trains serve the cities in New Jersey effectively. Extending subway lines like the 7 Train to places such as Secaucus would not only be more difficult due to the steep terrain but would also be much more expensive and environmentally disruptive.
The Historical Context
The location of New York City on the East side of the Hudson River is a historical legacy of urban development. Manhattan, for instance, was settled because it was a relatively flat spot along the riverbank, with the earliest settlers moving 9 miles inland to find suitable farmland. This location was further reinforced by the geography that made it less suitable to develop land further west, such as the hilly and undevelopable Meadowlands near the Passaic River.
Subway Extensions and Urban Development
Staten Island, the largest of New York City's five boroughs, provides an interesting case study. Despite being geographically separate from Manhattan, Staten Island residents benefit from a more extensive public transportation network compared to cities across the Hudson. However, the subway system was never extended to Secaucus, Jersey City, or other parts of New Jersey. This decision was not made arbitrarily but because of the challenging terrain and the need to preserve the real estate market and property values.
Cultural and Economic Factors
The closely integrated subway system of New York City also serves to keep real estate prices down and maintain a manageable commute time for its residents. The desire to keep these benefits while avoiding the high costs and potential environmental damage of extending subway lines into New Jersey’s steep cliffs highlights a cultural preference for maintaining the current transportation network.
Conclusion
The limited subway infrastructure in cities across the Hudson River in New Jersey, such as Secaucus and Jersey City, is a complex mix of historical, geographical, and economic factors. While urban planners and transportation enthusiasts wish for more seamless connectivity, the current configuration meets the needs of the region and respects its unique geographical challenges. Understanding these factors provides insight not just into urban development but also highlights the intricate relationship between geography, transportation, and urban planning in the New York metropolitan area.