The North Jersey Rapid Transit line (N.J.R.T.) came to Mahwah in June of 1911, when tracks were completed through Mahwah to Suffern. After leaving Ramsey, the route continued to parallel the Erie Railroad to present day Wanamaker Avenue, then it curved eastward to cross the Franklin Turnpike, turned north in a straight line across Miller Road. It then continued to Christie Avenue in Suffern, N.Y., and then on to Main Street. Most people used the line to get to Ridgewood for shopping or to Ramsey to attend the High School, although there were also regular commuters along the route.
It had a very unusual name: North Jersey Rapid Transit .
It kind of makes you think of the rapid transit lines operating in New York, the subways. But this, it wasn't. It was a true interurban trolley line. A lot like the lines of the mid-west, only a shorter version. Some of the unmarked areas begin to require a bit of guesswork. Did it go this way or that way? When possible, we observe the grade to recreate the experience of following a long-abandoned and forgotten transit line.
Congratulations *** frantuck *** on your first FTF!