WESTFIELD – Elected officials, transportation professionals and the public are invited to the next meeting of the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Tom Morgan, senior director of rail service planning at NJ Transit, will discuss the launch of the Raritan Valley line’s one-seat ride service on weekdays during off-peak hours beginning in March 2014.  He will explain the proposed change in the train schedule that will signal the beginning of direct service to Manhattan on the Raritan Valley line.   

The Rail Coalition trustees will report on the organization’s One-Seat Ride campaign, including the initiative’s website (www.raritanvalleyrail.com) and social-media campaign.  A public discussion will review strategies for the next steps in promoting the benefits of direct rail service to New York Penn Station for residents and businesses along the Raritan Valley line.    

The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Town of Westfield Municipal Building Council Chambers; the mapping address is 425 E. Broad St., Westfield, NJ 07090.  Free parking is available in the lots adjacent to the municipal building.

NJ Transit rail and bus service is a short walk from the Westfield train station and various NJ Transit bus routes.  For NJ Transit bus and rail schedule and fare information, call (973) 275-5555 or visit www.njtransit.com

If inclement weather is predicted for Feb. 18, call (908) 281-9569 the day before the meeting to find out if it has been postponed.

For questions, directions or more information, contact the Raritan Valley Rail Coalition at (908) 231-7021, by fax at (908) 707-1749 or by e-mail at rvrc@co.somerset.nj.us