Jersey Move Urged In Bi-State Transit

PARAMUS, N. J., Nov. 18–Frank H. Simon, executive director of the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Commission, asserted today that the Port of New York Authority would not undertake the development of interstate rapid transit, regardless of the merits of the demands that it do so. He therefore urged immediate approval by the New Jersey Assembly of legislation to establish the bi-state transit district.

He emphasized that the measure would do only one thing— create a public agency, based on local representation, to develop and negotiate a plan.

Legislation to set up the district has been enacted by New York and was voted by the New Jersey Senate in June. A public hearing on the measure will be held in Trenton Monday.

Mr. Simon addressed the Hackensack Area Development Association at a luncheon at the Suburban Restaurant here. He said that the district would recommend any plan it saw fit and that it alone could determine costs.

Much of the opposition in New Jersey to the creation of the district stems from a fear that it would automatically create a large deficit for the transportation of a relatively small group of commuters.

Without adequate rail transportation system, said Mr. Simon, the entire metropolitan area is threatened with "arterial sclerosis.”