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On Feb. 15, 2004, New Jersey Transit plans to launch service on the 34.5-mile Southern New Jersey Light Rail Transit System, which recently was renamed "River Line."

Testing on the line’s equipment and systems interface is 90 percent complete. During the next few weeks, vehicles will be tested on the line, with speeds gradually increasing to match the service schedule. Final testing of the communication system and control center also will be complete, according to a NJ Transit statement.

On Jan. 4, officials plan to begin simulating passenger service using the operating schedule.

Traveling between Trenton and Camden, N.J., the 20-station River Line will serve 19 communities and destinations such as the Tweeter Center and New Jersey State Aquarium.

NJ Transit awarded a contract to Southern New Jersey Rail Group — a consortium comprising Bechtel Group and Bombardier Transportation — to design, build, operate and maintain the system.