Edison station
| Company type | Commuter railroad station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Founded | c. 1870 |
| Headquarters | Edison , United States |
Area served | Middlesex County, New Jersey |
| Products | Passenger rail services |
Edison serves as a commuter railroad stop located in the Stelton neighborhood of Edison, within Middlesex County, New Jersey, United States. Positioned at the intersection of Plainfield Avenue (CR 529) and Central Avenue, this station is part of the New Jersey Transit network on the Northeast Corridor Line. Although Amtrak trains travel through this route, they do not make stops at Edison. The station includes two elevated side platforms designed to meet ADA accessibility standards. Traveling northbound leads to Metuchen, en route to New York Penn Station, while southbound trains head toward New Brunswick, connecting further to Jersey Avenue station and Trenton Transit Center.
Initial establishment
Constructed around 1870 at the corner of Central Avenue and Plainfield Avenue, the station was originally named Stelton, honoring the Stelle family, who were among the earliest settlers of Piscatawaytown dating back to the 1660s. On October 29, 1956, the Pennsylvania Railroad officially renamed it Edison in tribute to Thomas Alva Edison. Ticketing and freight services ceased in October 1958, and the brick depot was demolished in October 1963 after sustaining fire damage and falling into disrepair.
Renaming process (1954–1956)
Rapid suburban development within Edison Township prompted initiatives to upgrade local infrastructure, including improvements to the post office and Stelton station. Mayor James C. Forgione championed enhancements for railroad service and expanded parking facilities to reduce overcrowding at New Brunswick and Metuchen stations, aiming to draw commuters from adjacent communities such as Highland Park and Piscataway. By 1955, Edison’s population had grown to approximately 30,000 with forecasts reaching 60,000 by 1975, justifying plans for a new station featuring a 400-car parking area and a pedestrian overpass.
Forgione spearheaded efforts to rename the station Edison, aligning with the post office’s name change effective August 1, 1955. Support came from local groups including the Edison Forum Club and Women of Edison, who sought to strengthen township identity and encourage growth. Following collaboration among municipal leaders and civic organizations, the Pennsylvania Railroad consented to rename Stelton station to Edison pending regulatory approval.
The New Jersey Public Utilities Commission granted authorization for the name change in May 1956, with implementation scheduled for the winter timetable revision. The formal dedication took place on October 29, 1956, when Mayor Thomas J. Swales unveiled the updated station signage. Simultaneously, the railroad altered its Metuchen switch tower designation from "Edison Tower" to "Lincoln" as part of this transition.
Developments in the 21st Century
In 2005, expansion plans were announced aiming to increase parking capacity by adding 800 spaces. A new parking facility accommodating 477 vehicles opened on January 1, 2010. Previously, Edison Township operated the Edison Light Shuttle—a commuter jitney service connecting residential neighborhoods with the station—but it was discontinued in 2011 due to financial constraints. In 2023, Mayor Sam Joshi revealed intentions to reinstate this shuttle service.
As part of the 2020 NJ Transit Capital Plan, platform extensions are planned to be constructed westward, allowing accommodation of trains with up to twelve cars so that all doors align with platforms. To facilitate this enlargement, the freight siding located behind the Trenton-bound platform will be moved eastward beyond the station area. This project carries an estimated cost of $36 million.
Station layout
This station is equipped with two high-level side platforms. The majority of Amtrak trains traveling along the Northeast Corridor pass through on the inner tracks without stopping. Additionally, a freight line runs adjacent to the platform serving Trenton-bound trains, joining the main corridor southwest of the station and providing access to warehouses located south of Brunswick Avenue.