South Jersey must find a redeeming value for the train.

We truly support the concept of mass transit, but that doesn't mean every mass transit project is a winner.

Take the 34-mile Camden-to-Trenton South Jersey light rail line, for example.

It has become the rail version of the Delaware River dredging proposal. Unfortunately, unlike with dredging, this project is well on its way. To borrow a cliche, the train has left the station.

Taxpayers have every right not to like this project, which was planned and executed with all of the open public dialogue and discussion of the Normandy Invasion. But they are going to have to swallow this boondoggle, and, hopefully, not choke on it.

So where do we go from here, other than to wave goodbye to $1 billion? How do we find redeeming value in a project that appears to be a terrific waste of money?

First, let's get all we can from the light rail line:

•Follow through on development plans for the communities along the line, including housing opportunities.

•Do whatever is necessary to push freight service later into the night, thereby allowing light rail to operate later than 10 p.m. and serve the Camden Waterfront and Philadelphia visitors.

Second, the state inspector general should examine how this project evolved into this mess:

•NJ Transit waited until after its board endorsed the project before scheduling public hearings. Those hearings were to disseminate information, not gather it.

•Should officials be allowed to bypass voters, as they did in this case, on bond issues of such magnitude? Isn't that or shouldn't that be considered unconstitutional?

Third, the state shouldn't build this line and then ignore other, pressing transportation needs of South Jersey:

•How about a Camden-Mount Holly line that could serve such fast-growing communities as Mount Laurel, Moorestown and even Evesham?

•Can rail service be expanded to help relieve traffic jams along Route 55?

•Can this limited light rail service make any kind of impact on traffic congestion or economic development, or is faster, more frequent service that runs through the night the only way to go?

No doubt, some people will get on the trains. We're happy for them. And we sincerely hope that supporters are right about the economic impact.

But the way this project was put together stinks. And while it apparently is too late to intervene in this deal, the state ought to make sure stuff like this never happens again.