The  impetus for a brand new railway through Montclair was brought by the fact that the service to New York City was not to their liking. Local leaders, such as Julius Pratt, led the creation of the Montclair Railway to provide a rival service for the Morris & Essex Railroad, which also ran through Montclair.
The desire for improved rail service to New York City prompted the establishment of a new railway in Montclair.  Local figures like Julius Pratt played a key role in this endeavor, aiming to provide an alternative to the existing Morris & Essex Railroad's service through Montclair.