BRADLEY, HIS SENATE SPURS WON, PUSHES TAX PLAN

Last year was something of a banner year for Senator Bill Bradley. After spending his first years in the Senate becoming acquainted with it, the New Jersey Democrat ended 1982 with several tangible achievements.

A tax reform plan he announced, given only a remote chance of enactment even by his target date of 1985, was listened to attentively by the Senate Finance Committee and its chairman, Bob Dole of Kansas. Mr. Bradley said he would press the plan.

And Mr. Bradley, who has become a student of economics. led the Democrats' economic advisory group that was given the task of coming up with an alternative to Reagan policies.

Group Did Not Come Up With Plan

The job was considered a plum for such a junior member and recognition of how highly Mr. Bradley was regarded by his colleagues. However, the Senator, who gets along easily with people but is essentially a private individual, was unable to forge a united front and recommendations were not presented.

He was able to provide assistance in two important areas for New Jersey residents. The state is to get a commercial VHF, or very high frequency, television station as a result of legislation he initiated. In addition, he helped win significant mass transit financing under difficult circumstances.

The television station was authorized by the Federal Communications Commission last month. ''We got something that is clearly needed for public policy reasons,'' Mr. Bradley said. ''If this station doesn't serve the interests of New Jersey it will be challenged. It has the best incentive to do a good job.'' Plan Worked Out With Moynihan