South Jersey has long complained that their commuters have far fewer options than those in the rest of the state – despite the fact they contribute equally to the funding for NJ Transit.
On Monday, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Michael Testa (R-Cape May) to create an independent Rider Advocacy Commission and New Jersey Transit Office of Customer Advocate was advanced by the Senate Transportation Committee.
“South Jersey commuters have far fewer NJ Transit options than other parts of the state, and riders deserve a stronger voice in shaping service improvements,” Testa said.
“This bill is a critical step toward ensuring that NJ Transit listens to riders and takes meaningful action to improve bus and rail service, especially for our region.”
The action comes in time for the budget season.
Last summer, the region made a simple request: To have just $15 million of the estimated $90 million that South Jersey companies paid as a corporate transit fee be dedicated to projects in the seven-county region.
They did not get their wish. And, despite the fact outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy unveiled plans to modernize South Jersey transit late last summer, there still is work to be done.
The bill that advanced Monday, S-2917, repeals the current requirement that NJ Transit employ a customer advocate and instead establishes a three-member Rider Advocacy Commission, which would appoint a Rider Advocate to lead an independent Office of Customer Advocate.
Under the legislation, the office would hold monthly public meetings to gather rider feedback and relay concerns to NJ Transit’s board of directors and executive management. The office would also allow customers to submit input at any time through a dedicated website and voicemail system.
An annual report detailing the office’s activities and findings would be submitted to the governor and Legislature each year.
