While the New Jersey Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee heard testimony from NJ Transit and Amtrak leaders, Republicans were unsatisfied with their responses.
The hearing explored approaches to improve the rider experience and feedback to facilitate greater cooperation between Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. However, Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, R-Bergen, wasn’t convinced and called for a second, more in-depth hearing focused on fixing the problem, blaming the administration of Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, for limiting the hearing.
“It was a rushed formality, taking less time than commuters waste each day standing on freezing platforms waiting for canceled trains,” DePhillips said in a release. “Commuters deserve real solutions, not empty promises from officials who seem out of touch with the real frustrations NJ Transit causes.”
According to Republicans, lawmakers said their questions were limited and asked not to make statements. The hearing, which started late and lasted just over an hour, saw New Jersey Transit President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Corbett and Amtrak Chief Executive Officer Stephen Gardner begin their remarks after a roll call and pledge of allegiance.
Additionally, Franck Beaumin, NJ Transit’s new customer advocate, wasn’t invited to testify, officials said.
“The only obvious development that came out of the hearing, after listening to the non-answers, is that New Jersey Transit needs new leadership,” DePhillips said. “The legislature has a responsibility to take a scalpel to the agency, including a full independent audit.”
NJ Transit raised fares by 15% this year, and set 3% hikes annually starting next year. This came after the agency said it received 87,000 complaints and comments last year.
In June, Amtrak and NJ Transit released a joint plan for immediate action and the August report identified specific problems and projects. They release joint reports regularly to identify problems and priority projects.
“Riders deserve a legitimate legislative hearing. This wasn’t it,” DePhillips said.
