Bill > A1424

Introduced Session

This bill establishes a Rider Advocacy Commission (commission) in, but not of, the Department of Transportation and requires the commission to establish a New Jersey Transit Office of Customer Advocate (office). Similar to the New York City Transit Riders Council, also known as the New York City Transit Authority Advisory Council, which was created by the New York State Legislature in 1981 to represent New York City subway and bus riders, and users of the Staten Island Railway, the office is to investigate, monitor, advocate, promote, and advise on all customer-experience matters pertaining to the operation of the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT). The commission is to consist of three members, one member appointed by the Governor, one member appointed by the President of the Senate, and one member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly. Each member is limited to a five-year term, except that of the members first appointed, the member appointed by the Governor is to be appointed for a one-year term, the member appointed by the President of the Senate is to be appointed for a two-year term, and the member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly is to be appointed for a three-year term. The commission is empowered to engage and dismiss staff as necessary, including the appointment of a Rider Advocate. The Rider Advocate is the head of the office, is required to report directly to the commission, and has the authority to carry out the purposes of the office, including, with the approval of the commission, temporarily retaining expert assistants as are necessary to protect the interests of NJT customers when exceptional circumstances arise. The responsibilities of the office include: (1) providing information and analysis to the NJT board of directors, Governor, and Legislature concerning the actual or anticipated impact of any NJT board or NJT actions on NJT's customers; (2) providing customer input and feedback to the NJT board, Governor, and Legislature, including relaying the needs and concerns of customers to the NJT board, Governor, and Legislature; and (3) representing the interests of NJT's customers as determined by the Rider Advocate. The office has the authority to conduct investigations; initiate studies; conduct research; present comments and testimony before the NJT board of directors, legislative committees, and other governmental bodies; prepare and issue reports; and undertake any other actions that further the purposes of the office. The office is also required to conduct meetings with NJT customers, which are to occur at least on a monthly basis, and would allow for a remote attendance option, for the purpose of relaying the concerns and needs of customers to the NJT board of directors and, when the Rider Advocate deems appropriate, to the executive management team of NJT. In addition, the office would also be required to allow for public input on NJT operations and experiences at any time, through the office's official Internet website and through voicemail. The office is also required to represent the interests of NJT's customers in areas such as proposed fare increases, proposed substantial curtailment of services, and any proposed expansion of service. Funds for the expenses of the commission and office are to be provided by the State Treasurer, as appropriated by the Legislature, and are to be independent of funds for the NJT. On or before March 31 of each year, the commission in consultation with the Rider Advocate is required to prepare and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature on the activities of the commission and office for the previous calendar year, including any reports provided to the NJT board of directors. The bill repeals a provision of law requiring NJT to employ a customer advocate.

Committee Categories

Shama Haider (D)*,  Robert Karabinchak (D)*,  Jessica Ramirez (D)*,  Clinton Calabrese (D),  Garnet Hall (D),  Gabriel Rodriguez (D),  William Sampson (D),  Erik Simonsen (R), 

Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading (on 09/23/2024)

Official Document