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Report NJ Transit model needs update
Capital BriefsWashington, D.C.-based lobbyist coalition Transportation for America released a report last week that gave particularly harsh marks to New JerseyÂs public transportation systems in the wake of the economic crisis.
According to the report, demand has risen for public transportation, but policies at the federal level are Âout of date. In particular, NJ Transit was cited as the largest transportation system in the country that lacks dedicated funding. When budget cuts reduced its funding by $62 million, NJ Transit responded by eliminating 140 staff positions and lowering its administrative spending to avoid fare hikes or reduced services.
But Âyou can only cut operating costs from a staff side so much, said Jay Corbalis, policy analyst with New Jersey Future, a smart-growth advocate in Trenton.
Corbalis said New Jersey Future would like NJ Transit to Âget support from the Legislature and the Transportation Trust Fund Authority, so they donÂt have to do that any more.Â
