Transportation (Rail)

S 159 requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to expand or modify bus, paratransit, and rail service routes and hours within one year to better accommodate the mobility needs of people diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Before making these changes, NJT must directly solicit input from autistic individuals and their advocates. The bill also mandates that NJT seek annual feedback from this group to assess whether current services meet their needs and whether further adjustments are needed. This law directly affects NJT's service planning and requires ongoing collaboration with the autism community.

This bill prohibits New Jersey Transit (NJT) from making major rail yard changes - like adding tracks or building fuel facilities - near environmentally sensitive areas without special approval. It specifically restricts projects in coastal zones, areas draining into Barnegat Bay Estuary, or within 1,000 feet of wetlands, tidal waters, or freshwater wetlands. NJT must first obtain all required environmental permits and get written authorization from the Governor after consulting the Environmental Protection Department and EPA. The rule applies to rail yard projects submitted for permits after March 31, 2022.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to create a three-year pilot program in Morris and Middlesex counties, partnering with ride-hailing companies (like Uber or Lyft) to provide prearranged rides for eligible residents. Eligible riders - Morris or Middlesex County residents - can access flat-rate rides through the program to reach NJT bus, rail, or light-rail stations on workdays. The program includes reduced transit fares for riders who use the pilot service to connect to NJT, with proof of participation required. The goal is to improve access to transit in areas where regular service is unavailable, using ride-hailing as a supplemental transportation tool.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to stop setting expiration dates on new rail and bus tickets. Specifically, NJT must issue and honor one-way tickets and 10-trip tickets for rail, light-rail, and bus services with no expiration dates. It also mandates that NJT reinstate any unused tickets purchased before this law that expired under prior policies, within 90 days of the bill's effective date. The policy directly affects NJT passengers who previously bought tickets that expired under older rules, ensuring they can still use those tickets for travel.

S 652 requires rail companies transporting large volumes of hazardous materials (like 200,000+ gallons of petroleum or 20,000+ gallons of other hazardous substances) to create and maintain emergency response, cleanup, and contingency plans. It directly affects rail operators of "high hazard trains" carrying these materials. The bill also mandates the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to request bridge inspection reports from the U.S. Department of Transportation to assess safety risks. These requirements aim to improve preparedness and safety for potential rail spills involving hazardous materials.