Transportation (Rail) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5064: Requires NJT to publish certain performance-related information.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit to publish monthly performance data on its website for rail, light rail, and bus services. The new reporting mandates include details on service cancellations and their specific causes, such as staffing shortages or equipment failures, alongside metrics for on-time performance and vehicle reliability. By making this information publicly available, the legislation aims to provide commuters with clearer insights into how the transit system is operating. The act does not alter existing annual reporting requirements but adds a more frequent, detailed layer of transparency to the agency's operational updates.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 4344: Requires NJT to publish certain performance-related information.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit to publish monthly performance data on its website for rail, light rail, and bus services. The key provisions mandate that the agency report the total number of rail cancellations, the specific causes of those cancellations, on-time performance metrics, and the average distance vehicles travel before needing repairs. Additionally, the law requires NJ Transit to provide adjusted performance figures that account for issues related to Amtrak. This transparency measure directly affects commuters by giving them regular access to detailed information about service reliability and operational challenges.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SR 81: Respectfully urges President Trump to promptly restore federal funding to Gateway Tunnel Project.

This Senate resolution urges President Trump to restore federal funding to the Gateway Tunnel Project, a major rail infrastructure initiative in New Jersey that aims to repair an aging tunnel and build a new one to improve commuter rail service between New Jersey and Manhattan. The bill directly affects the Gateway Development Commission, construction workers, and daily commuters who rely on the Northeast Corridor, noting that federal funding has been frozen since October 2025 and that a federal court order to restore funding is currently stayed pending an appeal. The resolution highlights that the project has received approximately $16 billion in federal grants and loans, supports roughly 800,000 daily passenger trips, and that continued delays could jeopardize thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Rail

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4775: Excludes passenger and freight rail projects from purposes for which revenue from increase in petroleum products gross receipts tax revenue may be used.

This bill amends New Jersey's existing transportation funding law to prevent money from a proposed increase in the petroleum products gross receipts tax from being used for passenger or freight rail projects. The legislation directly affects the state's transportation budget and the allocation of tax revenue collected from fuel sales. By explicitly excluding rail projects from the list of allowable uses for this specific tax revenue, the bill ensures that funds raised through the petroleum tax increase are directed toward other transportation infrastructure needs rather than rail development. The measure modifies the legal framework governing how the Special Transportation Fund can be utilized, creating a clear restriction on spending priorities for this particular revenue stream.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Transportation

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Revenue Freight Rail Transportation Funding

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3718: Reduces parking spaces required in Statewide site improvement standards at residential developments relative to development's proximity to public transportation.

This bill requires New Jersey to reduce the number of parking spaces needed for new residential developments based on how close they are to public transportation. Developments located within a quarter-mile of transit services would need 50% fewer parking spots, while those between a quarter-mile and half-mile would need 30% fewer, and those between half-mile and one mile would need 20% fewer. The changes apply to on- and off-street parking and specifically target areas near rail, bus routes, or ferry terminals. The Commissioner of Community Affairs must update the state's building standards to reflect these new requirements.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Property Development Public Transit Rail

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3266: Requires NJT to provide Wi-Fi service on passenger trains.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to provide free Wi-Fi service on all passenger trains it owns or operates, within six months of the law taking effect. It directly affects NJT passengers by adding onboard connectivity during commutes, building on existing Wi-Fi hotspots at select stations. The key provision mandates that all rail passenger vehicles must include this service, with the law taking immediate effect. This is a concrete infrastructure upgrade for commuters, not a broader policy change.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Rail

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2145: Upgrades crime of theft of scrap metal from transportation system.

This bill raises penalties for stealing scrap metal from transportation systems like bridges, rail lines, or highways. It specifies that such theft is now graded as a third-degree crime if the value is under $75,000 (previously it might have been a lower-level offense), and removes the automatic presumption against imprisonment for this specific violation. The law directly affects individuals who steal scrap metal from public infrastructure, including metal from roads, transit systems, or transportation equipment. The key change is explicitly adding transportation system scrap metal theft to the list of offenses that trigger higher penalties, rather than treating it as standard property theft.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Rail

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3397: Requires NJT to establish contactless payment system to rail passenger service.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to implement a contactless payment system for all rail and light-rail passenger services within 18 months. It mandates that customers can tap credit/debit cards or mobile wallets at entry/exit points, load digital cards onto mobile apps, or use reusable physical cards - without needing physical tickets. NJT may charge a fee for physical cards but must waive it for disabled riders and senior citizens. The bill also requires NJT to consider employee impacts during the transition and study similar systems used in other states. This directly affects NJT operations and all rail passengers using New Jersey’s transit system.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 101: Requires NJT to equip trains with defibrillators.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to install and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on every train set used for passenger service. It mandates that each AED be kept accessible at all times during operation, marked with a clear sign, and regularly tested. NJT must also ensure at least one employee trained in CPR and AED use is present on every operating train, and notify emergency services about AED locations. The bill applies directly to NJT’s rail operations and passengers using its trains, aiming to improve emergency medical response during cardiac incidents.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Rail

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1856: Requires door to operator's cabin be locked on NJT trains.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to ensure all interior doors providing access to train operator cabins or control compartments remain locked at all times, except during emergencies or when health, safety, or security demands otherwise. It directly affects NJT passenger trains by mandating this safety measure for all rail vehicles owned or operated by NJ Transit. The key provision is the permanent locking requirement for these specific doors, with clear exceptions for emergency situations. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Rail

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