In an executive order issued earlier this week, Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who took office in January, called for tech upgrades for NJ Transit to improve safety, performance and rider satisfaction.
The order mandates the creation of a “comprehensive plan to improve riders’ experience” by June.
The executive order says the plan will focus on at least two areas that involve technology: Lighting and cameras for better public safety at stations and stops; and boosting the “digital experience for riders,” especially by improving real-time tracking features on the website and mobile app operated by NJ Transit.
The plan to put those ideas into action also needs to include information about how to fund the work, and how to handle procurement and the needed workforce.
“This Executive Order is about delivering cleaner stations, clearer communication and more dependable service across NJ Transit,” Sherrill said in a statement. “We are listening to riders, holding ourselves accountable and making the improvements necessary to ensure that rail and bus transit work better for everyone who uses it.”
Sherrill’s new state budget proposal calls for a 26 percent year-over-year spending increase including for NJ Transit, to more than $1 billion. The new budget projects average daily ridership for NJ Transit in the coming year at almost 373,000, down about 5 percent from the previous year.
Other state and local governments also are working to boost spending and innovation on transportation technology. That includes Kansas, which recently announced new grants, and New York City, where officials are working with private companies to bring new tech to subways and buses.
