New York PIRG has created a Straphanger's Campaign in the State that provides information to commuters, including how to best file complaints, a blog for commuters to discuss issues, and methods for them to become active in transit issues for the betterment of all riders. In New Jersey, no such organization exists to assist the approximately 800,000 daily commuters who take modes of transportation offered by New Jersey Transit every day. Given the frustrating experiences encountered on New Jersey Transit, an organization devoted to such issues would be welcomed by the commuter.
New Jersey Transit’s mission statement is “To provide safe, reliable, convenient and cost-effective transit service with a skilled team of employees, dedicated to our customers' needs and committed to excellence.” Unfortunately, regarding reliability, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, New Jersey’s public transit system comes up short.
Trains are often late with little or no information provided to commuters. When information is provided, it frequently is incorrect. Given today’s technology, there is no reason for a train traveling on a sunny day from New York to Summit, New Jersey should be overdue, unless an electrical line is down. Unfortunately, despite sunny days and full power, trains from New York to Summit and other locations are frequently late.
Overcrowding on trains is a daily occurrence. While “double-decker” trains are supposedly in operation, few are evident. Meanwhile, many commuters are forced to stand the length of their trip because of an inadequate number of seats. There is no reason why a commuter paying approximately $14 for a roundtrip ticket into New York on a train ride lasting less than an hour should have to stand for that amount of time.
Meanwhile, the cost of riding New Jersey Transit continues to increase. With a one-way ticket to New York from many locales costing as much as $8, the savings from riding public transportation diminishes. At a time when we should be encouraging public transportation to improve the environment and lessen our dependence on foreign oil, we are increasing fares for public transportation and providing inadequate service to commuters. Does this make any sense? Meanwhile, while one would expect improved services for increased fares, such improvements are not to be found.
It is time for commuters in New Jersey to organize and work for the betterment of public transportation, as fellow commuters have done in New York. Increased fares should be accompanied by improved services. Overcrowding should be limited, if not eradicated. Delays should be unusual, not the norm. Riders should be kept well-informed about transit conditions. These are simple suggestions that would resonate with commuters and cause a common bond to form.
Perhaps New Jersey PIRG or one of New Jersey's other not-for-profit organizations might be willing to take up the banner for those people having to use public transportation. With an organization to lead them, it would be incumbent upon many commuters to lend their support and be willing to get involved. Only through such involvement will positive change be possible. Currently, there is a virtual monopoly on public transportation in New Jersey and the commuters hold little, if any, power. With an organization behind them and commuters willing to have their voices heard, the scales will begin to tip in their favor and passengers using public transportation may be able to achieve some positive changes.
Michael M. Shapiro, founder of ShapTalk.com, is an attorney who resides in New Providence, New Jersey. He currently serves as the Chairman of the New Providence Democratic Party and as Editor of The Alternative Press Contact Mike at mike@shaptalk.com