‘Those in Charge Should do Their Job’
(TRENTON) – Assembly Judiciary Chairman John McKeon (D-Essex/Morris), who is co-chairing the legislative investigation into NJ Transit’s failures under Gov. Christie, released the following statement Friday on a proposal by Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo calling for a private Penn Station operator.
McKeon’s comments came before he and other lawmakers were scheduled to take a Friday afternoon tour of the Northeast Corridor and Penn Station with Amtrak and NJ Transit officials:
“The plan to bring in a private operator for Penn Station raises so many questions and concerns. I also question Amtrak’s plan to have joint control of Penn Station with NJ Transit and the LIRR.
“Those responsible for providing safe and efficient commuter service into New York City are once again passing the buck. Everyone in charge is looking to take the heat off themselves. Here’s a novel idea – those in charge so do their job.
“I especially don’t want Gov. Christie involved in choosing a private operator. Gov. Christie clearly has no idea what he’s doing when it comes to mass transit, and when Gov. Christie chooses a third-party, it’s likely one of his allies. Commuters are already suffering enough from patronage and incompetency at NJ Transit.
“I will be asking Amtrak and NJ Transit to publicly explain the rationale for this plan.”