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McKnight & Chiaravalloti Bill to Require Jitney, Ferry Operators to Publish Routes, Schedules Online Passes Assembly

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Democrats Angela V. McKnight and Nicholas Chiaravalloti sponsored to require certain entities that provide transportation services in New Jersey to publish their routes and schedules online was approved, 71-5-1, by the full Assembly on Thursday.

“Access to mass transit is critical for those who do not have a personal vehicle or are unable to drive,” said McKnight (D-Hudson). “Making information regarding where and when to catch a jitney, ferry, bus or train easier to find will help New Jersey residents get to work, school, the doctor’s office or anywhere else they need to go in the most efficient way possible.”

“Especially for low-income individuals, senior citizens and people with disabilities, the quality of public transportation services can have a major impact on New Jersey residents’ overall quality of life,” said Chiaravalloti (D-Hudson). “Publishing routes and schedules is a simple, low-cost way to improve the transportation network that so many people rely on.”

The bill (A-3413) would require jitney operators to publish schedules at each station stop and on their websites and ferry operators to post their route schedules at the passenger entrance of the ferry and on their websites.

The measure also would require New Jersey Transit, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Delaware River Port Authority to post route schedules for each bus route, rail route, ferry route, commuter railroad route or Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) route operated by the respective agency at each transportation facility, station, stop or stand providing service to the route or on the agency’s website.

Under the bill, jitney bus operators would be required to file their routes and schedules with the Motor Vehicle Commission. Operators also would be required to report the number of miles traveled daily in New Jersey, the names of the municipalities in which they operate, the registration numbers of their buses and any other information the MVC may require.

The measure was advanced by the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee last November. It will now go to the Senate for further consideration.