Assembly Transportation Committee Chairman John S. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) called Gov. Christie’s comments about Amtrak on Friday hypocritical as he continues to ignore New Jersey’s pressing transportation needs:
“While we’re all in agreement that these delays are unacceptable, the governor has taken hypocrisy to a new level with his criticism of Amtrak, given his abject indifference to New Jersey’s transportation needs.
“His piece-meal approach and lack of long-term planning has left our roads and bridges in shambles and our Transportation Trust Fund near insolvency.
“Working class commuters have been subjected to a 34 percent New Jersey Transit fare hike since he took office and the agency amassed a $60 million budget shortfall under his watch this year.
“Furthermore, his cancellation of the ARC tunnel project has left New Jersey’s trans-Hudson commuters with no choice but to endure Amtrak’s delays, a problem that will only be exacerbated as the existing tunnels reach their expected lifespan and must be closed for improvements.
“Instead of slinging criticisms he should roll up his sleeves and tackle the problems at home that he was elected to fix.”