Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker (D-Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex/Somerset) issued the following statement regarding the Assembly Judiciary Committee’s recent joint hearing with the Senate Legislative Oversight Committee on NJ Transit operations:
“Reform is long overdue in a transit system where hostile workplace environments, discrimination and patronage hiring threaten passenger safety and undermine public confidence.
“Conditions described at Friday’s hearing again spotlight the governor’s failure to take action on this issue.
“Safety must be the first priority at NJ Transit for the sake of employees and passengers alike. More diligence is needed in implementing positive train control and other means of making mass transit safer for commuters. And, safety goes beyond proper equipment. A large part of ensuring the well-being of New Jersey’s public transportation network is fostering a culture where workers are respected and do not fear retribution for reporting unsuitable conditions. Unfortunately, the allegations we heard Friday show that NJ Transit has a toxic culture that jeopardizes passengers’ safety.”