Toll of Commuting: NJ Transit customers & Gov. Sherrill demand improvement
Since the executive order was signed, NJ Transit has redesigned its app and planned a more robust train station cleaning schedule.
The clock is ticking toward improved NJ Transit service.
The first of two deadlines set by Gov. Mikie Sherrill has passed, requiring an action plan toward better service.
The executive order required three virtual public hearings with Customer Advocate Franck Beaumin.
News 12 attended one, and the customer concerns were in line with the governor's: cleanliness, accessibility, public safety and the digital experience.
Some of these are already being worked on.
NJ Transit redesigned its app in late April. Now, it asks the user where they want to go and by which method right off the bat, instead of making them sort through menus and schedules.
President and CEO Kris Kolluri also told News 12 that they will implement a power-washing schedule at all train stations.
"Certainly, we need to do better than what we are doing now, and our folks are doing just that," Kolluri said. "We have engaged contractors, we're looking at how best to power wash these stations on a cycle that makes sense."
The agency has another 45 days - through June 22 - to institute more changes. The goal may be to prevent another "Summer of Hell," but Northeast Corridor riders might already be there. The last two months, the busiest rail line scored its lowest on-time percentages since June 2024, under 80%.
Friday marked 45 days since Gov. Sherrill signed the order. News 12 has not seen a copy of the plan sent from DOT to the governor's office.
