In the midst of a strike affecting parts of New Jersey’s transportation network, Senator Latham Tiver has urged for the swift passage of his proposed legislation, S-2957, known as the New Jersey Transit Accountability Act. This bill would require an independent audit of NJ Transit’s finances and operations.
“This strike is not just about contract disputes. It’s the culmination of years of fiscal mismanagement and the wrong priorities at NJ Transit — failures we warned about over a year ago,” stated Sen. Tiver. “The public deserves to know how one of the state’s most critical agencies is spending its money — and clearly, it’s not where it’s most needed.”
Senator Tiver highlighted comments from union leaders pointing out budgetary decisions made by NJ Transit. BLET National President Mark Wallace remarked, “NJ Transit has a half-billion dollars for a swanky new headquarters and $53 million for decorating the interior of that unnecessary building. They gave away $20 million in revenue during a fare holiday last year. They have money for penthouse views and pet projects, just not for their front-line workers.”
Senator Tiver further criticized previous legislative actions: “The Democrat-led legislature and Governor blocked my NJ Transit audit bill, which could’ve stopped this mess. NJ Transit spent $500 million on new offices and millions on interior design, but can’t even operate the trains for 350,000 daily commuters. Now they’ll say they need to raise taxes and fares to pay workers. The money is always there. It’s just being wasted.”
“Our economy relies on a safe, reliable, and functional transit system,” concluded Sen. Tiver. “Taxpayers, commuters, and transit workers all deserve transparency and accountability.”
