NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey congressman is planning to introduce legislation that would compensate NJ Transit and Amtrak passengers who experience significant delays.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D) announced the proposal on Monday, citing the need to hold transit agencies accountable for frequent service disruptions. Under the proposed bill, passengers who face delays of more than an hour would be eligible for full refunds of their tickets.
The bill, which is expected to be introduced in Congress later this month, aims to address ongoing frustrations among commuters who rely on NJ Transit and Amtrak for daily transportation. Gottheimer highlighted that delays have become increasingly common, with some riders experiencing extended wait times and unexpected cancellations.
“Commuters shouldn’t have to pay for unreliable service,” Gottheimer said during a press conference at the Secaucus Junction station. “If a train is significantly delayed, passengers deserve their money back.”
The proposed legislation comes amid mounting complaints about service quality on NJ Transit and Amtrak. Recent disruptions have been attributed to aging infrastructure, equipment failures, and staffing shortages. The bill seeks to put pressure on transit agencies to improve service reliability by imposing financial consequences for repeated delays.
NJ Transit and Amtrak have not yet commented on the proposed legislation. However, the congressman emphasized that the goal is to ensure that commuters are fairly treated and that their concerns are addressed.
Gottheimer’s bill has garnered attention as a potential solution to the ongoing issues plaguing New Jersey’s transit system. If passed, the legislation would set a precedent for passenger compensation and could lead to similar measures in other states facing transit challenges.
The congressman plans to rally support from fellow lawmakers and transit advocates in the coming weeks. The bill’s introduction is expected to spark debate over the responsibility of transit agencies to provide reliable service and the extent to which passengers should be compensated for disruptions.
Contact Your Representative
The best thing you can do if you support Rep. Gottheimer’s measure is to contact your own Representative and urge them to support the bill.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
