A Blueprint to save NJ Transit.

Can Murphy use these suggestions to turn NJ Transit around?

Among reports released by Governor Murphy's transition teams are recommendations to Fix NJ Transit. Will they address problems experienced by commuters?

From article, (Recommendations that could become part of Gov. Phil Murphy’s blueprint to save NJ Transit, which he called a national disgrace last month, were revealed Friday in a report from his transition committee that looked at transportation issues.

The report recommends making the Gateway Tunnel project and building a new Port Authority Bus Terminal  top priorities. That would be done by appointing a senior level person in the governor’s office to monitor the projects and act on the governor’s behalf.

While this person would keep Murphy in the loop on both projects, the report also proposed launching an education campaign for both projects. One would be aimed at New York businesses about how much productivity they lose when New Jersey commuters are delayed and late to work because of problems at both facilities.

The report expressed concerns about how much longer commuter trains can use the 1910 Hudson River tunnels until they have to be shut down to repair damage from Hurricane Sandy flooding. It mentions concerns that bus terminal is old, at capacity and needs structural repairs. Currently, Port Authority officials are examining the feasibility of building a new terminal on top of the old structure and renovating the existing building.

The transportation commissioner and state treasurer would have to deliver an “action plan” in 100 days that assesses the financial condition of the Department of Transportation, NJ Transit, New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Part of that assessment would look at operating funds and the NJ Transit deficit that’s been posted since 2015, when the agency said cheap gas prices were eating into ridership and revenue. Commuter advocates have called for a stable revenue source for NJ Transit so it can properly plan and stop using money earmarked for major projects to cover operating costs.

Part of that assessment would determine if the agencies have sufficient capital finding from the Transportation Trust Fund, federal and other sources to maintain the transportation system in a “state-of-good-repair”, to do major capital projects  and to develop a financing plan to extend the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line into Bergen County.

The report recommends examining agency operating budgets and proposing ways to stabilize NJ Transit’s and the DOT’s operating funds. This could address NJ Transit’s operating fund deficit and to a lesser extent, the DOT's. The committee recommends proposals to stabilize and increase operating funding at both agencies, which have used capital funds to cover operating expenses. 

The state needs to look at other ways to finance projects that are being done in other states and how to cut construction costs. The report recommends looking at value capture financing, through legislation or working directly with private developers. That concept requires a payment in return for the value that a publicly financed transportation infrastructure project is generating for the private entity or developer.

The report also suggests NJ Transit examine ways to monetize its property and the air rights over what it called some of the most valuable real estate in New Jersey to raise revenue for projects. It also said the agency should maximize potential concession and advertising agreements, since the agency has a captive audience of thousands at some of its stations each day.) 

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