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TagsProgram is aimed at providing a more relaxing environment
On a day when it rolled out key financial, equipment and personnel decisions, NJ Transit also promised to try to be quieter in the future.
The agency will conduct a 90-day pilot program on the Northeast Corridor to test the feasibility of offering "quiet commute" cars, according to executive Director James Weinstein.
The quiet commute program is aimed at commuters who agree to refrain from using cell phones and the sound features of pagers, computers, games and other devices. The idea is to provide a more subdued environment for commuters who want to relax or work in quiet, according to Weinstein.
The pilot project will start Sept. 7 on the first and last cars of express trains that operate to so-called outer zone stations, Trenton, Hamilton and Princeton Junction. NJ Transit will collect feedback from riders during the study, including on-line at NJTransit.com.
The idea is not new. Amtrak began a program in 1999 after regular Philadelphia-Washington commuters asked for one car to be designated cell-pone free. Amtrak now offers quiet cars on most weekday trains.Other regional transit agencies in Maryland, Virginia and California also offer the program, but NJ Transit would be the largest to try it.
The announcement came as the NJ Transit board approved an almost $1.8 billion operating budget with major fare increases, a spending freeze and plans to cut staff.
Agency officials said the measures were necessary to cover a $300 million revenue gap caused by declines in state support and ridership and increases in fuel and operating costs.
The spending plan hikes fares by up to 25 percent for rail and intercity bus service, and 10 percent for local buses and light rail, socking riders in the pocketbook during an already poor economy.
But the board also approved a $1.35 billion capital budget, including the purchases of 100 more multi-level cars and 10 "dual-mode," electric and diesel locomotives. Agency officials said new warranties would reduce some parts expenses.
"This budget enables us to continue delivery of safe and reliable service to our customers while modernizing our bus and rail fleets," Weinstein said.
He also announced the appointment of Christopher Tucillo of Old Bridge as NJ Transit's new police chief. Tucillo, of Old Bridge, is a former chief for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Most recently, he was public safety director at John Jay College in New York and an adjunct professor at Seton Hall.
— JOE TYRRELL, NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
