This bill establishes the Rider Advocacy Commission within the Department of Transportation, which will operate independently of the department. The commission is tasked with creating the New Jersey Transit Office of Customer Advocate, headed by a Rider Advocate appointed by the commission. The commission will consist of three members: one appointed by the Governor, one by the President of the Senate, and one by the Speaker of the General Assembly, with terms ranging from one to five years. The commission has the authority to hire staff, including the Rider Advocate, who will report directly to the commission and can temporarily retain expert assistants when necessary.

The New Jersey Transit Office of Customer Advocate will focus on representing the interests of NJ Transit customers by providing analysis and feedback to the NJ Transit board, the Governor, and the Legislature regarding the impact of NJ Transit actions on customers. The office will conduct investigations, initiate studies, and hold monthly meetings with customers to relay their concerns. It will also ensure public input is collected through its website and voicemail. Additionally, the office will be involved in reviewing proposals for fare increases, service curtailments, and expansions, ensuring that customer interests are prioritized. The bill also repeals a previous requirement for NJ Transit to employ a customer advocate, streamlining the advocacy process under the new office.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 27:25-5.27