This bill mandates the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) to implement a bus obstruction monitoring system that captures recorded images of motor vehicles violating parking regulations in dedicated bus lanes, bus stop zones, and designated bicycle lanes. The system will issue citations for covered violations, which are defined as stopping, standing, or parking in these areas without proper authorization. The bill outlines the requirements for the operation of the monitoring system, including the necessity for trained operators, the retention and destruction of recorded images based on whether they contain evidence of a violation, and the prohibition of using biometric identification techniques. Citations can be contested under specific circumstances, and fines for violations will start at $45, increasing for subsequent offenses within a 12-month period.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of public awareness by requiring a 60-day warning notice period before active enforcement begins, during which the NJT must inform the public about the new system. The corporation is also tasked with submitting an annual report detailing the program's effectiveness, including the number of citations issued and the impact on bus service efficiency. The bill aims to enhance safety for passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians by ensuring that bus stops and lanes remain clear of obstructing vehicles, thereby improving transit reliability and promoting safer streets.