Recently, NJ Transit hosted a meet and greet with their top staff at NY Penn Station to answer questions and hear comments from the riding public. I looked forward to asking several important questions and hearing intelligent responses.
My first question was in regards to group discount pricing.
At this time, for example, if two adult couples travel to NYC from Hazlet to see a show it would be more cost effective to drive into the city than to take the train. The train costs $28 per person round trip or $112 for all four people. Driving in with gas, tolls and parking costs half that.
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I asked NJ Transit's representatives if group pricing is something they're thinking of implementing -- and they said no.
If we were serious about reducing our dependence on oil, lowering our release of hydrocarbons and easing traffic we could do this tomorrow.
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My second question was in regards to safety.
Why is NJ Transit blocking the installation of AED's (automated external defibulator) on all their trains? Amazingly, their answer was manifold.
They think these life saving devices might be stolen and it would cost too much money to train their crews how to operate them.
If fear of theft was a real concern, why do so many offices, public spaces and schools have them without issue? Because they have audible alarms.
Also, a person does not need training to operate an AED. In most cases, you open the cover and it tells you what to do. In addition, there are thousands of volunteer firefighters, EMT's, police officers, nurses, doctors and people willing to help who ride NJ Transit every day that can effectively use an AED on a train at anytime, without the assistance of the train crew. Denying the public access of this device when seconds matter is shameful, in my opinion.
My third question was in regards to revenue.
If NJ Transit wishes to raise funds for infrastructure upgrades or service enhancements, instead of raising fares, why don't they offer more pay per use services? For example, pay-per-use WiFi. Amtrak has it. Or a service car for snacks and beverages?
Their response was that those services cost too much to maintain.
These are small and inexpensive steps that can be taken immediately and greatly enhance the comfort and safety of the riding public, but without a change in vision and leadership at the top will never happen.
