Faith Blair

The board meeting included presentations of proclamations for outgoing officials and the advisory committee report. Public comments were heard regarding the use of parking lots in Jersey City, the proposed removal of a bus stop in Bloomfield, and concerns regarding fare collection systems and equipment maintenance on bus routes.

The board discussed several topics, including COVID-19 pandemic impacts on transit operations, vaccination requirements for employees, and current ridership levels across rail and bus services. The president provided updates on the 'While You've Been Away' campaign, student discount programs, and infrastructure funding from the federal government. The board also addressed plans for a new transit way project, the appointment of a new General Counsel, and a new contract agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union. Additionally, the meeting included public comments regarding the proposed Secaucus-Meadowlands transit way project design and cost concerns.

The Board of Directors discussed various operational and administrative matters. Key topics included the recognition of retiring officials and staff, the presentation of an Advisory Committee report, and an extensive public comment session regarding overnight parking restrictions, bus service adjustments, and fare advocacy. Additionally, the President & CEO delivered reports on system performance, including light rail on-time performance improvements and the successful completion of the Portal North Bridge cutover phase. The Board approved several action items related to contracting out bus services for Middlesex and Bergen counties, the lease and service of bus tires, rail tree trimming contracts, a cost-sharing agreement for the Dock Bridge rehabilitation, and the appointment of a new Senior Vice President and General Manager for bus and light rail operations.

The board meeting featured a review of the upcoming fiscal year financials, including a projected 11% increase in the transit budget. Marketing initiatives and recent customer feedback campaigns were highlighted. The meeting included significant public testimony regarding concerns over federal immigration enforcement agents operating on public transit property without judicial warrants, with speakers emphasizing the need for safer, more accessible transit for all community members. Additionally, engineering students discussed the development of an unofficial mobile application designed to improve user navigation and accessibility.

The meeting included a public safety announcement and a roll call of board members. The committee received several public comments from transit advocates regarding the elimination of printed timetables, the need for improved signage for quiet commute programs, rail equipment reliability, and the necessity of public hearings for fare increases. Additionally, comments addressed concerns over bus stop removals in Bloomfield, requests for infrastructure improvements such as passing sidings, and complaints about the cleanliness of buses. The discussion also touched upon the user experience on the transit agency website and the management of bus garages.