NEWARK, New Jersey – A recent NJ Gubernatorial debate examined the issue of transit reform. The debate took place on October 10 at NJ Performing Arts Center in Newark. Moderators Jim Gardner and Toni Yates facilitated discussion between Democrat Phil Murphy and Republican Kim Guadagno. Murphy is a former Goldman Sachs corporate executive, and Guadagno currently serves as Lieutenant Governor.
Each weekday, over 900,000 commuters use NJ Transit services to travel to and from work. To many of these commuters, it seems that delays, train breakdowns, and maintenance repairs have become commonplace. Multiple derailments have occurred at both Hoboken and Penn Station throughout 2016 and 2017. In September 2016, a train crashed through barriers in Hoboken Terminal, killing one and injuring 100. In April 2017, an NJ Transit train carrying 1,200 passengers became disabled in the Hudson River Tunnels. The train remained disabled for two hours during the evening rush, causing delays and overcrowding. To remedy this, Amtrak conducted track repairs throughout the summer of 2017. However, delays and derailments have continued, causing lawmakers to consider taking additional steps.
During the debate, both candidates were asked how they would reform NJ Transit and the Port Authority. Murphy stated that additional funding is needed but that he would not raise fares to accomplish this. He also claimed that current Governor Christie’s administration has “underfunded NJ Transit by 90 percent” though “fares are up 36 percent.” He also criticizes the Christie administration for appointing “folks in [leadership positions] who don’t have a background [in transportation].”
In her response, Guadagno began by outlining her personal experience with NJ Transit. She expressed that transit reform is an important issue for New Jersey lawmakers: “The number one problem that the governor has to be responsible for is making sure the train runs on time.” Guadagno also clarified that her plans for reform differ from Governor Christie, her current supervisor. If elected governor, Guadagno plans to “tear [the current transportation system] apart and put it back together again, audit every single thing that goes on in transit […], and make sure people are getting their money’s worth.”
Closer examination of the candidates’ platforms gives context to their statements. Both agree that the Gateway Project, which calls for newly-constructed tunnels under the Hudson River, is necessary. They also support significant renovations to New York Penn Station and Port Authority Bus Terminal. Finally, they believe an audit of NJ Transit is needed to prevent mismanagement of the company’s operations.
Despite some common goals, the candidates disagree as to how these goals should be accomplished. Murphy supports tax increases, similar to the 2016 gas tax increase, to fund transportation projects. He would also consider shifting budgetary funds to ensure transit reform can be made a priority. In contrast, Guadagno is against tax increases, which she believes would only increase hardship on residents. She instead advocates for the consolidation of all infrastructure agencies. She believes this would save over $100 million in transit spending.
Voters in New Jersey will elect their next governor on Tuesday, November 7. Commuters clearly have a lot to consider before casting their ballot.
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