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A 2952

Establishes "New Jersey Transit ADA Task Force."

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Bailey and 1 co-sponsor

Creates a nine-member NJ Transit ADA Task Force to audit NJT assets for full ADA compliance, estimate upgrade costs, and assess ramp options, delivering a report within two years.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2952

Summary: Assembly Bill A 2952 — New Jersey Transit ADA Task Force

Purpose

Establishes a nine-member New Jersey Transit ADA Task Force to assess and document compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for all terminals, stations, stops, and equipment owned or operated by New Jersey Transit (NJT) or by entities under contract with NJT, and to recommend upgrades and associated costs.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment and Scope

    • Creates the New Jersey Transit ADA Task Force to review ADA compliance across NJT’s network, including contracted entities.
    • Applies to all terminals, stations, stops, and equipment owned or operated by NJT or by contractors working with NJT.

  • ADA Standards Reference

    • Task force uses the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990, and amendments/regulations) as the definition of compliance.

  • Deliverables and Analysis

    • The task force must:
    • Compile a complete list of upgrades needed to achieve full ADA compliance for all relevant NJT assets.
    • Determine the cost to complete each identified upgrade.
    • Assess whether ramps can be installed at locations lacking elevators or where elevators are not ADA-compliant.

Membership and Compensation

  • Composition (nine members total):

    • 1) Commissioner of Transportation (ex officio or designee)
    • 2) Executive Director of the New Jersey Transit Corporation (ex officio or designee)
    • 3) Three public members appointed by the Governor, including one representative from an advocacy organization for persons with disabilities
    • 4) Two public members appointed by the President of the Senate
    • 5) Two public members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly

  • Compensation: Members serve without pay but may be reimbursed for necessary and actual expenses, subject to available funds.

Operations, Staffing, and Timelines

  • Organization and Vacancies:

    • The task force must organize as soon as practicable after a majority of members are appointed, and no later than 60 days after the act’s effective date.
    • Vacancies are filled in the same manner as original appointments.

  • Administrative Support:

    • NJT Corporation must provide stenographic, clerical, and other administrative support, plus professional staff (e.g., engineers and architects) as needed.
    • The task force may leverage staff from state, county, or municipal agencies as necessary and available.

  • Meetings: The task force meets at the call of its chairperson.

Reporting and Termination

  • Report to: The Governor and the Legislature (per statute governing legislative reporting) with findings and recommendations no later than two years after the act’s effective date.

  • Expiration: The task force expires upon submission of its report.

  • Effective Date and Sunset: The act takes effect immediately and expires upon submission of the required report.

Affected Parties

  • Primary: New Jersey Transit Corporation and its contracted entities, along with facilities and equipment under NJT’s purview.
  • Beneficiaries: Riders with disabilities and advocacy organizations, who would benefit from enhanced accessibility.

Legislative Status

  • Introduced in the Assembly on January 9, 2024.
  • Referred to the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee.
  • Related bill: S 919 (companion).

This bill seeks a structured, time-bound assessment of ADA compliance across NJT’s network, with concrete cost analyses and potential ramp installations, culminating in a formal report to inform future accessibility improvements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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