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Bill

A 3315

Establishes requirements for on-demand micro transit programs operating in NJ.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Rosy Bagolie and 9 co-sponsors

New Jersey requires on-demand micro transit to be publicly operated or contracted with labor protections, data reporting, accessibility, and Oversight Committee certification befor

Reported out of Asm. Comm. with Amendments, and Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · A 3315

Summary of Bill A-3315 (Session 222) — New Jersey

Purpose and intent

This bill Establishes requirements and oversight for on-demand micro transit programs operating within New Jersey. Its core aim is to ensure that such programs are publicly accountable, provide service without undermining existing transit, protect workers’ rights, and guarantee accessibility and data transparency. It creates a regulatory framework, worker protections, and an oversight mechanism to certify micro transit plans before they operate.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions

    • Establishes terms for the bill, including “on-demand micro transit,” “micro transit program,” “software services,” and “transit desert.”
    • Defines who may operate programs (NJ Transit Corporation, county transit agencies, or other public/authorized entities) and clarifies that software services may be outsourced, but drivers must be employees of public entities or contractors with specific conditions.
    • “Transit desert” refers to municipalities or contiguous areas with limited access to traditional public transit.

  • Operational requirements for on-demand micro transit programs

    • All vehicles used for on-demand micro transit must have drivers who are employees of a public entity or a public contractor (with a few exceptions):
    • Software services may be outsourced to third parties.
    • Public entities that did not previously employ drivers may use third-party contractors if these contractors’ drivers are directly employed (not independent contractors).
    • Any public funding contract with a third-party contractor must include labor peace agreements with recognized labor organizations to prevent work stoppages during the agreement.
    • Drivers must hold a valid commercial driver license (CDL).
    • Drivers must be compensated at no less than the wages, hours, working conditions, and benefits of other drivers directly employed by the public entity providing the service.
    • The establishment of the program must not adversely affect existing public entity employees or contractors.
    • Each program must add transit service to transit deserts, not merely replace existing services.
    • Services must be accessible to people without smartphones, internet, or credit cards.
    • Accessibility features must be provided at the same service levels as for the general population (including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and an accessible mobile app).

  • Data, reporting, and compliance

    • Entities using public funding must report monthly data to the New Jersey Transit Corporation, including:
    • Cost per ride
    • Passengers per trip
    • Passenger wait times
    • Miles driven without a passenger
    • The NJ Transit Corporation must publish these data reports on its website quarterly.
    • Wage and hour violations related to on-demand micro transit are treated as wage-law violations, with remedies including penalties and civil actions.

  • Rulemaking and guidance

    • The Commissioner of Transportation, in consultation with the NJ Transit Corporation, may establish additional rules, guidelines, or protocols as needed.

  • Micro Transit Oversight Committee

    • A new Micro Transit Oversight Committee is created “in, but not of” the NJ Transit Corporation.
    • Composition (3 members):
    • A representative from NJ Transit Corporation (appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the executive director)
    • A member of the NJ General Assembly (appointed by the Speaker)
    • A member appointed by the Senate President on the recommendation of the labor organization representing the plurality of the corporation’s motorbus employees
    • Term: Each member serves a one-year term.
    • Quorum and decision-making: Majority of the three members constitute a quorum; a majority vote is required for action.
    • Certification prerequisite: No on-demand micro transit service may operate until certified by the committee that the plan meets all statutory requirements.

  • Effective date

    • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Affected entities and individuals

  • Public transit entities: New Jersey Transit Corporation, county transit agencies, and other public entities involved in operating or funding on-demand micro transit programs.
  • Drivers and workforce: On-demand micro transit drivers must be employees of public entities or their contractors with specified labor- and wage-protection conditions; CDL requirement; pay parity with other public-sector drivers.
  • Labor organizations: Represent workers in the process of labor peace agreements when using third-party contractors.
  • General public users: Those in transit deserts and individuals lacking smartphone, internet, or credit card access must have service availability and accessibility features.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The Commissioner must issue operating requirements, then programs may proceed only after certification by the Micro Transit Oversight Committee.
  • The Oversight Committee must certify each on-demand micro transit plan before operation begins.
  • Data reporting begins monthly to the NJ Transit Corporation; quarterly data is published publicly.
  • Immediate effect: Act takes effect upon enactment.

Note

This summary focuses on the substantive provisions, worker protections, data transparency, accessibility, and the establishment of the oversight mechanism intended to regulate and certify micro transit programs in New Jersey.

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

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