Don’t Ambush Bus Riders With Abrupt Service Cuts, NJ Senator Says

NEWARK, NJ — There’s a simple rule of courtesy that private bus companies should have to follow if they receive taxpayer funds from New Jersey, a lawmaker says: Don’t ambush riders if you plan to abruptly end routes in their neighborhood.

According to Sen. Teresa Ruiz (NJ-29), that’s the idea behind a proposed state law, S-4085, which advanced in the state Legislature this week.

Here’s what the bill would do if it becomes law, the Senate majority leader said:

“The bill would require each private bus operator who is a recipient of state funds to provide at least three months written notice to customers prior to any major changes. Additionally, one public meeting in the affected area must be held, as close as possible to the highest trafficked stop on the route, within fifteen days of providing notice to the service’s customers.”

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) would have the authority to issues fines of $10,000 for each violation to any company that fails to carry out this outreach. Companies would also face additional penalties under the state’s current laws, Ruiz said.

The bill comes after multiple bus companies abruptly terminated services and routes throughout the state last year, including Coach USA.

“For instance, in September, one provider abruptly discontinued bus service in Orange, Newark and East Orange,” the senator said in a statement. “This caused distress among riders and left NJ Transit to establish short-term emergency alternatives and lean on employers to fill gaps.”

• See Related: Coach Drops 3 North Jersey Bus Routes, Leaving Riders Fuming
• See Related: Public Outcry Continues In Essex County As Coach Ends 3 Bus Routes

Coach USA isn’t the only private bus carrier that has pulled the plug on routes in New Jersey in the past few years. Another private bus carrier – Jersey City-based A&C – recently shut down four lines that service the city as it goes out of business. Read More: NJ Transit Has 'Emergency Bus Plan' For Stranded Coach, A&C Riders

In 2020, DeCamp Bus Lines in Montclair – which ran several routes from North Jersey to New York City – announced that it was ending commuter services across the Hudson River. Read More: End Of An Era For DeCamp Bus: NJ Company Stopping NYC Routes

According to Ruiz – who represents Newark, East Newark and Harrison in the 29th District – the bill currently on the table would provide the NJMVC and NJ Transit some much-needed warning to arrange alternative transportation for impacted riders when a private bus company calls it quits in their neighborhood.

“For many people, public transportation is their lifeline to work, medical care and taking care of their families,” Ruiz said. “Any disruption to these services means upending someone’s livelihood. Entire communities depend on these services, are loyal customers, and deserve respect from the companies they rely on.”

The bill was released from the bipartisan Senate Transportation Committee by a vote of 4-0 on Monday.

• See Related: Newark Councilman Hands Out Free Bus Tickets For 'Emergency Routes'

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.