New Jersey Bill Would Combine NJ Transit, Turnpike Authority

DISTRICT 21, NJ — Assemblyman Andrew Macurdy has introduced legislation to combine several state transportation entities under a new umbrella agency to improve service and planning across transit and highways.

Macurdy of District 21 introduced bill A4146 earlier this year. The measure would create the Transportation Authority of New Jersey to oversee the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, New Jersey Transit and the Transportation Trust Fund Authority.

Under the bill, those existing entities would remain in place as divisions within the new authority.

The proposal would place the new authority under a chair and a board appointed by the governor.

According to the bill, the plan is intended as a step toward a more efficient and effective state government, with mass transit and toll highways brought together under one structure.

Macurdy is a member of the Assembly Transportation Committee and a regular New York City commuter.

"Transportation infrastructure is a basic responsibility of the government. Too often our residents are stuck on a delayed train or a gridlocked highway. We can do better. By consolidating our transit agencies — covering trains, buses, and roads — into a single organization, this bill eliminates silos and opens the door for holistic transportation planning for the entire State. The decisions we make now will impact our State for generations," stated Macurdy.

The legislation also calls for hiring an independent consultant to advise on the transition to the new agency. According to the source material, that transition is intended to take place over the course of a year.

While the agencies would remain distinct divisions, some functions would be centralized as appropriate, according to the proposal. Those areas include information technology, budget, capital planning, legal and insurance.

The bill comes as the state is already taking steps that touch on transportation consolidation.

The proposal runs adjacent to actions by Gov. Sherrill’s administration, including the appointment of Kris Kolluri to lead both the Turnpike Authority and NJ Transit.