In a decisive move to address long-standing commuter frustrations, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Executive Order No. 16 yesterday, March 24, 2026. The order mandates that NJ TRANSIT implement immediate, measurable improvements to the commuter experience, focusing on safety, cleanliness, and digital reliability.
“Every New Jerseyan deserves a transit system that is safe, clean, accessible, and reliable,” stated Governor Sherrill. “We are listening to riders, holding ourselves accountable, and making the improvements necessary to ensure that rail and bus transit work better for everyone.”
A Two-Phase Plan for Accountability
The Executive Order outlines a strict timeline for the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and NJ TRANSIT leadership:
• The 45-Day Blueprint: Within 45 days, Acting NJDOT Commissioner Priya Jain must deliver a comprehensive improvement plan to the Governor’s office.
• The June 22 Deadline: By June 22, 2026, NJ TRANSIT is required to have fast-tracked the highest priority initiatives, ensuring riders see “immediate improvements” on the ground.
Four Pillars of the NJ TRANSIT Overhaul
Governor Sherrill has directed the Commissioner to focus on four critical “priority areas” that impact daily commuters in Newark and across the state:
1. Cleanliness: Deep cleaning of stations, stops, buses, and rail cars.
2. Accessibility: Fixing broken escalators and improving boarding areas for all passengers.
3. Public Safety: Increasing lighting, camera coverage, and law enforcement presence.
4. Digital Experience: Improving the accuracy and usability of the NJ TRANSIT mobile app and real-time tracking features.
Your Voice Matters: Public Listening Sessions
To ensure the plan reflects actual rider needs, the NJ TRANSIT Customer Advocate will conduct three public listening sessions. Additionally, a new public survey will be launched on the NJ TRANSIT website. The feedback gathered from these sessions must be reported within 30 days to inform the final strategy.
NJ TRANSIT CEO Kris Kolluri will oversee the execution of the Governor’s vision, working to transition the agency toward a “world-class” service model.
