Bucco: NJT Continues Overspending While Service Flounders

September 20, 2024

Today, Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco (R-25) released the following statement regarding reports that a NJ Transit project to build a facility to park trains has ballooned by $116 million.

“From the outrageous price tag on their new headquarters, to this news of a $497 million project to park trains, NJ Transit continues to overspend on projects while neglecting the one thing riders need—reliable service,” said Sen. Bucco. “New Jerseyans deserve better stewardship of their tax dollars and that starts with an audit of NJT so we know exactly how to fix the dismal service NJT is currently providing.”

In 2023, Senator Bucco questioned the secrecy and price tag of NJ Transit’s agreement to lease a new headquarters, arguing that the bloated costs would undoubtedly be passed on to taxpayers and riders through fare hikes and increased taxes. Since then, New Jersey Transit raised fares by 15%, and the Murphy administration approved a tax hike on businesses.

During NJ Transit’s 2024 “summer of hell,” which saw more than 1,820 cancellations, Senator Bucco led the charge in calling for more transparency and accountability from the Murphy administration — including calls to conduct an updated audit of NJ Transit. Governor Murphy appeared on an episode of Power and Politics in July and announced that the administration was working with North Highland to conduct an updated audit of NJ Transit.