Cardinale Bill Named in Memory of Man Struck by NJ Transit Train in Bergen County

The Senate Transportation Committee has passed legislation sponsored by Senator Gerry Cardinale (R-39) to establish “Tommy’s Law,’ which would require New Jersey Transit to provide crisis counseling for victims of NJ Transit train, light rail, and bus accidents.

Senator Cardinale’s bill, S-862, is named for Thomas “Tommy” Ryan. In 2016, Ryan was tragically struck by an NJ Transit train at the Main Street Station in Ramey, Bergen County. “Tommy’s Law,” would create the NJ Transit position of a crisis counselor to provided victims and families with supported needed after unexpected New Jersey train, light rail, and bus accident.

“Crisis counseling plays a critical role in how people cope with grief and trauma,” Cardinale said. “After the sudden loss of a family member, counseling can provide the support, stability, and resources families need to recover. We cannot erase their pain, but by passing ‘Tommy’s Law,’ we can provide families and survivors with the tools they need to navigate the aftermath of a such a tragic event.”

S-862, would require NJ Transit to establish procedures by which a crisis counselor is to provide individual and group crisis counseling to those persons, which may include support groups, family crisis intervention, and professional referrals.

“The state has a responsibility to ensure those who were injured in public transit accidents receive the services they need to recover. Families like the Ryans who have lost a loved one in a crash deserve our support as well. What they went through is an unimaginable tragedy,” Cardinale said. “Our first priority must be to meet the needs of these victims and their families.”

The legislation heads to the Senate Budget and Appropriation committee for review. A copy of Senator Cardinale’s legislation can be found here.