Increases transparency and accountability for NJT and independence of NJT board members; establishes Office of Customer Advocate; requires greater detail for capital program.

This bill (S 2168) proposes major reforms to New Jersey Transit (NJT) governance. It establishes an independent Office of Customer Advocate to represent riders, requires NJT board members to have specific transportation experience (including regular rider backgrounds), and mandates more detailed reporting on capital projects. The bill increases board independence from the Department of Transportation and changes the board composition to include 11 voting members (with defined qualifications) and two non-voting labor-representative members. These changes directly affect NJT riders, employees, and the public by aiming to improve transparency, accountability, and service responsiveness.