Transportation (Public Transit) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2686: Prohibits school buses from traveling in left lane of roadway except for turning and emergencies.

This bill prohibits school buses from driving in the left lane of roadways with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, except under three specific circumstances: preparing for a left turn (up to one mile), entering/exiting the roadway (up to one mile), or responding to safety emergencies like accidents, poor visibility, or snow. It directly affects school bus operators and drivers who must follow this lane restriction. Violations carry a fine of $100-$300 plus a $50 surcharge. The law amends New Jersey’s traffic code to enhance safety by keeping school buses out of faster-moving left lanes unless necessary for turns or emergencies.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit Roads & Highways Traffic Safety

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1602: Authorizes certain individuals to drive Type S school buses.

This bill allows drivers with standard non-commercial licenses (after specific training) to operate small school buses called "Type S" without needing a commercial driver's license or school bus endorsement. It directly affects school districts, transportation contractors, and drivers who currently transport students in these smaller vehicles. The key mechanism requires employers to provide safety training on student interactions and special needs before drivers operate Type S buses. The bill updates existing laws to include Type S bus drivers in safety and conduct regulations, while maintaining that probationary drivers or those with suspended licenses cannot operate them.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 402: Requires school buses that transport students with special needs to be equipped with certain safety features.

This bill requires school buses transporting students with special needs to install three safety features: interior video cameras to monitor student safety, real-time GPS tracking for location and speed, and two-way communication equipment. It specifies that video footage and GPS data collected under this law are not considered government records, and the State Board of Education must create rules for equipment installation, data use, and video retention periods. The law directly affects school bus operators and students with special needs, aiming to enhance safety and communication during transportation. It also mandates that drivers follow existing laws prohibiting phone use while driving. The bill takes effect six months after enactment, with administrative actions allowed in advance for implementation.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics School Safety School Transportation Public Transit

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3096: Requires NJT to provide notice concerning routine maintenance and significant reductions in service.

Bill A 3096 requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) to provide public notice and hold hearings before making significant service changes or fare increases. Specifically, NJT must hold at least two public hearings (one during work hours, one evening) for rail service curtailments or abandonments, and one hearing for bus service changes, with notices sent 15 days in advance to affected counties and municipalities. For fare increases on bus or rail routes, NJT must hold 10 geographically distributed public hearings (with specific time requirements), including five during typical work hours. This bill directly affects NJT and transit riders by mandating transparency before service reductions or fare hikes.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit Rail

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 765: Requires school vehicles transporting students with disabilities to display certain information.

This bill requires school buses transporting students with disabilities (and all school buses) to display specific information on their rear, including a school bus identification number, telephone number, website address, and other identifying details in contrasting color. The information must be displayed via a sticker designed by the Motor Vehicle Commission, allowing the public to report driver misconduct to authorities. Failure to display this information results in escalating fines ($250, $500, or $1,000 plus disqualification for repeated violations). The bill applies to all school bus operators - including school districts, nonpublic schools, and contractors - and mandates that reports of misconduct be logged, reviewed within 10 days, and investigated by the Division of State Police and Department of Education.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics School Transportation Public Transit

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1868: "New Jersey Transit Villages Act."

This bill establishes the "New Jersey Transit Villages Act," which encourages municipalities to create designated "transit villages" centered around mass transit hubs. It requires local governments to amend their master plans to include specific provisions for compact, mixed-use development within half-mile zones of transit stops, featuring higher density housing, reduced parking for cars, improved bike/pedestrian access, and shared parking. The policy directly affects New Jersey municipalities by changing land-use planning requirements to prioritize transit-oriented development. Key mechanisms include mandating transit village plan elements as supplements to master plans and requiring updated official maps to reflect these zones. The goal is to increase transit ridership, reduce traffic congestion, and support smart growth principles outlined in state planning guidelines.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning Pedestrian Safety Public Transit

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3999: Authorizes NJT to expand Hudson Bergen Light Rail using certain monies from NJTA's capital program.

This bill redirects funds previously set aside for widening the New Jersey Turnpike (a project canceled in 2025) to expand the Hudson Bergen Light Rail. Within three months of the bill's effective date, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority must transfer these funds to the state’s General Fund, and the New Jersey Transit Corporation must use them exclusively for Hudson Bergen Light Rail operations. The bill directly affects NJ Transit’s funding for rail service and riders in Hudson and Bergen counties who rely on this system. It makes no new policy changes but reallocates existing funds to prioritize light rail expansion over the canceled turnpike project.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics State Budget Public Transit Rail

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1688: Requires minimum of one school bus aide for every 15 special needs students on school bus.

This bill requires school districts or contracted transportation providers in New Jersey to maintain at least one school bus aide for every 15 special needs students on any bus transporting such students, including mixed buses with general education students. It defines "special needs" as students eligible for special education services under federal law, excluding those classified solely for "specific learning disability." The requirement applies immediately upon enactment and takes effect for the first full school year after the bill becomes law. The bill directly affects school transportation providers and ensures consistent aide staffing for students requiring specialized support during bus transit.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics School Transportation Special Education Public Transit

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2379: Requires NJT and county transit agencies to offer transit pass for individuals seeking access to One Stop Career Centers.

This bill requires New Jersey Transit (NJT) and county transit agencies to provide free one-time transit passes to individuals seeking access to One Stop Career Centers. The passes cover up to three round-trips and must be offered upon application, with applicants needing to demonstrate their intent to access these centers. County transit agencies are encouraged to align their application process with NJT’s system. The policy directly affects job seekers accessing career services, removing a transportation barrier for low-income residents.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Public Transit

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1522: Reduces parking spaces required in Statewide site improvement standards at residential developments relative to development's proximity to public transportation.

New Jersey's A-1522 reduces mandatory parking requirements for new residential developments based on their distance to public transportation. The bill requires a 20% reduction in parking spaces for developments within 0.5-1 mile of transit, 30% for 0.25-0.5 miles, and 50% within 0.25 miles of rail stations, bus routes (with five or more regular routes), or bus stops (with 15+ stops). This directly affects residential developers building near qualifying transit infrastructure across the state. The policy aims to encourage transit-oriented development by lowering construction costs for projects close to public transportation. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning Public Transit Rail

All transportation bills