The Brian Lehrer Show 30 Issues in 30 Days: New Jersey Transit
Oct 3, 2025
Larry Higgs, a commuting and transportation reporter at NJ Advance Media, dives into the complex world of New Jersey Transit. He discusses pressing issues like funding challenges and operational reliability amid shifting post-pandemic ridership trends. Higgs shares insights on improving passenger experience and the impact of Amtrak on infrastructure. He also examines candidate responses to transit issues and the implications of proposed governance changes for transport authorities, all while addressing commuter frustrations.
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Long Timeline For Fleet Renewal
- NJ Transit is replacing aging trains and buses but full fleet renewal won't finish until 2031.
- New rolling stock will reduce breakdowns but commuters must be patient during the multi-year rollout.
Information Beats Generic Delay Alerts
- Commuters care less about high-level fixes and more about timely, specific information during disruptions.
- Larry Higgs says riders want early, clear distinctions between major and minor incidents to make travel decisions.
Childcare Costs From Missed Trains
- Larry Higgs recounts commuters missing trains by seconds and paying $100 to retrieve kids from childcare.
- These hidden costs amplify the human impact of transit delays beyond just travel time.