NJT has notified Motor Coach Industries (MCI) that it must cease all ongoing work under a contract to build new buses to replenishg NJT's aging bus fleet.
MCI was awarded a contract by NJT in November 2015 with options for building and delivering up to 1,219 new coaches over six years. Many of the coaches to be replaced are over 15 years old and in disrepair.
Last week, Governor Chris Christie issued Executive Order No. 210 declaring a State of Emergency and directing the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation and the Executive Director of the NJT shutdown of all ongoing work that is funded by the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Account, including work on the new buses. This was in direct response to the NJ Senate failing to approve Christie's gas tax hike as we reported previously.
To date, MCI has only delivered five coaches to NJT under the contract. So there will be NO IMMEDIATE relief for the increased instances of older buses breaking down which causes delays for all commuters. There will likewise be no immediate relief for bus passengers sweltering in aging coaches with broken air conditioning this summer. Bravo to our leaders for adding more misery to the plight of daily New Jersey bus riders.
