NJ Transit riders who use the agencies three light rail lines could be spared the extra step of validating or time stamping their paper ticket in a separate machine, which if missed, can get the forgetful rider a $75 fine.
A bill that would do that, A-1223, was approved by the assembly transportation and independent authorities committee Monday. It goes to Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-MIddlesex, who will decide if the full assembly will vote on it, or if another committee needs to review it.
“There’s no reason for someone who rightfully bought a light rail ticket, but failed to validate it, be penalized equally (as) a person who did not buy a ticket, said Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro (D-Hudson) a prime co-sponsor of the bill. “The goal is to protect passengers from being unfairly penalized and make the system easier for all.”
Transit advocates complained to NJ Transit’s board in 2017 about the penalties that treated a person who forgot to validate their paper ticket the same as a person without a ticket. David Peter Alan, the now retired Lackawanna Commuter Coalition chairman argued that either a lower fine should be charged for not validating a ticket or a ticket machine should sell pre-validated light rail tickets.
This bill does the latter, by giving passengers a paper or electronic proof of payment that would include the time period that the ticket is valid for, or the time it expires. That means light rail riders would not need to time stamp their tickets.
“If a customer has an authentic proof of payment that is valid, and provides it to fare enforcement officers when prompted, they would not be in violation of fare policy,” said Danielle Currie, press secretary for the Assembly Majority Office.
Last July, NJ Transit added the ability to buy single ride light rail tickets to its smartphone app, which are valid three minutes after they are activated by a rider. Light rail riders were the last ones to get the ability to buy single ride tickets through the app, which don’t need to be validated once they are activated.
Another issue the bill seeks to change is the different times a ticket is valid for, which lawmakers said varies by the light rail line.
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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.
The Link LonkFebruary 23, 2021 at 02:27AM
https://www.nj.com/news/2021/02/bill-would-end-fines-for-nj-transit-light-rail-riders-who-forget-to-stamp-their-tickets.html
Bill would end fines for NJ Transit light rail riders who forget to stamp their tickets - NJ.com
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