ASSEMBLY TRANSPORTATION AND INDEPENDENT AUTHORITIES COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2329

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: OCTOBER 15, 2026

      The Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2329.

      As reported, this bill requires the New Jersey Transit Corporation (corporation) to establish and implement the “NJpass Program” and the “GO NJ Transit Card Program” within one year of the bill’s enactment.

      The purpose of the NJpass Program is to support workforce development and increase access to public transportation in the State by providing discounted rates to groups of employees, clients, students, or customers of eligible organizations (approved classes) when purchasing a ticket or pass for a New Jersey Transit Corporation service (corporation service).

      The bill requires the corporation to establish eligibility criteria and develop an application process for eligible organizations to apply to participate in the NJpass Program.  Upon approval of an application, the corporation and the eligible organization may negotiate the terms and conditions of the proposed contract, including, but not limited to, the amount of the discounted fares to be offered and the types of corporation services to be accessed under the NJpass Program.  Following any necessary negotiations, the corporation is to enter into a contract with the eligible organization to provide discounted group rates to the approved class.  The terms and conditions of the contract are required to include, at a minimum:  (1) the discounted rates to be offered to the approved class; (2) information identifying the approved class; (3) information concerning any limitations on times of use or types of corporation services available to the approved class; and (4) the amount of compensation or reimbursement required from the eligible organization, if any, to cover the corporation’s administrative costs.  A contract under the NJpass Program is to be valid upon the corporation’s approval for a term of not more than two years, except that the first contract with an eligible organization is not to exceed 12 months.

      In addition, the purpose of the GO NJ Transit Card Program is to develop GO NJ Transit Cards (transit cards) and a system in which the transit cards can be purchased and utilized to purchase a ticket or pass for any corporation service in the State.  Under the program, individuals who purchase a transit card may load money onto the transit card and utilize the transit card to purchase a ticket or pass for any corporation service within the State.  Money loaded onto a transit card never expires.  In establishing the transit cards under the GO NJ Transit Card Program, the corporation is required to:  (1) develop and implement a fare capping system to ensure individuals who utilize a transit card are paying the lowest authorized fare for any period of travel without having to pay the full cost upfront; and (2) provide discounted fares, in an amount to be determined by the corporation, to transit card users.  The discounted fares provided under the GO NJ Transit Card Program are to be in addition to any other discounted fares already provided by the corporation.

The bill requires the corporation to publish information concerning the NJpass Program and the GO NJ Transit Card Program on its Internet website and update the information as necessary.  The bill also requires the corporation to submit reports to the Governor and the Legislature on the effectiveness of the programs established by the bill.  In establishing and implementing the programs, the corporation is required to consider the efforts other states have taken to implement similar programs.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.