TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner (D-Mercer) to remedy parking problems experienced by travelers at NJ Transit stations was approved today by the Senate Transportation Committee.
The bill (A-1080/S-2968) would clarify that a vacant paid permit parking space reserved for certain New Jersey Transit passengers is available for general public use during off-peak times. The purpose of the bill is to resolve the issue of overcrowded parking at train stations operated by NJ Transit. In many cases, during off-peak times, non-permit parking areas are full while the permit parking areas remain empty. As a result, individuals without permit parking are forced to park in permit-only parking areas and receive citations.
“Parking at NJ Transit stations can be extremely limited during off-peak hours,” said Senator Turner. “Reserved spots should be available for the permit holders during work hours, but spaces that are left vacant after hours, on weekends and holidays should be offered to other NJ Transit customers. This will help to ease parking problems and to make using mass transit more convenient for travelers.”
The bill would define “off-peak times” as from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. during the weekdays, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
“It makes no sense to have travelers circling the block looking for a place to park when an entire NJ Transit-operated parking lot within close proximity to the train station is vacant,” said Senator Turner. “This legislation provides a sensible solution to the problem commuters are facing, and encourages more people to use mass transit.”
The bill now heads to the full Senate for a vote.