Gov. Sherrill at the Newark Penn Station | Photo via Gov. Sherrill’s Facebook Wall
NEWARK, N.J. — Governor Mikie Sherrill on Tuesday unveiled NJ Transit’s Rapid Action Plan, a 45‑day blueprint to improve cleanliness, safety, communication, and digital tools across the state’s transit system. The initiative responds to years of rider frustration — including many Filipino Americans who rely heavily on NJ Transit for work, school, and caregiving responsibilities across North Jersey and New York City.
The plan was ordered under Executive Order No. 16, requiring NJ Transit to deliver immediate, visible improvements without waiting for long‑term capital projects.
Addressing Long-Standing Problems: Dirty Stations, Safety Concerns, and Unreliable Info
For years, commuters have complained about grimy stations, inconsistent service alerts, and safety issues at major hubs like Newark Penn Station. CBS New York documented riders describing the station as “a 3 out of 10” in cleanliness, with one commuter saying, “I don’t feel safe here… I’d rather wait outside of Penn Station.” (CBS News New York, Feb. 2025)
Governor Sherrill acknowledged these concerns directly:
“New Jerseyans deserve a transit system that is clean, safe, reliable, and easy to use,” she said during the announcement. “No one wants to ride home on a dirty bus. No one wants to feel unsafe on their train,” according to a statement from the Office of the Governor in February 2025.
For many Filipino Americans — especially nurses, home health aides, hospitality workers, and service employees who commute during early morning or late-night shifts — safety and reliability have been persistent concerns.
What the Rapid Action Plan Delivers: Cleanliness, Safety, and Digital Modernization
The plan includes:
- Expanded cleaning crews and more frequent station sanitation
- Better lighting and security presence
- A new Real Time Crime Center to monitor incidents systemwide
- NJT LiveView™, a real-time GPS tracker for trains and light rail
- A redesigned NJ Transit app with more accurate arrival information
- Expanded Wi-Fi on buses and improved station displays
NJ Transit President & CEO Kris Kolluri said the goal is to deliver improvements riders can “see and feel” within months.
Impact on Fil-Am Commuters: Reliability and Safety Without Higher Costs
A key point for riders: the plan does not include fare increases.
For Fil-Am commuters traveling from Jersey City, Bergenfield, Bayonne, and Edison — all home to large Filipino communities — real-time GPS and cleaner stations are expected to be among the most immediately noticeable changes.
According to the Governor’s Office, the Rapid Action Plan will be funded using NJ Transit’s existing budget, with no new state appropriations during the FY2027 cycle. That means fares will remain at least as stable in the near term as last year’s rates.
However, officials did not rule out future fare adjustments unrelated to this initiative.
For many Filipino American families — especially multigenerational households balancing childcare, elder care, and multiple jobs — stable fares are a critical factor in household budgeting.
A Step Toward a More Equitable Transit System
Sherrill framed the plan as the beginning of a broader modernization effort: “This plan is a major first step toward a better, more reliable experience for passengers today and a world-class transit system that we’re building for tomorrow.”
Fil-Am civic groups, including those in Jersey City and Bergen County, have long advocated for safer, more reliable transit options, noting that Filipino Americans are among the most transit-dependent Asian American groups in the region.
With improvements rolling out this year, community leaders say they will be watching closely to ensure the plan delivers on its promises — especially for essential workers who kept the region moving during the pandemic.
