If you can, please make a public comment during the NJ Transit Board of Directors meeting this Wednesday, May 11th at 6:00 PM, to explain what we want and why the proposal matters to you, particularly in light of the recent uptick in COVID numbers in and around New Jersey. You can do it by phone or attend the meeting in person. Public comments usually come earlier in the meeting before the votes on the action items. There is no need to stay past the time of your remarks.
How to Participate at the Next NJ Transit Board Meeting
If attending in person: The meeting will be held in the board room at NJ Transit’s Headquarters at One Penn Plaza East, Newark, NJ 07105, this Wednesday, May 11th, at 6:00 p.m. Be sure to get there early to allow sufficient time for the security screening.
If participating via phone: Beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11th, call 800-346-7359 and give the conference entry code (701939) to the operator. Once the operator connects you to the meeting, dial *1 to enter the queue.
NJ Transit will give priority to those who pre-register for the meeting by tomorrow, May 10, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. Please note that you can make a public comment even if you do not pre-register. You will have three (3) minutes to make your comment.
I recommend practicing your speech with a timer ahead of the meeting to prepare.
More info about participating in the board meeting: https://d2g63oyneaimm8.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/board/agenda/5_11_2022_FinalBoardAgenda.pdf
The deadline for pre-registration is tomorrow afternoon, May 10th, at 5:00 p.m. Again, you can still make a public comment even if you do not pre-register.
If you cannot attend the meeting: You can use this form to provide the board with a written comment: https://njtransit.secure.force.com/customerservice/site_app#/contact_board
Why Your Participation Is Critical
Since NJ Transit has not committed to the idea of even a pilot program for the “mask car” proposal, it is important that board hears from as many of you as possible. The NJ Transit board has shown a willingness to engage advocates on issues when there is a strong showing in the form of public comments at board meetings. Making a public comment at this week's board meeting is a critical way to keep the push for “mask cars” going.
What Else You Can Do
Contact your state legislators, county commissioners and local elected officials. If they know this issue matters to their constituents, their offices will push NJ Transit to give "mask cars" a real chance. Don't underestimate the power of contacting your mayors and council members, in particular.
Thank you again for your support.
- Adam