Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

The survey asked bus, rail, light rail and Access Link paratransit customers to rate the agency on a scale of 0 to 10. Customers also considered 41 attributes of the system related to facilities, service, vehicles, communications and the overall experience using NJ Transit.

Ninety-one percent of train stops occurred on time, a 1% improvement over 2011, and the rail system made a 13% improvement in reliability over last year. Additionally, Metro has been able to put into service an average of 23 more cars each morning in 2012 compared to 2011, reducing crowding.

In 2012, the agency achieved 96.4% on-time performance, breaking the previous record of 96.2% set in 1995. This was achieved even while operating nearly 23% more trains than the former record calendar year. Meanwhile, the agency’s rail operation is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Overall satisfaction ranked 5.1 on a scale of 0 to 10, down from 5.3 in the previous period.

Provides statistics and performance data to the public for the first time. Responding to the results of its first survey, which includes requests for improvement in on-time performance and handling of service disruptions, the agency plans to invest $217 million in rail infrastructure enhancements and explore new fare collection technology.

Customers rated their overall satisfaction with the service as “acceptable” or “satisfactory,” with a score of 5.2. Approximately 67 percent said they would recommend NJ Transit to a friend or relative, and 63 percent choose to use NJ Transit, even though they have a personal vehicle available.

A system of metrics is currently in development to provide a baseline for measuring NJ Transit’s performance in the areas of customer service, safety and security, financial health and service accountability. Executive director James Weinstein asked for help from riders, by participating in the first customer survey in April.