SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1764

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 8, 2020

      The Senate Transportation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1764.

      As reported, this bill establishes a task force to investigate consolidation of the New Jersey Transit Corporation, Transportation Trust Fund Authority, New Jersey Turnpike Authority, South Jersey Transportation Authority, and Department of Transportation.

      The task force is to consist of seven members that are to be appointed as follows: two members appointed by the Governor with professional background and expertise in the areas of transportation policy, one of whom is required to be employed by the New Jersey Institute of Technology and one of whom is required to be employed by Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey; one public member appointed by the Governor with professional background and expertise in public finance; one public member appointed by the Senate President; one public member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly; one public member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; and one public member appointed by the Minority Leader of the General Assembly.

     The task force is to submit a report that includes potential issues posed by the consolidation and a detailed accounting of cost savings that can be achieved by agencies prior to consolidation as well as additional savings that can be achieved following consolidation.  The task force is to include with its recommendations a legislative proposal to establish the new independent transportation agency resulting from the consolidation

     The task force is to provide specific analysis of current operations at existing State agencies, best practices from other states, potential merger strategies, opportunities for operational efficiencies, and cost savings in specific areas provided in the bill.  This analysis is to be taken into account when recommending a new, consolidated governance structure for the State’s transportation system.

     The task force is required to submit its recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 12 months following the organization of the task force.