Murphy seeks change to rules to end engineer shortage
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says he wants legislators to change residency rules so New Jersey Transit can hire more engineers to address a shortage.
A lack of engineers combined with a spate of unexcused absences has caused dozens of train cancellations recently.
The Democrat said Thursday he wants lawmakers to send him stand-alone legislation as soon as possible.
Transit officials testifying at a legislative hearing Thursday in Trenton say they need the rules changes so they can hire engineers from neighboring states. They say under-investment over the last decade has caused shortages.
Lawmakers also are criticizing NJ Transit for not adequately communicating effectively to commuters about cancellations.