SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey Transit introduced a proposal in an attempt to reduce incidents of violence against drivers and employees.
The law, if enacted, would allow transit police to ban riders for their poor behavior for either a year or life, depending on the offense.
Banned passengers would have the ability to file an appeal.
According to N.J. Transit Police Chief Christoper Trucillo, abuse and harassment against bus and train staff members has been a growing problem both locally and nationally, and they are saddened by what’s been happening.
“One of the most egregious things that I see is, and it may sound like a minor thing, but when people spit on a bus operator or a train crew member,” Trucillo said. “Spitting on another human being is not only degrading, it’s unsanitary.”
He says spitting on drivers has become more common, and it’s a shame some people think it’s okay to do that to another person.
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“It really takes away someone’s dignity. They have a job to do, they’re trying to do their job.”
Trucillo said that everything will be evaluated on a case by case basis and instances of mental health problems will be carefully considered by responding officers.
The law is currently in the introductory phase and must go through a 60 day public comment period before it can be enacted.