KEARNY, N.J. (WCBS 880) -- New Jersey Transit has taken another step toward addressing a shortage of engineers which has resulted in frequent train cancellations and delays dating back to last year.
A new class has completed its formal training on Wednesday.
As WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported, there were 20 trainees when this class started 19 months ago, now just seven remain.
"It was tough, it was too hard for them, not committing to the railroad and to studying and just failing quizzes and just not making it," said 32-year-old Jason Rush. "It was very difficult. You know, countless days, no sleep, you know, staying up all night studying, making flashcards, and having family help me."
This is the second of four classes to graduate this year with three others finishing next year.
NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kevin Corbett Kevin Corbett says they need these people to avoid cancellations.
"It used to be there was enough of a bench, so if I take the day off, you know, you'd be able to pick up or someone else would be able to take that. There was no bench."
While the trainees are beaming with pride, Gov. Phil Murphy's primary emotion is relief.
"It will mean another milestone in our work to refill NJ Transit's ranks of trained and certified engineers," he said. "Getting you out of this building past your final check ride and into a train cab will mean fewer unscheduled cancellations, it will mean getting people where they need to be when they need to be there."
The seven new engineers will be graduating in the upcoming weeks and should be out on the rails operating trains in the next month.
NJ Transit should be fully-staffed by summer, Haskell reported.
Earlier this month, Senate President Steve Sweeney announced a panel will examine the reasons for NJ Transit’s "continued failures" and find solutions.