BREAKING: NARP Responds to NJ Transit Accident in Hoboken

For Immediate Release (#16-22)

Contact: Mark Hazlin – (202) 289-4001

Washington, D.C. (Sept. 29, 2016) – Response from the National Association of Railroad Passengers to today’s New Jersey Transit accident in Hoboken, on behalf of the 40 million Americans who ride passenger trains every year:

“We are saddened to see reports of fatalities in the accident this morning and thank the first responders for their quick action to help those who are injured,” said NARP President Jim Mathews. “The facts of the incident are still largely unknown, and it’s critical to let the investigators do their jobs before we start speculating. Once the cause of today’s collision is identified, NARP will work with local passengers, New Jersey Transit, and federal officials to ensure that the work is done to prevent these kinds of incidents. Taking a commuter train is still one of the safest ways to get to work—but there are investments that can be made to make it even safer.”

New Jersey Transit was one of the commuter agencies that asked for an extension to the deadline to implement Positive Train Control, a safety technology designed to enforce speed restrictions and braking guidelines.

About the National Association of Railroad Passengers

NARP is the only national organization speaking for the nearly 40 million users of passenger trains and rail transit. We have worked since 1967 to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the U.S. Our mission is to work towards a modern, customer-focused national passenger train network that provides a travel choice Americans want. Our work is supported by more than 28,000 individual members nationwide.

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