My name is Talia Crawford, I am the Campaign Organizer for the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. Thank you for the opportunity to speak in front of the Board at tonight’s meeting.

We are very impressed and excited that NJ TRANSIT is moving forward on meeting its EV fleet goals. The purchase of the 8 EV buses is a celebratory step towards electrifying the bus fleet, signaling that the pilot project is moving. This pilot program is a huge step for transit shifting toward zero carbon emissions. Tri-State appreciates the continued dialogue regarding certification efforts through its Energy & Sustainability Committee and requests that these efforts continue as the pilot program advances. Throughout the development, NJ TRANSIT should ensure that there is as much public input and output as possible. Feedback from customers as well as frequent updates from the agency is crucial. Additionally, what metrics will be used in determining the success of the Camden program? How will it be applied when expanding electrification to other areas across NJ? Also, is the $80 million that was raided from the Clean Energy Fund by NJ TRANSIT being used for electrification?

Tri-State applauds the progress of the Portal North Bridge Project. This is a critical step to reaching full capacity and eventually realizing the Gateway Project.

At Tri-State, we hold monthly NJ Bus Rider meetings and many riders are still concerned about COVID protocols being followed on the buses, specifically following the mask mandate. Riders and NJ TRANSIT employees need to be responsible for the safety and well-being of each other. Mutual respect and observation of PPE protocol while using transit are essential to keep people safe.

Thank you again for the opportunity to speak, and we are excited to work with you to make transit equitable, environmentally sound, and reliable.