Accusations of Patronage, Incompetence at NJ Transit

A fired employee of NJ Transit has raised some alarming allegations as he departs the agency—going so far as to say he wouldn't ride the system.

1 minute read

August 30, 2017, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


NJ Transit

LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / Shutterstock

Ryan Hutchins reports:

In bombshell testimony that’s likely to dog the Christie administration in its final months, NJ Transit’s fired chief compliance officer said Friday he was forced out with little explanation after his repeated attempts to raise questions about systemic issues at the troubled agency, which he called a “runaway train.”

Todd C. Barretta raised alarms about the state of NJ Transit—operators of the third largest commuter rail system in the United States in addition to bus and light rail lines—during testimony in front of state lawmakers. Barretta testified that NJ Transit "had failed to update important policies for more than a decade and kept key positions empty, or inappropriately staffed," adds Hutchins. Barretta also said that the agency is run with a culture of patronage hires.

Officials with NJ Transit, including Executive Director Steven Santoro, disputed Barretta's testimony. Hutchins includes soundbites from Santoro's response to the damning accusations. The article includes more details about the hearings that gave occasion for Barretta's testimony, and potential fallout for the accusations of patronage.

Friday, August 25, 2017 in Politico

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of Donald Shoup during interview.

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86

Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

February 10, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

February 11, 2025 - Mother Jones

Row of vehicles parked and plugged in at EV charging station.

Federal EV Charging Program Suspended

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.

February 9, 2025 - Wired

‘Umeke Lā‘au: Culture Medicine art installation - giant wooden sculpture of calabash with people standing inside.

A Monument to Resilience: Native Hawaiian Art Installation Honors History and Healing

The towering ʻUmeke Lāʻau installation by Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, unveiled at Honolulu's city hall, is a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and healing.

February 18 - University of Hawai'i News

Close-up of narge eucalyptus tree.

Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?

Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

February 18 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of Fremont, California.

Fremont, California Criminalizes Homelessness, “Abetting” Encampments

Non-profits worry the ordinance, which does not explicitly exempt service providers, will have a chilling effect on unhoused residents and those who offer resources.

February 18 - The Guardian

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.