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.
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.
FULL STORY: Fired NJ Transit executive describes 'toxic' agency rife with patronage, corruption
The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall
The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.
Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities
The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.
‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis
SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.
Colorado Town Fills Workforce Housing Need With ‘Dorm-Style’ Housing
Median rent in Steamboat Springs is $4,000 per month.
Indian States Give Women Free Bus Passes
The programs are part of an initiative aimed at helping more women join the workforce and improving access to basic needs.
Study: How to Revitalize Downtown Minneapolis
A proposal calls for a reevaluation of the city’s skyways, a focus on street-facing businesses, and an improved public realm.
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
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.