New Jersey Transit Ridership Down 40%; Says Bigger Drop May Prompt Cuts

(Bloomberg) -- New Jersey Transit said ridership fell about 40% Monday amid efforts to curb public gatherings to slow the spread of the coronavirus, though for now the nation’s largest statewide mass-transportation provider is maintaining regular bus and train service.

When the number reaches 50%, the agency will consider a holiday-type schedule with less frequent runs, said its President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Corbett. Workers are disinfecting equipment every 24 hours, Corbett said. The less-crowded buses and trains also may help keep infections down, he said.

“The social-distancing aspect is something that you take into account,” Corbett said in a telephone interview.

Governors Phil Murphy of New Jersey, Andrew Cuomo of New York and Ned Lamont of Connecticut on Monday announced mandatory closings of non-essential businesses, limited restaurants to take-out service and capped social and recreational gatherings at 50 people.

To contact the reporter on this story: Elise Young in Trenton at eyoung30@bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Flynn McRoberts at fmcroberts1@bloomberg.net, Michael B. Marois, William Selway

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