July 14, 2020
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed
Executive Order No. 165 yesterday, which lifts the 50% capacity limits on NJ TRANSIT and private-carrier buses, trains, light rail vehicles and Access Link vehicles. This Order requires NJ TRANSIT and private carriers to limit vehicles to the maximum seated capacity, effective at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15.
“As we continue on our road back, we are seeing increases in ridership which are quickly approaching 50% of the stated capacity of NJ TRANSIT and private-carrier vehicles,” said Governor Murphy. “To ensure New Jerseyans can get to and from their jobs and that the system continues operating efficiently, we are allowing our transit providers to resume operations at full seated capacity.”
The Governor’s Executive Order continues mitigation efforts that were previously implemented, including requiring workers and customers to wear face coverings while on all buses, trains, light rail vehicles, and Access Link vehicles. This Order extends face covering requirements for workers and customers to the indoor premises of trains, buses, stations, or facilities owned or operated by NJ TRANSIT or private carriers, as well as the outdoor portion of stations where social distancing is not practicable. The only exceptions for these face covering requirements are when wearing a face covering would inhibit that individual’s health or where the individual is under two years of age.
The Order also explicitly prohibits the consumption of food or beverages and smoking in all trains, buses, and vehicles that are operated by NJ TRANSIT, private carriers, and Employer Provided Transportation Services.
The Order also imposes certain mitigation efforts on employers that provide transportation services to workers or employees to get to, return from, or move within or among worksites that are not otherwise available to the general public.
Stay safe,
Rich Higgins, CPA
Managing Principal - New Jersey Office
McCarthy & Company
Disclaimer: This alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Information contained in this communication is not intended or written to be used as tax advice, and cannot be used by the recipient to avoid penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code. We strongly advise you to seek professional assistance with respect to your specific issue(s).
