NEWARK, NJ — Some NJ Transit customers have been affected by recent service interruptions want a refund, but the agency says it will not provide one.
It comes after a number of delays, temporary suspensions and other disruptions in the past few months.
Customers told CBS News New York they would rather just forget about the days they had to wait. waiting for hours on crowded platformsbut they can’t go back the money they spent on their rates.
The public transport company says it will not offer refunds for delayed trains and buses, but customers can use their tickets for diversions, including bus routes, in the event of major delays. Unused tickets can also be kept for another trip within 30 days of purchase.
A spokesperson for NJ Transit says recent service interruptions are, in part, the reason why the agency offered free rates for a week and that refunds or free tickets are routinely offered “on a case-by-case basis.”
“I just got scammed”
Customer Breyson Tacza waited about two hours on July 21 after spending $16 on his ride. He said the alternative transportation options offered, such as bus routes, didn’t work for him, so he ended up hitting the road from Secaucus to New Brunswick with a fellow Rutgers University student.
“Nothing. Nothing back and I was just ripped off,” he said.
Tacza added that he hasn’t had to use NJ Transit recently and therefore hasn’t been able to use his July 21 ticket for another trip.
“When I see this happening, it’s like saying, hey, we’re going to steal from you. It’s not fair, to any student, to anyone,” he said.
NJ Transit blames the July 21 delays, which affected 45 trains, on a power company cable falling onto Amtrak wires.
New Jersey Congressman Wants Amtrak to Reimburse NJ Transit Customers
Earlier this month, New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer said he wants Amtrak to reimburse NJ Transit customers for major delays because the company owns the tracks and cables that NJ Transit uses.
“Amtrak is simply not doing enough to keep their infrastructure in good condition,” Gottheimer said Aug. 12.
Amtrak responded to Gottheimer’s proposal, saying they are working hard to improve the Northeast Corridor and that their infrastructure is not the only cause of delays.
Tim McNicholas
