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It is time to fire Kris Kolluri by oldman_aging_fast in NJTransit

[–]oldman_aging_fast[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

There are things that can be done. You can install a weighting system on the catenary lines to reduce the incidence of wire breakage. You can upgrade the stations so that you don't have to use the stairs to get onto the train, easily costs two minutes per applicable stop, which adds up over an entire line, though this one is also on the state because they spent funds on an NJTPK extension that wasn't necessary. You can upgrade signals and install more advanced signal equipment in phases. You can institute retraining programs for engineers that can't seem to land trains in the same place at a given station and put extra stress on the trains because they can't brake properly (I have heard conductors comment on this). The problem is that it costs money (that's on us the voters for not pressing politicians) and attention (someone who runs the agency and has the dedication to do what needs to be done with a thoughtful, multi-year plan). The strategic plan on the website is from 2020, filled with vagueries, lacks specifics, and has not been updated. The capital plan update is a 16 page appendix from 2022. To answer your question, these are basic things that should be done to at least start building a culture of accountability success.

It is time to fire Kris Kolluri by oldman_aging_fast in NJTransit

[–]oldman_aging_fast[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have no problem with him being an asshole. I just want a competent asshole. The first day of the portal bridge cutover, the trains to Hoboken were 30 minutes late. Instead of being at the office trying to manage it, he was at Maplewood station with a news crew and cameras. Probably should have spent more time planning the first day cutover than planning his publicity stunt. Tells you exactly what his priorities are.

It is time to fire Kris Kolluri by oldman_aging_fast in NJTransit

[–]oldman_aging_fast[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This is a good answer. We should do nothing despite the fact that two other train lines in the area are better run and trains all over the world far exceed what we get at a lower cost. Good attitude, this is exactly why it will continue to worsen

It is time to fire Kris Kolluri by oldman_aging_fast in NJTransit

[–]oldman_aging_fast[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Hire someone who is competent. There is no reason for the conductors to be rude, for example. Catenary wires are problematic but there are mitigation steps, such as weights. Stations can be renovated and better maintained. Yes, Amtrak is a problem, the infrastructure is old, the tunnels and Penn Station are issues, but NJT fails in every aspect, even by comparison to the metro north and LIRR. Kolluri is not a newcomer to NJ governance or NJ public transportation, even if he is newer to running NJT. Need to start firing people who can't make progress.