As NJ Transit officials reported the first significant ridership gains since the coronavirus pandemic began, they also had to pause to honor a member of their employee family claimed by the virus.
Michael Travisano, 45, of Summit — a 22-year veteran rail car inspector in the Meadowlands Maintenance Complex — died from complications from the virus earlier this month, NJ Transit CEO Kevin Corbett said at the beginning of Wednesday’s Board of Directors meeting. Travisano started his career as a car maintainer, he said.
“Through hard work and dedication, he became a car inspector in 2002 and for most of his career worked out of our Meadows Maintenance Complex,” Corbett said. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.”
Corbett also reported the bittersweet news that the number of COVID-19 cases at NJ Transit “decreased considerably this month,” when 84 employees tested positive, the lowest since last November.
“It’s evidence the vaccines are working,” he said.
In March, NJ Transit began vaccinating employees at several worksites across the state, in an effort that expanded to include Port Authority employees.
He also credited increasing rates of vaccination and business reopening for NJ Transit’s biggest ridership gains after several months of ridership that stayed stable, but didn’t grow, except for the ranks of essential workers who commuted.
Weekday rail ridership increased to between 30% and 35% of pre-coronavirus levels, while weekend ridership grew to 40% and as high as 50% of pre-COVID-19 levels on some rail lines, he said. Ridership had hovered between 20% to 25% over past months.
Light rail ridership also bounced back to 55% of pre-COVID levels and interstate bus ridership to and from New York City was over the 40% mark for first time since the pandemic started, Corbett said.
“It is certainly cause for optimism,” he said.
Transit ridership across the nation had been slower to recover as pandemic restrictions were eased, while automotive traffic is only 10% lower than pre-pandemic levels. However, with major employers announcing plans for employers to return to workplaces, even on a hybrid basis, and with more New York attractions opening, they maybe enticing riders.
“I am happy to say I’m looking forward to getting back on the system,” said Matt Kamper, a Raritan Valley line commuter who said at the meeting that he plans to return to the rails on Friday.
Passengers waiting for those trains and buses in major stations and terminals also will have a place to sit down, starting on May 19, when seating will be reopened. Riders still have to wear masks, a requirement of the Transportation Security Administration has put in place until September, and observe social distancing, Corbett said.
“We will do more stations when it is safe to do so,” he said.
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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com.