TRENTON – Though about 500 commuters have signed a petition pushing for a mask car on NJ Transit trains and board members say it’s a good idea, the agency’s management is cool to the idea – and the conductors’ union downright opposed.
The idea of a masks-required train car, similar to a quiet car, was floated about a month ago but took on renewed urgency among some commuters once a federal judge voided the CDC’s mass transit mask mandate on April 18.
It was the subject of debate at an NJ Transit committee hearing Friday, where there were clear tiers of enthusiasm about the prospect:
Three commuters advocated for the mask car, including petition organizer Adam Reich. He said the option to wear a mask among riders who aren’t wearing them isn’t sufficiently protective.
“Whether you choose to mask or whether you choose not to, everybody can have a meaningful choice,” Reich…
