TRENTON – Aiming to ensure preparedness in the event of an opioid overdose, the Senate Transportation Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton that would establish a pilot program to provide opioid antidotes on the River Line for the purpose of responding to opioid overdoses.

Senator Singleton has a long history of advocating for improved service and safety measures on the River Line. Last August, Senator Singleton, the Burlington County Sheriff, and County Commissioners announced the launch of a new law enforcement initiative to improve public safety and deter crime along the River Line. In October, the Senator hosted a public meeting with NJ Transit executives to respond to safety concerns and continuous service interruptions. Since then, NJ Transit is taking steps to improve pedestrian safety with improved signage and education programs, as well as to ensure better service reliability.

“Though an opioid overdose on the River Line should never be a regular or expected occurrence, I believe it is best to prepared for all types of emergencies,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “We will continue to work with NJ Transit to improve safety and reliability, and this is yet another way we can ensure that the River Line does not see future tragedies.”

The bill, S-3932, would require NJ Transit to establish a two-year pilot program, in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner of Public Health Services, to provide an opioid antidote on every light rail train set that operates in the southern part of New Jersey. NJ Transit would be required to prepare a written report of the effectiveness of the pilot program along with recommendations on whether or not to implement a permanent program statewide within six months of the expiration of the pilot program. The program would be funded with a $100,000 appropriation.