TRENTON – The Senate Transportation Committee advanced a bill sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton and Raj Mukherji that would require NJ Transit to establish a two-year opioid antidote pilot program on light rail trains in Southern New Jersey. 

“One of the most effective ways we can confront the opioid crisis and prevent overdose deaths is to be prepared when someone is experiencing a medical emergency,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “Though an opioid overdose should never be a regular or expected occurrence on public transit, vulnerable populations often seek refuge on and around our transit corridors. Ensuring life-saving opioid antidote medication is readily available on light rail trains will give us another critical tool to respond quickly to overdoses and help save lives.”

“New Jersey has made progress in reducing opioid-related deaths, but we cannot stop until that number reaches zero. Equipping public spaces, including transit systems, with opioid antidotes is one practical way we can ensure life-saving medication is available when and where it is needed most,” said Senator Mukherji (D-Hudson). “This is a commonsense, harm-reduction measure that will give good Samaritans and transit employees the resources they need to respond to an overdose and potentially save someone’s life.”

Under the bill, S-1808, NJ Transit would work in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner for Public Health Services to obtain a supply of an opioid antidote, such as naloxone, and distribute the medication to every light rail train set in southern New Jersey. The opioid antidote would be stored in a secure, easily accessible location. Opening the container would trigger a silent alert to the train operator, notifying them of a potential overdose. Prominent signage in both English and Spanish would accompany the opioid antidote container and include an informational card on how to recognize an opioid overdose, administer the opioid antidote, and contact emergency assistance. 

The bill would require authorized NJ Transit employees, contractors, and other light rail staff to routinely inspect opioid antidote locations, track supplies and emergency uses, and perform maintenance as needed.

Light rail employees would not be required to administer the antidote or receive training to do so. Within six months of the pilot’s conclusion, a report would evaluate its effectiveness and recommend whether to make the program permanent statewide.

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