NJ Transit’s Free Service Begins Today… Maybe. If the Trains Actually Run

KEARNY TOWNSHIP, NJ — A tragic multi-vehicle crash occurred early Sunday morning on I-280 in northern New Jersey, resulting in the death of an e-bike rider, state police confirmed. Kyle Silas, 52, of Orange, was identified as the victim in the crash that occurred around 4:34 a.m.

According to State Police Sergeant Jeffrey Lebron, Silas was riding his Fly Wing electric motorcycle westbound near mile marker 16 when his motorcycle collided with a car. The initial impact caused his electric motorcycle to then hit a nearby SUV. Silas was thrown from the motorcycle and was then struck by another sedan that was traveling through the area.

This series of collisions highlights the dangers e-bike riders face on busy highways, especially in the early morning hours. State police continue to investigate the details of the crash.

TRENTON, New Jersey — Governor Phil Murphy has issued a fare suspension for NJ TRANSIT riders from August 26 to September 2, 2024, for all modes of transportation. This move is a gesture of appreciation to the hundreds of thousands of customers who rely on public transit every day.

The situation comes after travellers faced a summer of problems including cancelled timetables, broken down trains and delays.

During this fare-free week, all rides on the NJ TRANSIT network will be free. For monthly passholders who have already purchased an August pass, a 25% discount on their September monthly pass will be automatically applied when purchased via the mobile app, at ticket vending machines or at ticket counters.

The move follows a series of service disruptions, including on the Northeast Corridor, managed in partnership with Amtrak. Governor Murphy expressed his understanding of the challenges riders have faced this summer and hopes the fare suspension will provide some relief. “Recognizing that our riders have faced many disruptions this summer, we are providing a one-week fare suspension to NJ TRANSIT riders,” Murphy said.

NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak have taken several short-term steps to improve service, including increasing equipment inspections and infrastructure repairs. These efforts have already resulted in a decrease in incidents. Additional long-term improvements are underway, focusing on the state of repair of critical infrastructure and seeking grants to accelerate essential replacements and upgrades.

Additionally, NJ TRANSIT is addressing performance issues with the River LINE light rail service. A supplemental bus plan has been implemented to improve weekday reliability and predictability while accelerated repairs are made to restore light rail service.

BOSTON, Massachusetts — A 23-year-old Dorchester man was arrested on firearm charges after a traffic stop in Roxbury Saturday night, according to Boston police.

The arrest occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. on August 24, 2024, when officers from District B-2 (Roxbury) conducted a traffic stop near 518 Warren Street. While an officer was in a marked police car investigating the stopped vehicle, an unknown liquid substance suddenly struck the officer in the face and arms. The officer quickly informed his partner that a vehicle had driven by and thrown something at them.

Officers immediately terminated the traffic stop and located the suspect vehicle. After stopping the vehicle and making contact with its occupants, the front seat passenger admitted that he intended to “scare” officers. Officers then asked the occupants to identify themselves and observed the front seat passenger leaning forward in a suspicious manner. Officers asked him to stand up straight so they could see his hands.

During the ensuing investigation, officers asked the front passenger to exit the vehicle. When the suspect refused, officers opened the door and observed the suspect leaning forward again. A search of the suspect revealed a firearm in his waistband. The firearm was identified as a Taurus PT111 Millennium, which was loaded with one round in the chamber and nine rounds in the magazine.

A water pistol was also found inside the vehicle. The other occupants of the vehicle were released from the scene.

Danyael Torres, 23, of Dorchester, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. The investigation into the incident is ongoing and authorities have not released further details.