§ 56:16-3 — Findings, declarations relative to autobuses.

5. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The residents of this State rely on a variety of passenger vehicle transportation options. The provision of safe and lawful transportation options is vital to the economy of the State and to the health and welfare of New Jersey residents. b. The proliferation of privately-owned autobuses which are operated in intrastate or interstate business over the public highways in this State for the transportation of not more than 40 passengers, often incorrectly referred to as jitneys, as a transportation option in the State has led to an increase in congestion on the roadways, presented public safety issues, engendered passenger service complaints, and posed environmental hazards. c. In protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the thousands of New Jersey residents who use autobuses and other residents who encounter these autobuses on the highways, it is necessary and proper to ensure that the owners and operators of these autobuses uphold their obligations to provide safe and lawful services to their customers. d. In order to ensure that autobuses provide safe and lawful services to the people of this State, it is appropriate for this Legislature to enact a bill of rights for customers of certain autobuses that establishes basic rights and guarantees that protect the health, safety, and welfare of customers. L.2013, c.224, s.5.