Requires NJT to remove certain remote access features from buses and trains.
Impact
If a kill switch or similar feature is deemed to pose a cybersecurity risk and is unnecessary for public safety or regulatory compliance, the corporation is tasked with its removal or permanent disabling. This provision aims to enhance passenger safety by mitigating potential threats that could arise from unauthorized access to transit systems, thereby addressing increasing cybersecurity concerns in public transportation. However, essential safety features will be exempt from this removal if they pass certain safeguards and access controls.
Summary
Assembly Bill A4045, introduced in February 2026, mandates the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) to assess and potentially eliminate remote access features, specifically 'kill switches', in buses and trains. These features are designed to allow remote control over the operation of transit vehicles, but the bill raises significant concerns about cybersecurity risks that might endanger the safety of passengers. A review is required to identify any features that could present operational vulnerabilities, consulting with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
Contention
The bill highlights a growing unease over the safety implications of connected technologies in public transportation. Notably, it was prompted by investigations revealing that some manufacturers, such as those in Norway, had access to systems that could activate a kill switch mid-transit. This raises questions about the balance between technological advancement and the protection of public safety in state-operated transport systems.