NJ Transit Bus Driver with Troubled History Faces Scrutiny After Fatal Accident

NJ Transit Bus Driver with Troubled History Faces Scrutiny After Fatal Accident

The NJ Transit driver involved in the tragic August 23 incident, which claimed the life of a 29-year-old Bayonne man, Timothy John Alva, is drawing new attention to both his history and broader safety issues within the agency. The driver, Jean Andre, has been involved in multiple lawsuits over past incidents involving alleged negligence, raising concerns about NJ Transit’s oversight and the conditions faced by both drivers and passengers.

Past Lawsuits and Accusations

In 2020, Jessica Mallard, a Jersey City crossing guard, filed a lawsuit against Andre and NJ Transit, claiming she was struck by Andre’s bus while working at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Stegman Street. According to Mallard’s complaint, Andre swerved to avoid another vehicle, causing her to be hit by the bus door. Notably, Andre reportedly became aware of the incident only after bystanders informed him.

Mallard’s injuries required hospital care for her shoulder and hip, but the court dismissed the case before trial, ruling that her injuries did not meet the “permanent loss of bodily function” threshold required for her claim.

Another lawsuit filed in 2018 by Lauren Frisco also involved allegations of negligent driving. According to Frisco, she was injured while riding on a Route 120 NJ Transit bus between lower Manhattan and Bayonne. The complaint describes Andre’s reaction to passengers’ complaints about him skipping a stop, after which he allegedly slammed on the brakes, causing Frisco to tumble down the aisle. Although the case was ultimately settled out of court, it added to questions about Andre’s driving conduct.

In both cases, attorneys for Andre and NJ Transit denied negligence. Yet these incidents suggest a potential pattern of driver conduct that, critics say, could stem from inadequate training, oversight, and driver support.

The August 23 Fatal Accident

Andre’s history resurfaced following the tragic death of Timothy John Alva. Reports state that Andre was “unaware” he had struck Alva, who was riding a scooter on West Side Avenue, until after the bus hit “something” and Alva was found lying injured in the street. Police records indicate that Andre had run a red light just before the crash, for which he was cited.

A Colleague’s Perspective on NJ Transit Safety

An NJ Transit bus driver who requested anonymity expressed concerns about Andre’s case and larger systemic issues within NJ Transit, particularly about the aging “Nabi” buses, like the one Andre was driving. The driver highlighted that these buses are often poorly maintained, requiring the use of parking brakes to stop effectively and lacking functional suspension.

The driver also criticized NJ Transit for allowing excessively long shifts, saying, “They can have you working up to 18 hours. They only give you eight hours rest. They don’t care how you feel...the conditions we work in are very bad.”

Calls for NJ Transit Accountability

The recent incidents and tragic loss of Timothy Alva have renewed calls for NJ Transit reform, with critics suggesting the need for improved safety protocols, better-maintained vehicles, and greater accountability in driver oversight. When asked about Andre’s record and operational issues, a spokesperson for NJ Transit declined to comment.

As the investigation into Alva’s death continues, safety advocates are urging NJ Transit to conduct a full review of its practices to prevent further tragedies and better support both drivers and the public they serve.