Soullity Journalists: Shining a Light on the Tragedies: Deaths Caused by NJ Transit and Coach USA Bus Drivers

Shining a Light on the Tragedies: Deaths Caused by NJ Transit and Coach USA Bus Drivers

In the bustling streets of New Jersey and beyond, public transportation is meant to be a safe, reliable way to get around. But for far too many pedestrians, passengers, and families, it's become a nightmare. Websites like Soullity Journalists and Justice For All have been dedicated to highlighting the horrific deaths and injuries caused by what are supposed to be trained, professional bus drivers from NJ Transit and Coach USA. These platforms shed light on countless tragedies, turning the spotlight on systemic issues that prioritize profit over human lives.podcasts.apple.com

The Push for Immunity: A Barrier to Justice?

At the heart of this controversy is a troubling effort by NJ Transit and Coach USA to shield themselves from accountability. Attorneys for these companies are pushing for laws that would prevent surviving victims and the families of those killed from filing lawsuits. Shockingly, they're arguing for immunity for their drivers—even in cases involving fatal accidents. This isn't just speculation; the issue has escalated all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, where cases like Galette v. New Jersey Transit Corp. are examining whether NJ Transit, as a state entity, can claim sovereign immunity from suits, especially for accidents occurring out of state. The Supreme Court agreed to review these decisions earlier this year, with arguments focusing on whether entities like NJ Transit should be protected from liability.politico.comtheusconstitution.org

NJ Transit's president and legal team are fighting tooth and nail for this immunity, claiming it protects the organization. But critics argue it's a way to let drivers who cause harm keep their jobs, continue earning salaries, and avoid consequences, all while the companies rake in profits. The bus companies proudly state in their mission statements that safety is their top priority. Yet, their actions tell a different story: one where corners are cut, inadequate training persists, and accountability is dodged at every turn.

Root Causes: Hiring Practices and Training Failures

If safety truly mattered, these companies wouldn't have to worry about the wave of lawsuits they're facing. The problems start with hiring. Reports and advocacy sites point to the recruitment of drivers from other countries who may struggle with clear English communication, as well as individuals with felony records or histories of aggressive behavior who show little regard for human life. Proper training and rigorous screening could prevent many of these incidents, but instead, the focus seems to be on filling seats quickly to keep buses running and revenue flowing.

Soullity Journalists provides an in-depth look into these deaths, offering insights into the corruption and cover-ups that allow such negligence to continue. Meanwhile, Justice For All served as a memorial site for the lives lost—until it was reportedly taken offline by the bus companies' attorneys, allegedly to silence the truth and downplay the frequency of these events. This isn't isolated; New Jersey's system, from courthouses to police, prosecutors, and judges, has been accused of corruption that helps bury these stories.muckrack.com

These deaths have been on the rise since the administration of Governor Chris Christie in 2011 and have continued under Governor Phil Murphy. Now, as we look toward the 2026 gubernatorial transition, potentially to figures like Mikie Sherrill, a former prosecutor, we must ask: Will the next leader address this epidemic of killings by bus drivers, or will they sweep it under the rug like their predecessors?

The Human Cost: A Double Homicide

A bus in the hands of an incompetent or reckless driver is like a loaded gun: deadly and unforgiving. These incidents aren't just accidents; they're acts that destroy lives, leaving families grieving forever. Victims suffer crushed body parts, decapitations, brain damage, and permanent injuries. Survivors deal with lifelong disabilities, unable to return to normalcy. And the families? They endure a broken heart that often leads to their own premature deaths from grief.

When a bus driver kills someone, it's not just one life taken, it's a double homicide. The direct victim is gone, but so is the joy and future of those who loved them. The drivers, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, and police involved can go home to their families at night. The victims and their loved ones cannot. This callous disregard for human life, fueled by a currency of profit over people, must end.

A Call for Accountability

It's time for real change. Bus drivers need to be held accountable for these deaths. Companies like NJ Transit and Coach USA must prioritize proper training, ethical hiring, and genuine safety measures over bottom lines. Advocacy through platforms like Soullity Journalists and memorials like Justice For All (even if offline) remind us that these are not statistics, they're people. Let's support efforts to pass laws that protect victims' rights to sue and seek justice, not ones that grant immunity to the negligent.

If you've been affected or want to learn more, check out Soullity Journalists for the inside story on these injustices. Together, we can demand a system where safety isn't just a slogan, it's a reality.

You can also leave us an EMAIL with you story at this email: justice4transitvictims@gmail.com or you can leave us you number so someone can call you back.