Changes Suggested In Transit Program

Trenton – Governor Robert B. Meyer talked of possible changes in a transit-district bill yesterday, while New York Governor-elect Nelson A. Rockefeller told newsmen in Venezuela he will seek talks with Meyer on commuter problems and other matters.

Tri-State Approach?

Rockefeller, reports Associated Press, told newsmen in Caracas he would like to confer before his inauguration with Meyner and Governor Abraham Ribicoff of Connecticut. This led to speculation that Rockefeller will support those who want a tri-State approach to the rapid-transit question.

The Metropolitan Regional Council, a group of elected officials from counties of the New York Metropolitan Area, has asked for a tri-State plan instead of the bi-State district proposed in the bill that has already been passed by the New York Legislature and by the New Jersey Senate. The Jersey Assembly, however, has not yet acted on the bill. A hearing is scheduled for Monday in the Assembly Chamber.

Neither Meyner nor Ribicoff had any immediate response to Rockefeller's comments.

Meyner, however, told reporters he is willing to change the transit bill to meet the objections of some of its opponents, reports United Press International.

Meyner noted yesterday that opponents have critized the bill because it might commit the State to a program objected to by a majority of the New Jersey members of the proposed district.

Under terms of the proposal, New Jersey and New York each would have 16 members. One State member voting with the New York delegation could commit the entire New Jersey delegation on a specific program.

Meyner said that the legislation conceivably could have a safeguard written into it which would prevent one State from thwarting the will of the others.

The transit bill requires legislation from both States.

Meyner said that if it were decided to amend the present bill, New York could pass an other measure to comply with the change since its Legislature convenes in January.

He also sald he felt a good deal of opposition to the bill was the result of misunderstanding.

The Governor pointed out that even if the district were set up, it could not proceed with any program without first receiving approval from the New Jersey and New York Legislatures.

Most of the North Jersey municipalities have objected to the district proposal on grounds that it is the forerunner of an expensive transit loop system which would require vast expenditures by New Jersey counties.