NJ Transit sprays lavender in train stations in upgrade push as riders say service still stinks

Lavender won’t cover NJ Transit’s stench.

A new plan to freshen up the decrepit NJ Transit system has designated lavender as the official scent of the agency’s cleaning products, CEO Kris Kolluri revealed Tuesday.

But long-suffering NJ Transit riders such as Ronald D., 40, argued the agency needs better service, not new scents.

“Can we get trains that run on time before we get aromatherapy transit?” he fumed.

“We want reliability and safety, not lavender air freshener.”

Another rider who didn’t want to be named questioned how a new smell could make trains run on time.

“Nothing says efficient public transit like Newark Penn smelling like a Bath & Body Works,” the rider sarcastically opined. “Next, they’ll have eucalyptus mist during rush hour.”

The pungent criticism contrasted with Kolluri’s gushing over the flowery fragrance during a new conference with New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherril, who announced a “Rapid Action Plan” for sprucing up the transit system’s often dingy — and unreliable — trains and buses.

“I hope people smell lavender. I’ve been obsessed by the lavender cleaning products for about a year now,” the transit honcho told the crowd, pointing out crews use the cleaners at Newark’s Penn Station overnight.

“The governor has said that she wants to see this kind of a program expanded to other stations.”

The wider Rapid Action Plan includes rolling out a redesigned NJ Transit app, investment in GPS-powered software to track trains in real time, establishing a “Real Time Crime Center,” expanded wi-fi on buses and other cleaning measures.

Riders broadly welcomed upgrades, but scoffed at the scent strategy.

“This is taking away from what actually needs to be done here which is figuring out how to get these trains here on time,” said transit rider Brian R., 35.

“I don’t care what anything smells like as long as I’m making it to where I need to be on time.”

Nick Cote, a frequent rider, said the biggest problems facing NJ Transit are delays and construction, not the smell. 

“I don’t think it’s really going to change anything,” he said. “It seems like a patchwork to underline problems that may exist and be more structural and related to financing rather than this.”

Cote did cop, however, to some scent preferences: “I love lavender and vanilla together, so go for it.”

And at least one regular rider gave lavender and NJ Transit her seal of approval.

“I like lavender. I like this smell,” said Svetlana, who declined to give her full name. “All of the trains are usually very clean and smell nice.”