NJ TRANSIT TECHNICAL SPECIALIST WINS “BUILD A BETTER MOUSETRAP” COMPETITION
Invention Eases Installation and Maintenance of Bus Snow Chain System
October 27, 2021
NEWARK, NJ — An NJ TRANSIT Bus Operations employee has taken top prize in the important “Build a Better Mousetrap” competition for his invention which assists in the installation and maintenance of a new snow chain system being tested on buses. The competition seeks out new, innovative and efficient ways to improve the quality and safety of transportation projects. Technical Specialist Marc Franco from the Bus Material and Technical Support division is the first winner from NJ TRANSIT in the competition’s history.
The “Build a Better Mousetrap” competition offers all state employees the opportunity to innovate, create, implement and produce projects that will improve transportation safety and reliability,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “Mr. Franco’s invention will expedite the snow chain installation process and keep buses safely on the road when driving, braking and turning on snow-covered roads for many winters to come.”
“Marc Franco’s victory in this competition exemplifies the ingenuity and can-do spirit I’ve grown accustomed to seeing from NJ TRANSIT employees,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “Our congratulations go out to Marc for winning this prestigious competition with a concept that improves safety for NJ TRANSIT bus customers and operators.”
“Marc Franco has created a system that can not only help keep NJ TRANSIT buses safely on the road during inclement weather, but is also a system that can be shared with other transportation systems in the State and across the country,” said Senior Vice President of Surface Transit and General Manager of Bus Operations Michael Kilcoyne. “I am proud to have such an innovative, forward-thinking team member on staff.”
“It is an honor to be able to bring NJ TRANSIT our first “Build a Better Mousetrap” award,” said Marc Franco. “I am incredibly grateful to my team as their innovative approach to problem solving serves as my inspiration to think outside of the box. I’d like to thank them for their support and also thank the contest panel for choosing the Tire Centerline Bracket as this year’s winner.”
Mr. Franco’s submission focused on his creation of a tire centerline bracket which will allow for more precise and time-efficient installation and deployment of the air operated snow chain systems for bus tires. This new process will ensure that snow chain systems are kept in optimal working condition to guarantee that NJ TRANSIT customers can get to and from their destinations safely during inclement winter weather.