Louis Gambaccini, first chairman of NJ Transit: 1931-2018

Inset image credit: APTA Hall of Fame; Background image credit: NJ Transit

Louis J. Gambaccini, the founding Chairman of the Board of Directors of New Jersey Transit, died at his home in Skillman, N.J., Sunday, Aug. 19. He was 87 years old.

In a statement, NJ Transit said, “helped shape transportation policy and initiated innovative solutions for transit issues during a career that lasted more than five decades. His long and distinguished career in transportation included tenure in senior management positions in transportation management at several key area agencies.”

Gambaccini was appointed to serve as the Commissioner of Transportation by then-Gov. Brendan Byrne in 1978, where he was instrumental in creating NJ Transit in 1979. He continued in the role of commissioner until 1981 and was chairman of the NJ Transit Board between 1979-1981.

“Lou Gambaccini’s outstanding character and vision represented the best in public service. He pursued what he thought was the right policy regardless of the politics. He engaged those who worked for him, seeking our ideas and always focusing on the impact on the people we serve. Discussing policy and politics with Lou was always enlightening and energizing. And as an early advocate for women in transportation, Lou helped many women advance in our own careers,’’ said Anne Canby, who succeeded Gambaccini as NJ Department of Transportation Commissioner in 1981, and was a close colleague and friend.

Gambaccini’s experience in public service and transportation also includes time in Philadelphia where he served more than eight years as general manager of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). Prior to SEPTA, he served 32 years with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, with 20 years as vice president and general manager and other senior positions overseeing the Port Authority Trans Hudson Corporation (PATH).

In 1997, he was recruited by Rutgers University to administer the federally funded National Transit Institute and established the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center, including the founding of a new research institute – the Voorhees Transportation Policy Institute.

He chaired a number of professional organizations, including The Transportation Research Board’s Executive Committee, American Public Transportation Association (where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame) and the former Tri-State Regional Planning Committee. In 1983, he founded and served as first chairman of the Council for Excellence in Government, a national advocacy organization committed to continuing the pursuit of excellence in government.

“Lou was a lion in the world of public service. Where others were cautious and too often accepting of the average, Lou aspired to and expected excellence in service to the public, both for himself and for those who worked under his leadership,’’ said Jerry Premo, NJ Transit’s first executive director.

Information on services is available at Hillsborough Funeral Home.