NJ Transit technical specialist wins ‘Build a Better Mousetrap’ competition

New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) Technical Specialist Marc Franco took home the top prize in New Jersey’s statewide Build a Better Mousetrap competition. Franco was rewarded for his invention which assists in the installation and maintenance of a new snow chain system being tested on buses.

“The 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.”

The competition seeks out new, innovative and efficient ways to improve the quality and safety of transportation projects. Franco, who is from the Bus Material and Technical Support division, is the first winner from NJ Transit in the competition’s history.

“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 and 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,” added 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.”

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.

“It is an honor to be able to bring NJ Transit our first Build a Better Mousetrap award,” said 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.”

New Jersey's Build a Better Mousetrap competition offers entrants the ability to share ideas regarding how to improve upon an existing project or determine an innovative new process that can improve efficiency and cost. Each year, a state winner is selected from the New Jersey Department of Transportation or NJ Transit. The competition is sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration’s Local Technical Assistance Program and Tribal Technical Assistance Program.