By The Staff | The Save Jersey Blog
Governor Chris Christie visited the Randolph, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) branch on Wednesday afternoon to announce an overhaul of the dreaded agency’s customer service procedures.
“Providing excellent customer service at MVC and throughout state government has been a key component of my administration,” said Governor Christie. “MVC is continually looking for ways to enhance the customer experience and streamline the transaction process. With these new initiatives, customers will have more options to conduct their business either online or at a variety of locations with some express options.”
The following changes (in addition to ‘enhanced’ customer service training) were announced contemporaneously with the press conference in a release:
Amending Driver’s License And Registration Expiration Dates: Governor Christie is calling on the legislature to pass a bill that would change expiration dates from the last day of the month to drivers’ birthdays. This simple amendment is anticipated to reduce agency wait times by spreading out customer transactions more evenly over the entire calendar month.
Online Transaction Fee: MVC will eliminate the current applicable online transaction fees by October 1st. The elimination of these fees is expected to reduce wait times by further encouraging customers to utilize MVC’s online tools in lieu of agency visits.
Utilizing AAA for Registration Renewals: MVC is working with AAA to expand customer access through certain AAA offices.
Central Issuance: MVC has started the process of converting to a central issuance system, in which MVC will issue IDs from a central location rather than through individual agencies, which will reduce transaction times and ensure maximum security throughout the process.
Express Driver’s License Process: To reduce the time of license renewal transactions, many agencies have implemented a driver’s license express process, which allows customers to bypass the ID check stations and get in line at the Enhanced Digital Driver License counters.
Ongoing Online Enhancements: MVC regularly updates agency wait times and identifies low volume agencies on the MVC website. Scheduling driver tests and suspension/restoration appointments is also available through MVC’s online services.
Mobile MVC Agency: In early 2017, MVC will launch two mobile agency units, which will effectively become the 40th and 41st agencies in the state. The mobile units will be able to perform all transactions that existing agencies can with the exception of driver testing and titles. They will be deployed in the event of unforeseen agency outages and will also be utilized to service specific needs of varying populations.
Additional Enhanced Digital Driver’s License Cameras: MVC has increased the number of Enhanced Digital Driver’s License (EDDL) cameras in 10 of its busiest agencies. These additional cameras have been installed in Bakers Basin, Springfield, East Orange, Turnersville, Somerville, South Plainfield, Edison, Rahway North Bergen and Wallington.
“AAA is proud to work with several states to provide motor vehicle services at our offices,” said Cathleen Lewis, Director of AAA Northeast Public Affairs and Government Relations. “We look forward to working with the administration to provide similar services for the State of New Jersey.”
Watch the presser here:
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