Demanding Answers: New Jersey Residents Frustrated As MVC Closures Cause Tens Of Thousands Of Canceled Appointments

CBS New York

March 26, 2021

New Jersey MVC employees testing positive for COVID-19 have caused about 100 agency closures since October.

CBS2’s Cory James went to demand answers from officials after speaking with people who are frustrated with the service.

New Jersey resident Deep Ven can start his SUV, but he can’t drive it.

Read more at CBS New York

William Connolly, a spokesman for the MVC, released a statement:

"The MVC does not believe this segment fairly represented the interview the reporter conducted with MVC Chief Administrator Sue Fulton, or the statement provided to CBS 2 New York. Chief Fulton was interviewed for about 25 minutes, and very little of what she said was used. The segment instead relied on quick, selective editing that emphasized Chief Fulton’s initial reaction to questions, rather than including her explanatory answers about the special circumstances of the two customers interviewed.

"New Jerseyans are well-served by the MVC, as we deliver motor vehicle services as safely and effectively as possible during a pandemic.

"The MVC processes nearly 40 percent more transactions per week compared to before the pandemic. Seventy-five percent of our transactions are handled online now, including 80 percent of license and registration renewals.

"This aggressive shift to online services during the pandemic has resulted in millions of fewer visits to an agency. And we continue to reduce the number of required visits and expand the number of transactions available online.

"For the few remaining transactions that require an in-person visit to an agency, nearly all are available by appointment now. While many appointments had to be rescheduled due to COVID closures at agencies, we add thousands of appointments daily to our nearly 40 agency locations throughout the state. Appointments are only needed for a handful of services now."