Staff Reports
The New Jersey Transit has turned an unexpected escapade into an entrepreneurial move, capitalizing on the notorious runaway bull, Ricardo, whose dash through Newark’s train tracks seized attention nationwide.
New Jersey Transit selling ‘Ricardo the bull’ plush toy after escaped animal halted trains https://t.co/0ZoBcckiuo pic.twitter.com/nj7eSHiCD8
— New York Post (@nypost) December 19, 2023
In an innovative twist, NJ Transit unveiled a cuddly rendition of Ricardo as a stuffed animal, complete with an NJ Transit bandana, available for $20 through their website. Promising to allocate a share of the proceeds to the Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, where Ricardo now resides in comfort, the transit authority aims to celebrate this unconventional tale.
The NJ Transit store proudly presents this plush companion as a tribute to the bull who captured hearts across New Jersey and beyond. Yet, not everyone is applauding this commercial spin. Critics on social media have skewered the transit agency for monetizing the chaos while their services face scrutiny akin to a flimsy umbrella in a storm.
In a display of cutting sarcasm, one commenter suggested that NJ Transit allocate the profits to “fix their dreadful service,” a jab that undoubtedly struck a nerve. Another jibe implied hiring more competent staff might serve the system better.
Amidst these critiques, the aftermath of wire damage near Mount Tabor on the Morris & Essex line left commuters fuming, their evening routines disrupted with delays up to 45 minutes and platforms resembling packed sardine cans.
And the discontentment pours forth on social media, where passengers continue to lambast NJ Transit’s lackluster service. Requests for refunds on monthly train passes and complaints about exorbitant Uber fares to salvage homeward journeys dominate the discourse.
Ricardo, the bull turned celebrity, finds solace at the Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue. After causing mayhem for commuters, he now lives a tranquil life, oblivious to the chaos left behind. It's a happy ending for Ricardo, though NJ Transit's reputation might not share the same fate.
