I arrived at 4am Monday 8/24/20. There were approx 35 individuals in line. All was quiet and peaceful. Some wore masks others did not. Everyone practiced social distancing. Parking was readily available. However, be aware that the Parking spaces with the letter "P" followed by a number, is reserved for specific permit holders. So if you are just a regular visitor, "do not" park in those spaces. You will not be able to use the meter to pay for your parking as it will not process the parking space numbers with the "P" followed by numbers. You may also lose the opportunity to move your car to another parking space as it fills up quickly after 5am. I also noticed parking spaces that was marked with just a "P". I am not sure of the rules for those. The parking meter had an attitude! It was not in the mood for credit cards! I used single dollar bills, the meter was happy with that, very much so. Your limit is 3 hours per transaction at $1 per hour. I did a second transaction approx 1 hour before parking ticket expired, to avoid interruptions while inside. The machine gave me 2 more hours for $3.00. So if you want the maximum hours, I guess you wait until it expires. The door opened at 8am. The line was set to proceed, however, it was slowed down by people that were not on line as they approached the guards at the door with inquiries and well you know the ones that come late and try to sneak in by seeming confused and asking 10 thousand questions at the door? Or when numbers are being given out they suddenly appear from between cars, behind a trash can or behind some bush? Well "they eventually got handled" so beware.
They took about 5 people up front, then approx 3 at a time. This was done with respect to social distancing and the short space between door and sidewalk. That process slowed down the progression of the line even more. At the door, you turn in your paper number and cell number. You then get checked in and they text you the same number, keep the new paper number given at the door at checkin for the duration of your service at each counter. You get a text when you wait in the second line. You get called in to checkpoint 1. You are asked to sit until called for window processing. Listen very carefully as the numbers are not called order. I was out at 9:15. I have to return due to an error made by the dealer on my car title. Check your car title. Make sure that the dealer's stamp does not cover any portion of the boxes that indicate "vehicle lein" the stamp must only fit in the area that relate to seller info. This dealership error is the reason I have to return with a letter of Lein clearance. There is no lein on the vehicle. But the stamp covers that area on the title. Thankfully I am given an opportunity to bypass the line when I return. I asked.. So if you plan to get there after 5am, the line will already be around the corner. The weather was comfortable, not chilly. The officers at the door was helpful and seemed in good spirits. Please listen to the officers and staff at the door. We all have to cooperate in order for everything to move quickly and smoothly. The staff was ok inside but nerves were ticking up as one person was not able to keeping it together during processing. Staff has to remember to practice "good customer service" please, especially "listening" to the customers. Do not cut people off when they are trying to explain something and throw other questions at them in rapid succession. That is a trigger! Some people are under great stress as they are coming from work with no sleep, have sick family members waiting and depending on them, they have limited time or days in which to get their transactions done, some have to report to work and may be the sole bread winner of the family with the only car! The reasons are many so please keep in mind that by the time the door opens, some people are at their breaking point. With good customer service, the staff can bring them down to zero. Total reset. Good...
   Read moreAppointment TIMES are not honored!!. Your appointment only guarantees not being turned away because you are a walk-in. You are going to stand outside if you are not one of the earlier appointments scheduled, rain heat or snow. Don't waste your time going 15 minutes early as they say, and go right to the line. It took me about 45 mins. before i was let inside with a 10:45 a.m "appointment". ONCE INSIDE: Make sure you research online what forms you need for your particular transaction beforehand, at the "ID Station" or first line of abuse and for being berated, they will give you the forms, but not before they show you their anger and displeasure for the inconvenience of making them do their jobs as if you were supposed to have been through the same training (if any) as a WINDOW CLERK as them. Now you are filling forms out standing up (no tables or desks) after they turn you away from the window until you are ready. Meanwhile, you can hear them yelling at every other person for whatever reason in the background. When you are done, and they had crossed out half your application because no one gives you directions on how to do it, they give you a number for you to wait until it is called out. You are watching a tv screen with the number order and they are calling them through the office speakers, and then you realize they are not calling them in the same order as what you see on the screen. A couple of people numbers' had already been called so they lost their place in line and they made them wait until they felt they had been punished enough. The clerk at the second window station, I believe it was window 7, (the one that thinks saying "Good Morning" is for one person to say and the other one to ignore, early 20's and still fewer manners than a toddler), grabs my paperwork and starts flipping the pages without saying anything, finally she stops and says "Are you going to give me your license or am I supposed to type this up just to anybody?" I guess "May i have your driver's license please?" is too far advanced customer service training or just plain manners for these people to know. She starts entering the info and i think it took her 3 times the regular time because her finger nails were so long she couldn't hit one key without hitting three more at the same time. I was registering a black car and a blue bike and she asks me after reading the application "Is it blue or black?" To which i answered "Which one?" And she yells back "Blue or black!!!?" The initials on the application are BL and BK for color, but this one couldn't figure it out, or even see how bad her question was formulated; so i had to brake it down for her and tell her the car is black and the bike is blue. There are absolutely no minimal standards for working as a window clerk at the NJMVC, no customer service skills, the computer program they use is just a black screen with green letters and a flashing cursor from the 1980's, so they don't try and do anything cute like using their brains. Abusive, demeaning dehumanizing bunch of disrespectfull unskilled animals. This agency should be fully purged off of all the entitled 20 somethings working there so they can go to the unemployment line, where i'm sure, even there, they will get better treatment than the...
   Read moreI recently embarked on a journey to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle location nestled in Springfield. It was a visit that left me with mixed emotions, as my encounter with the check ID section and receptionist was nothing short of remarkable, while my interaction with the individual behind the counter left much to be desired.
Upon entering the establishment, I was greeted by the check ID section and receptionist, who exhibited an exceptional level of professionalism and empathy. Their approach was calming, and their soft-spoken demeanor immediately put me at ease. As I navigated through the initial steps, their helpful guidance and courteous attitude made the process remarkably smooth, making a mundane task feel less taxing.
However, as I advanced further into the facility and approached the counter, my experience took an abrupt turn. I had the responsibility of acting as a translator for my brother-in-law, who was in need of assistance. To my surprise, the person behind the counter informed us that only one person could stand there, despite the fact that we had observed her assisting a mother and daughter, both of whom were apparently deemed suitable to stand together.
This stark contrast in treatment was hard to ignore. The mother and daughter, who were visibly healthy and clearly native English speakers, were permitted to stand together without a second thought. It was difficult not to consider whether our names, indicative of our Muslim background, had played a role in her decision. The assumption that we might be hostile due to our names was disheartening and unfounded.
Understanding that every job can have its fair share of challenges, it's vital to maintain a level of professionalism and impartiality while on the clock. The importance of providing a fair and just service should supersede any personal prejudices or preconceived notions. As state employees, the role becomes even more crucial, as citizens entrust their government to provide unbiased and efficient services.
It is unfortunate that an otherwise commendable institution is marred by the behavior of a single employee. As taxpayers, we rely on government services funded by our hard-earned dollars, and it's disappointing to see such instances detracting from the overall experience. To continue fostering a sense of trust and community, it is paramount that all employees, regardless of their personal beliefs, uphold the values of fairness, equality, and respect.
In conclusion, my visit to the New Jersey Motor Vehicle in Springfield was an exercise in contrasts. The commendable conduct of the check ID section and receptionist set a high standard for customer service, while the behavior of the person behind the counter left me questioning the commitment to these principles. It is my sincere hope that such incidents are addressed promptly and effectively, ensuring that all visitors are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
In the future, I hope that all visitors, regardless of their background, are treated with equal respect and courtesy. It's essential for state employees to uphold a high standard of service that reflects positively on the...
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