Longtime voice for NJ Transit riders is retiring from that role, but he’s not leaving the stage Updated Dec 28, 2020; Posted Dec 28, 2020 David Peter Alan, who spoke out for NJ Transit riders for decades, is retiring as Lackawanna Coalition chairman. He is seen at his hometown train station at South Orange. Facebook Share David Peter Alan’s unofficial career as advocate for NJ Transit riders began in 1985, when he joined South Orange officials and other commuters demanding the return of more frequent Morris & Essex line train service. And it continued after he took over as chairman of the Lackawanna Commuter Coalition in 1998, which was on the verge of dissolving.