When an NJ Transit train breaks down and strands commuters for an hour or more, two Republican legislators want riders to get a refund for the inconvenience.

Two Republican legislators called on Democrats to act on their refund proposal after commuters experienced almost a full week of delays last week.

"We've come to the point where commuters deserve something," said Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco, R-Morris, a co-sponsor of the bill. "It's not a Democratic or Republican issue, it affects everyone."

For commuters, the idea is a no-brainer, especially after a rash of NJ Transit and Amtrak problems caused delays for four days last week. The worst incident trapped 1,500 people on board on a train that broke down on a bridge.

The refund bill was introduced in January and is waiting to be heard by the Assembly Transportation Committee. NJ Transit doesn't refund one-way tickets and others may be refunded, under limited conditions.

Stuck on the 608 Gladstone before millburn.... @CommutingLarry @brian4NY @PVLWarriors should have been in short hills 10 minutes ago.. train next to us just sitting.... @NJTRANSIT ARE LIFE RUINERS #NJTransits where are the refunds?!?! — Deirdre C (@Dcerrati) November 2, 2018

Under the bill, NJ Transit would give rail or light rail riders a refund or credit if they are stuck onboard a disabled train for an hour or more. It could be amended to include bus riders, Bucco said.

"I'm sure bus will be discussed," Bucco said. "I'm open to amendments."

Refunds are supported by Assemblyman Daniel Benson, D-Mercer, chairman of the Transportation committee, who said details of how it would work need to be resolved.

"It's something we should look at... particularly in cases where people are stranded on a vehicle for an hour (or more)," Benson said. "NJ Transit isn't living up to its commitment to riders, when it is their fault."

My uncle has been stranded on the broken down 6:10 @NJTRANSIT for well over an hour with no air ventilation, no water and in overcrowded conditions because this abysmal transportation service can’t properly maintain their trains. — Morgan ❄️ (@sugadadchii) October 29, 2018

Refunds would not apply to people who are delayed on station platforms or waiting at bus stops, he said.

The bill also would also have to spell out what happens if other agencies are to blame, since NJ Transit pays "rent" to run commuter trains on the Northeast Corridor and to use Penn Station New York, he said.

The most important issue to resolve is how passengers would get a refund.

"Do conductors give tickets to people on a train?," Benson said. "Unlike Amtrak or airlines, there is no (reserved) ticket that ties them to that train or bus."

Refunds could be added to an NJ Transit reform bill currently moving through the legislature. That proposal will likely will be changed to reflect some of the recommendations made in an audit of NJ Transit ordered by Gov. Phil Murphy and released last month, Benson said.

"There are changes that are coming. That bill is moving...we have a vehicle that is moving and may make it quicker (than considering a separate bill)," Benson said.

Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook.