George Warrington, who started in the job on May 6, said yesterday the panel will consider adjusting train schedules, revising maintenance work and re-deploying trains to provide some quick fixes to the crowding problem.

Warrington said the impact on the overcrowding problem from any short-term changes would be minimal compared with major long-range projects, such as the purchase of bi-level rail cars.

"It's going to take some time to provide substantial relief," said Warrington, who had been president of Amtrak before taking the top job at NJ Transit.

Most rush-hour trains are standing room only and many have passengers crammed tightly together in the trains' vestibules.

The capacity task force is one of five being created by Warrington as the railroad veteran attempts to put his stamp on the agency.

The other panels will focus on:

-- Capital projects and planning. Warrington said the agency's financial constraints compel it to review its planning for major projects with a clean slate and to establish clear criteria to prioritize proposals;

-- Business efficiency. Warrington said the agency needs to evaluate its business practice and its technology to ensure it spends its money wisely;

-- Customer service. Warrington repeatedly has said NJ Transit's decisions ought to be based on how best to serve its customers, and