NJ TRANSIT continues to perform a series of upgrades to systems and equipment on the River LINE as the agency transitions to take over operations and maintenance from the current contractor.

Recently, NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri was joined by New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo and Senator Troy Singleton to unveil the first vehicle to feature a fully renovated passenger compartment and a recent engine overhaul as part of continuing efforts to enhance the customer experience and improve service reliability.

The first vehicle is wrapped in graphics celebrating America’s 250th birthday, which is being observed this year.

“As we finalize the process of assuming operation of the River LINE, every upgrade we’re making is focused on improving reliability, communications, and the customer experience,” Kolluri said. “This work builds on the systemwide modernization already underway across our bus and rail fleets, as we also maintain an equal commitment to investing in the quality of commute for our light rail customers.”

“Safety and security remain the top priority for NJ TRANSIT on River LINE and throughout the NJ TRANSIT system,” Trucillo said. “New Jersey Transit Police remain visible and work with our law enforcement partners on the local, county, state, and federal levels to coordinate our efforts statewide.”

New Oversight, Maintenance, and Vehicle Upgrades

As part of the transition from the current contractor, the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors authorized NJ TRANSIT to enter into a contract with Kinkisharyo International LLC for the maintenance of the River LINE fleet vehicles. NJ TRANSIT will assume oversight of the River LINE service, the maintenance of the right-of-way, and the light rail station maintenance.

After several years of working closely together to assess the condition of the River LINE, NJ TRANSIT and its contractor, Alstom, began transitioning the light rail system to NJ TRANSIT in early September. The transition will be fully complete in the first quarter of this year.

“Investments like these not only enhance the quality and reliability of service but also reaffirm NJ TRANSIT’s commitment to strengthening our region’s infrastructure and supporting economic growth,” Senator Singleton said. “I remain hopeful that these are the types of improvements we will continue to see in the months ahead.”

NJ TRANSIT is working with Kinkisharyo to completely rehabilitate the interior passenger areas of the vehicles. Improvements include new LED lighting, replaced seating, new flooring, updated signage, and more to significantly enhance the on-board customer experience.

In addition, Kinkisharyo is conducting a top-to-bottom inspection of the light rail vehicles to ensure they remain in a state of good repair. NJ TRANSIT plans to upgrade 14 light rail vehicles as part of this program, while concurrently developing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to fully replace the entire River LINE fleet.  

As part of the continuing enhancements, NJ TRANSIT has also installed real-time arrival information on the River LINE platforms to improve customer information. River LINE customers now have access to live departure times at every station and through the NJ TRANSIT mobile app.