NJ Transit will take over operation of the River LINE service in the first quarter of this year.
As it transitions to full oversight, the mass transportation agency unveiled 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. To mark the milestone, the first vehicle is wrapped in graphics celebrating America’s 250th birthday this year.
Marking the occasion were NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri, New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo and state Sen. Troy Singleton.
“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,” said Kolluri, who was reappointed to lead NJ Transit by Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill Jan. 9. “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.”
The River Line serves 21 light rail stations in the New Jersey area departing from Trenton Transit Center and ending at Entertainment Center in Camden.
“The River LINE is a vital connector for residents and businesses across South Jersey,” said Singleton. “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. I remain hopeful that these are the types of improvements we will continue to see in the months ahead.”
As part of the transition from the current contractor, Alstom, that began in September, 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.
Kinkisharyo International, based in El Segundo, Calif., has done transportation projects in California, Texas, Washington state, Massachusetts and Dubai. It operates a maintenance and repair facility in Piscataway.
NJ Transit will assume oversight of the River LINE service, the maintenance of the right-of-way, and the light rail station maintenance.
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, NJ Transit plans to upgrade 14 light rail vehicles as part of this program.
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. They can track River LINE vehicles in real time, allowing them to monitor any impacts on service more accurately.
