“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,” NJ Transit president and CEO Kris Kolluri said.
NJ Transit unveiled the first vehicle on the River LINE to feature a fully renovated passenger compartment, as well as a recent engine overhaul, as part of continuing efforts to enhance the customer experience and improve service reliability.
To mark the milestone, the vehicle is wrapped in graphics that celebrate America’s 250th birthday 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,” NJ Transit president and CEO Kris Kolluri said. “This work builds on the system-wide 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.”
Kolluri, who began his role at the transit system last September, joined its Police Chief Christopher Trucillo and state Sen. Troy Singleton at the wrap unveiling on Jan. 9 at the Trenton Transit Center.
“Safety and security remain the top priority for NJ Transit on River LINE and throughout the NJ Transit system,” Trucillo emphasized. “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.”
There are 11 River LINE stations in the county that run along Bordentown City, Bordentown Township, Florence, Burlington City, Burlington Township, Beverly, Delanco, Edgewater Park, Delran, Riverside, Riverton, Cinnaminson and Palmyra.
Singleton has hosted a number of public meetings regarding River LINE, one just months after the tragic death in 2024 of 15-year-old Matthew Dickinson, a Palmyra High School three-sport athlete who was headed to soccer practice at the Legion Fields sports complex when he was struck at the Chestnut and Broad streets tracks by a northbound train.
In October of 2024, River LINE operator Jessica Haley was killed when her train hit a tree on the tracks in Mansfield Township. Twenty-three passengers were injured.
Singleton’s meeting in November was held as NJ Transit assumed full operation of the River LINE from Alstom, a transition expected to be fully complete in the first quarter of this year. The two agencies released a joint announcement of the changes that began in September.
The transition enables NJ Transit to be best positioned to shape and implement the next steps that will strengthen and enhance the future of the service, officials said.
“The River LINE is a vital connector for residents and businesses across South Jersey,” Singleton explained. “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.”
A contract was signed with Kinkisharyo International LLC for the maintenance of River LINE fleet vehicles. In addition, the company is performing a top-to-bottom set of inspections on the light-rail vehicles to ensure they remain in a state of good repair. NJ Transit plans to upgrade 14 of them as the agency works concurrently to develop 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. Customers now have access to live departure times at every station and through the NJ Transit mobile app and can track River LINE vehicles in real time, allowing them to monitor any impacts on service more accurately.
