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NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett is stepping down to take a position at an unnamed university, effective Jan. 15, 2025, Gov. Phil Murphy’s office confirmed Dec. 9.

The news was initially reported by NJ Advance Media and New Jersey Globe, which cited an email sent Dec. 9 to employees saying he will resign next month after nearly seven years at the helm of the troubled agency.

“As the most densely populated state, uniquely situated between two major metropolitan hubs, New Jersey disproportionately depends on mass transit, which is why fixing NJ TRANSIT has been a top priority of my Administration,” Murphy said in a statement. “Kevin has worked in coordination with our federal government, Amtrak, and our Legislature to develop strategic plans and solutions that address commuters’ concerns and position NJ TRANSIT for long-term reliability and success. His leadership and service to the people of New Jersey has been unwavering and I wish him the best as he begins this next chapter.”

According to NJ Advance Media, Corbett said the “new professional opportunity” at one of “the state’s prestigious universities” will not only allow him to spend more time with family but “remain deeply connected to the transportation sector, focusing on practical innovation, infrastructure and advocacy” for the region.

He also described leading NJ Transit as “one of the greatest honors” of his life. Corbett praised the “dedication and compassion” of the agency’s workers – especially during the pandemic.

NJ Transit also shared with NJBIZ the statement from the governor’s office.

Leading the challenge

Corbett was tapped for the CEO job in January 2018 as part of Murphy’s effort to overhaul an agency the Democratic governor once called a “national disgrace.”

The governor’s office noted several of Corbett’s accomplishments during his tenure with NJ Transit, including enhancing customer service, modernizing critical infrastructure, renovating and expanding stations, and introducing new fleets of rail cars.

Previously, Corbett served as vice president of cross services at AECOM, one of the world’s largest transportation and infrastructure companies. At the firm, he oversaw projects like Amtrak’s Gateway Project, the first phase of New York City’s Second Avenue Subway project, PATH restoration after Superstorm Sandy and upgrades at New York Penn Station.

His time at NJ Transit has faced challenges, from public outrage over service issues and fare hikes to speculation over the agency’s fiscal health.

NJ Transit’s board is set to consider a resolution at its Dec. 11 meeting to appoint a replacement.

NJBIZ staff member Dawn Furnas contributed to this report.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 2:22 p.m. EST Dec. 9, 2024, to include confirmation and a statement from the governor’s office.

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