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The basics:

• Sherrill unveils NJ Transit Rapid Action Plan to improve rider experience
• Agency also launches redesigned mobile app
• Roadmap targets safety, cleanliness, accessibility, technology
• GPS-based real-time train tracking system in development

Gov. Mikie Sherrill unveiled NJ Transit’s long-awaited Rapid Action Plan May 12. The sweeping roadmap aims to deliver near-term improvements to the rider experience through investments in cleanliness, accessibility, public safety and digital technology.

The plan also includes the launch of a redesigned NJ Transit mobile app and new, real-time train tracking capabilities.

Sherrill made the announcement at Newark Penn Station alongside New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Priya Jain and NJ Transit President and CEO Kris Kolluri. The plan follows Executive Order No. 16, which Sherrill signed in March. The EO directed NJ Transit to produce a comprehensive 45-day action plan focused on immediate, measurable improvements riders could “see and feel.”

The administration said NJ Transit will fund the initiatives within its existing budget. It noted the plan will not require additional state appropriations in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2027 budget cycle.

“New Jerseyans deserve a transit system that is clean, safe, reliable, and easy to use,” Sherrill said. “No one wants to ride home on a dirty bus. No one wants to feel unsafe on their train. And no one wants to use an outdated and confusing app that makes it impossible to plan your trip.

By prioritizing accessibility, safety, cleaner vehicles and facilities, and upgraded digital technology, this plan addresses the needs of everyone who uses the system.”

By prioritizing accessibility, safety, cleaner vehicles and facilities, and upgraded digital technology, this plan addresses the needs of everyone who uses the system.
– Gov. Mikie Sherrill

Now live in the app store

The official launch of NJ Transit’s redesigned mobile app served as a centerpiece of the announced.

Officials say they accelerated the rollout in response to customer feedback and the governor’s directive. The app went live May 12. Sherrill said the updated app is location-based and designed to make it easier for riders to navigate unfamiliar stations and stops.

NJ Transit is also beginning investments in “NJT LiveView.” The GPS-based, real-time tracking platform intends to modernize train arrival information and service alerts across mobile devices, station displays and third-party integrations.

“We’ve officially redesigned and relaunched the app,” said Sherrill. “As somebody who’s taken New Jersey Transit for years, when you are not at your home station, it can be difficult to know where the train stops or the bus stops are. So, this app is actually location based and can truly improve your experience.

“These were concerns we heard from commuters. These are responses that we’re working on and rolling out today,” said Sherrill. She also noted her husband’s decade-plus experience commuting on NJ Transit.

NJ Transit mobile app tutorial:

Switching things up

Kolluri said the agency is moving toward a GPS-enabled system that riders have long demanded.

“Today, with your leadership, we’re announcing the first big investment in switching how we track trains,” he said. Kolluri also serves as executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. “We track them based on where the switches are today, but we’re going to switch it to a GPS based system. It is going to be a little while away, but I think the fact that you are now giving us the green light to make the investment is exactly what we need to do.

The Rapid Action Plan is organized around four key priorities:

1. Digital experience
2. Cleanliness
3. Accessibility
4. Public safety

Planned initiatives include:

• Expanded Wi-Fi access on buses and future rail cars
• Upgraded station displays and customer communication systems
• Targeted cleaning programs for trains and stations
• Improved elevator and escalator reliability
• Expanded wayfinding signage
• Upgraded lighting and camera systems
• The creation of a new Real Time Crime Center

“The Rapid Action Plan is a direct product of Gov. Sherrill’s vision for an improved experience for NJ Transit customers and ridership,” said Jain. “Informed by our residents and customers directly, the plan represents tangible actions that will be taken to improve the accessibility, safety, cleanliness and technology of our stations, trains, and buses across the entire public transportation system.”

Watch the announcement here:

Listening to customers

Officials said three public-listening sessions, an online survey and outreach conducted by NJ Transit Customer Advocate Franck Beaumin helped inform the plan. According to Beaumin, more than 2,000 customers submitted feedback. Officials said riders consistently identified reliability, real-time information, cleanliness and station accessibility as top concerns.

The announcement also came as NJ Transit prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the press conference, Kolluri noted that World Cup train tickets will go on sale at midnight through the newly launched NJ Transit app. Sherrill said the administration continues to work with corporate partners and FIFA to offset transportation costs associated with the tournament and prevent those expenses from falling on New Jersey taxpayers.

As NJBIZ reported last week, round-trip tickets were reduced from $150 to $105 as a result of some additional secured financial support from “sponsors and other sources.”

Big picture

Beyond the near-term action items, officials also pointed to broader infrastructure investments underway, including the Portal North Bridge project, new rail cars and bus purchases and ongoing work tied to the Gateway Tunnel project. Sherrill said the Rapid Action Plan is intended to complement those long-term investments with immediate operational improvements riders will notice this summer.

“My executive order fast tracks this work so riders will start seeing immediate changes this summer and even more throughout the year,” said Sherrill. “This plan is a major first step toward a better, more reliable experience for passengers today and a world class transit system that we’re building for tomorrow.”

“Bottom line is we want to focus on short-term improvements for the customers, while we make long-term reliability investments,” said Kolluri. “The fact that we are now well underway in investing money in modernizing our rail cars and modernizing our buses like we have not done in 47 years, tells you a bit about the kind of leadership she brings to the table.”

Kolluri added, “The Rapid Action Plan reflects a systemwide commitment to all NJ Transit customers.”