NJ Transit Archives

UITP’s 1st North American Regional Training Center coming to NJ

New Jersey Transit, the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), and Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) announced March 16 the formation of a joint partnership to establish UITP’s first North American Regional Training Center (RTC).

An agreement formalizing the partnership was signed Thursday at the Rutgers CAIT. While UITP has such training centers in different parts of the world, this new endeavor marks its first in North America.

UITP is the only worldwide network dedicated to bringing together all public transportation stakeholders to advance the quality of life in cities for everyone. It offers transportation training through the establishment of uniform standards and best practices for all areas of sustainable transportation. The training sessions will provide a worldwide network of data and catalogs of programs driving innovation within rail, bus and more.

“New Jersey residents will reap massive benefits from this newly forged partnership, which convenes NJ Transit, New Jersey’s premier state university, and a worldwide leader in sustainable public transportation,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “By hosting the first Regional Training Center on the continent, New Jersey will earn worldwide recognition as a North American transportation hub. Just as importantly, the establishment of the training center emphasizes our ongoing commitment to invest in the growth and development of our critical public transportation workforce.”

NJ Transit will lead the regional partnership by sponsoring four training programs annually. Rutgers CAIT will act as a key partner by coordinating with UITP and NJ Transit to provide necessary logistics and administrative support. It will also assist in the marketing of training courses, and by hosting the training sessions.

The four training programs planned for this year include:

Public Transport Fundamentals for North America – July 2023
Electric Buses: Fleet Infrastructure Planning, Operations and Maintenance for North America – September 2023
Rail Operations and Maintenance for North America – October 2023
Ticketing and Fare Management for North America – November 2023

New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti — Gutierrez-Scaccetti

“NJ Transit is proud to be a part of establishing UITP’s first Regional Training Center in North America,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “The training sessions to be held at the Rutgers CAIT will offer valuable information to help drive innovation in our industry. This partnership affirms both NJ Transit – and the State of New Jersey – as worldwide leaders in public transportation services.”

Kevin Corbett, president and CEO of NJ Transit and North American Representative to the Policy Board of UITP, called it a privilege for NJ Transit to lead this partnership.

New Jersey Transit Executive Director Kevin Corbett. — Corbett

“NJ Transit has benefitted greatly from its membership in UITP since 2018, which has given us access to industry best practices around the globe, as well as our strong, long-standing partnership with Rutgers CAIT,” said Corbett.

“The North American Regional Training Center serves as an opportunity to share industry knowledge on a national scale and develop the next generation of transit leaders,” said Ali Maher, professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rutgers University and director of Rutgers CAIT. “Rutgers CAIT is excited to leverage its extensive workforce development and technology transfer programs in support of this Regional Training Center and in partnership with NJ Transit and UITP.”

The stakeholders say the benefits of the partnership include: across the board enhancement of transportation services for participating organizations; worldwide recognition of New Jersey as a transportation hub for North America; additional commerce to strengthen local economy; and global brand visibility for all agencies taking part in the sessions.

“Throughout its long history as an association, UITP has worked to advance sustainable urban mobility by collaborating alongside our members and external partners,” said UITP Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani. “Collaboration is key – and we strive to do this across the globe to best reflect our international membership. I am delighted that UITP will partner with NJ Transit and Rutgers CAIT to establish the first UITP Regional Training Center in North America. This is an important time for our sector, and this new partnership will provide an excellent opportunity for industry leaders to bring their expertise to a whole new audience in North America.”

NJ Transit expands student discount program for spring semester

Beginning in February, NJ Transit will expand its Student Pass fare option to include eligible part-time students as part of a pilot program.

In addition to full-time students, part-time students taking at least two courses will be eligible for the Student Pass fare, which provides a 25% discount off a monthly pass at participating regional colleges and universities.

On Jan. 17, NJ Transit also announced the return of the “Buy 3 Months, Get 1 Month Free” Student Pass promotion. To qualify, a student at one of the partner colleges or universities must buy a student monthly pass for February, March and April, to then receive the free pass in May.

The student must purchase the Student Pass using their school credentials on the NJ Transit Mobile App to be eligible. Once verified, Student Pass will appear each month as a ticket option during NJ Transit’s monthly pass purchase period.

“The services NJ Transit provides have proven to be essential to a multitude of college students across the state, so I am pleased we are able to offer more students the Student Pass fare,” said Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, New Jersey Department of Transportation commissioner and NJ Transit board chair. “Expanding the program to include discounts for eligible part-time students is emblematic of NJ Transit’s mission to enhance our services for all who wish to utilize public transportation.”

“As NJ Transit ridership continues to grow, we are doing everything we can in our power to continue incentivizing transit use,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett. “Toward that end, we are pleased to expand our popular Student Pass program to include part-time students in addition to full-time students. College students using transit today will hopefully become tomorrow’s commuters.”

More information on Student Pass, along with a list of participating colleges and universities, is available here.

NJ receives $34M for rail station accessibility improvements

As part of a round of grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA), New Jersey will receive $34.1 million to improve accessibility at rail stations.

The grants represent the first round of funding from the new All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP), which provides support for transit agencies to repair, improve, modify, retrofit, or relocate station elements or facilities for passenger use.

In total, roughly $686 million is funding 15 grants in nine states, including five Garden State projects to upgrade Pascack Valley, Bradley Beach, Chatham and Orange Stations.

New Jersey Transit Corp. received three grants that will be used for the following projects:

$18.2 million to improve the Anderson Street (Hackensack) and New Bridge Landing (River Edge) stations on the Pascack Valley Line to make them fully accessible. Improvements will include installing high platforms, fully accessible ramps, tactile warning strips, accessible parking spaces, and upgraded communications systems.
$14.5 million to improve the Bradley Beach station on the North Jersey Coast Line. Improvements will include installing high platforms, fully accessible ramps, tactile warning strips, accessible parking spaces, and upgraded communications systems.
$1.4 million to study and design new platforms at the Chatham and Orange stations on the Morristown Line. The studies will also propose implementation recommendations that could be applied to other inaccessible stations.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, during an August 2021 New Jersey visit, converses with local officials aboard NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line. – USDOT/OFFICE OF SECRETARY PETE BUTTIGIEG

“Every day, millions of people rely on our public transit system to get to work, buy groceries and see their loved ones – yet today, three decades after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, hundreds of transit stations are still inaccessible for travelers with disabilities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The All Stations Accessibility Program is going to change that by adding wheelchair ramps, elevators and more.”

FTA Administrator Nuria Fernandez said that while great strides have been made to improve accessibility, she stressed there is still a lot of work left to do.

“This includes modernizing rail systems in some of our most transit-oriented cities, and the ASAP program provides much-needed funding to address these overdue improvements,” said Fernandez. “We want to ensure people with disabilities and others who need extra assistance are able to use transit systems with the same ease and reliability as any other user.”

NJ Transit receives grant to study TOD along proposed light-rail extension

NJ Transit was awarded a $592,000 grant Dec. 13 from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to study equitable transit-oriented development (TOD) along the proposed 9-mile extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) into Bergen County, known as the Northern Branch.

The proposed extension, which is currently in design phase, would run through eastern Bergen County from the current terminus of Tonnelle Avenue up to Englewood Hospital and Medical Center with seven proposed stops.

NJ Transit says the project would build on efforts to establish neighborhoods and employment centers along the corridor while furthering its 10-Year Strategic Plan goals.

New Jersey Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti speaks during an event with Gov. Phil Murphy announcing NJ Transit's completion of a full locomotive engineer roster on April 22, 2021. — “Transit-oriented development helps to unlock the full range of benefits that new mass transit corridors can provide,” said New Jersey Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, shown in April 2021. – NJOIT / GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

“Transit-oriented development helps to unlock the full range of benefits that new mass transit corridors can provide,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti.

Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco said bringing the light-rail project to one of the most densely populated areas in the country will be a guaranteed model for successful transit-oriented development.

“This critical mass transit project will greatly enhance the quality of life for local residents and businesses by alleviating congestion, meeting mass transit demands, and improving the environment,” said Tedesco.

“This grant serves as a critical step forward in expanding access to public transit in eastern Bergen County,” said Bergen County Commissioner Chairwoman Tracy Zur. “Reigniting the completion of this critical transportation project will facilitate utilization of mass transit in our region, benefit the environment, and ease life of commuters.”

NJ Transit added that the study will be comprehensive, and will include engagement with local communities, governments, regional and state agencies, and other stakeholders in crafting a collective vision with holistic solutions for the entire corridor located through portions of North Bergen, Fairview, Ridgefield, Englewood, Leonia and Palisades Park.

“This generous FTA grant will support a vital TOD study, enabling NJ Transit to maximize mobility, ridership, and economic growth along all nine miles of our proposed Northern Branch project, conservatively estimated to serve more than 5,600 additional HBLR each weekday,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett.

NJ Transit, Berkeley College announce strategic partnership

NJ Transit and Berkeley College announced a new marketing partnership Nov. 28 that designates the Woodbridge Station as the “Home of Berkeley College.”

The three-year agreement comes as Berkeley celebrates 40 years in the Woodbridge community. Signage and advertising will be prominently displayed throughout the station.

“The NJ Transit and Berkeley College partnership represents another milestone in the downtown Woodbridge renaissance,” said Woodbridge Township Mayor John McCormac. “Both NJ Transit and Berkeley represent more than 40 years as fixtures in the downtown Woodbridge landscape. We are extremely proud to be the home of the NJ Transit Woodbridge Station and Berkeley College.”

“Berkeley College has been an integral part of the Woodbridge community for four decades,” said Kevin Luing, board chairman, Berkeley College. – BERKELEY COLLEGE

“Berkeley College has been an integral part of the Woodbridge community for four decades,” said Kevin Luing, board chairman, Berkeley College. “While a lot has changed in the last 40 years, the college has held steadfast to its mission of empowering students to achieve lifelong success in dynamic careers. The establishment of NJ Transit’s Woodbridge Station as ‘Home of Berkeley College’ celebrates this legacy.”

The agreement is also the latest example of NJ Transit’s efforts to leverage high-visibility assets to generate additional revenue and to form partnerships with well-known businesses and academic institutions in the community.

Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, New Jersey Department of Transportation commissioner and NJ Transit board chair, called these types of opportunities a win-win.

“The partnership with Berkeley College is a great way to promote New Jersey’s colleges while encouraging the use of public transit by students, faculty and staff,” she said.

“NJ Transit is proud to partner with Berkeley College to promote this local institution of higher learning to students, faculty, and all those who use our Woodbridge Station,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett. “We remain committed to leveraging our existing assets for opportunities to maximize non-fare box revenue. Partnerships like this help us keep fares stable for our customers.”

$43M in federal funding to support 7 NJ Transit projects

New federal funding will allow several projects from NJ Transit to move forward, helping to advance the agency’s sustainability efforts, bus garage electrification and first/last mile transportation solutions.

The state transportation agency and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority announced $43.6 million in federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) funding for seven projects Nov. 9.

“NJ Transit and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority collaborated closely to select a slate of innovative, environmentally-friendly, and forward-looking projects to receive this vital federal funding,” NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett said in a prepared statement. In addition to supporting NJ Transit’s own sustainability efforts, the work will also support goals from the state’s Energy Master Plan, Corbett added.

NJTPA Chair John Bartlett said his organization collaborated closely with NJ Transit to develop the plan for the funding, which will be made available to NJ Transit as part of NJTPA’s Fiscal Year 2022-2025 Transportation Improvement Program.

“The bus electrification, pilot shuttle program, bicycle sheds and studies will help us meet the goals in our long-range transportation plan, by improving air quality, making transportation more accessible, and encouraging healthy alternatives,” Bartlett, also a Passaic County commissioner, said in a prepared statement. “This is a great example of how we can use federal funding to make a difference for residents and commuters.”

The projects:

Hilton Bus Garage Electrification – $24.5 million

In the announcement, this effort was identified as the next step in NJ Transit’s transition to a fully zero emission bust fleet. The work will implement an overhead pantograph charging system with hands-free charging, offering increased safety, and that is scalable for mass-charging. The project will provide a standardized, overhead gantry system to support the charges and charging cabinet equipment.

Officials and stakeholders gathered Oct. 4 in Camden to introduce NJ Transit’s first battery electric bus, which will soon enter service in the city. – NJ TRANSIT/TWITTER

Aside from the implications for the region, the work aims to create a refined system with simple and efficient charging infrastructure that can be rolled out to the majority of NJ Transit’s bus garages. The CRRSAA funding proposed would pay for the pantograph charging system and supporting charging equipment.

Earlier this year, NJ Transit awarded a $4.33 million contract to AECOM to design infrastructure for a limited deployment of battery electric buses at Maplewood’s Hilton Garage in addition to conducting a survey of conditions at all of the agency’s 16 bus garages statewide. So far, efforts toward bus garage electrification down south at Newton Bus Garage in Camden County have focused on implementing a limited number of battery electric buses via plug-in charger.

Microtransit Shuttle Pilot Routes – $7 million

This effort aims to create at least two community shuttle services offering first/last mile access to transit hubs in areas where traditional, fixed-route service may not be the best option. The CRRSSA funds will support a multiyear pilot program offering on-demand service in the NJTPA region from smaller, accessible minibuses or vans that could be hailed by an app “or other suitable means.”

Potential connections from the pilot could include connecting residential areas of Monmouth County with the main Route 9 corridor, bringing together two in-demand bus corridors between Englewood and Teaneck in Bergen County, or first/last mile solutions in the Port Newark/Newark Airport area, according to the announcement.

Solar Bus Shelters – Retrofit and New Design Constructability & Pilot Implementation – $6 million

Work to develop designs for a solar-powered, low-maintenance bus shelter aims to improve safety – through the addition of lighting generated using the solar energy – and to produce a practical, but aesthetically pleasing, structure.

In addition to implementing the new design with a pilot project and then incorporating it into the existing bus shelter program, the announcement said that this work would also include retrofitting up to 10% of existing bus shelters in the NJTPA region with solar lighting where possible.

Bike Sheds – $2 million

A Request for Proposals from NJ Transit will seek a service provider to build, operate and maintain these structures, which will be able to store multiple bicycles or scooters at rail and bus hubs. The effort aims to encourage non-motorized first/last mile access to such depots in the NJTPA region. According to the announcement, the sheds would be durable, secure and accessible 24/7 through an app or other method of convenience.

Electric Minibuses – $1.5 million

According to the announcement, there is a growing interest in deploying battery-electric powered minibuses for NJ Transit’s Access Link complementary paratransit system, and the minibuses that are purchased and distributed by the agency for use by county, municipal, and nonprofit subrecipients of Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 and 5311 funds. However, the experience and readiness to make these purchases is low.

The funding would allow NJ Transit to buy up to five such electric minibuses and charges for the NJTPA region, as part of the Access Link fleet, and potentially through a cooperative purchase with another state also pursuing battery electric minibuses. Those vehicles, then, would create a “living laboratory,” as the announcement referred it it, demonstrating how to operate, maintain and schedule paratransit service for the larger agency and its subrecipient partners.

Local Electric Vehicle Minibus Transition Study and Technical Support – $1 million

The CRRSSA grant will fund a study led by NJ Transit, with consultant support as needed, to identify knowledge gaps in transitioning to electric vehicle minibuses and to provide technical assistance to subrecipients in the NJTPA region and Access Link systems looking to deploy electric minibuses. The study would also develop guidance for local and nonprofit transportation service providers and support state and local EV Infrastructure Deployment Plans.

NewBus Hudson – $1 million

This project looks to better understand ridership trends and barriers to mass transit utilization in Hudson County by redesigning the bus network. Study tactics include a market assessment of specific localities and potential customers to determine effectiveness and competitiveness of transit options; service evaluation, an analysis of strengths, deficiencies, gaps and opportunities of the existing local bus network; and stakeholder and public involvement to develop a comprehensive Public Involvement Plan that produces a range of approaches targeting key internal and external stakeholders, according to the announcement. That collected data would then be used to create service and capital plans that are expected to include strategies and solutions for addressing a regional decline in bus ridership.

Members of the state’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez and Cory Booker and U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., all Democrats, praised the funding.

“Public transit is vital to communities across the state, with people depending on it to get to work, buy groceries, and go to the doctors,” said Menendez.

“This federal funding will help modernize our state’s transportation infrastructure, create a cleaner, healthier environment, and make mass transit more accessible for New Jersey commuters,” said Booker. “I look forward to seeing the benefits these projects bring to our state’s economy and public health.”

“This $43.6 million in federal funding will help our region continue to play an essential role in America’s economy,” said Pascrell Jr., who helped approve this funding as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.

Hoboken Connect project finally breaks ground

Gov. Phil Murphy, along with officials and stakeholders, commemorated the Oct. 5 groundbreaking of a long-stalled redevelopment effort in Hudson County, now called Hoboken Connect.

The project, which has been 15 years in the making, will produce new office and retail space, affordable housing, and improvements to public infrastructure and the surrounding area.

It is coming to fruition via cooperation from Murphy’s administration, NJ Transit, LCOR and the City of Hoboken.

“Made possible by a combination of vision, tenacity, and public-private synergy, the Hoboken Connect project will serve as a microcosm of all that my Administration is determined to accomplish,” said Murphy. “In addition to incorporating environmentally sustainable design features, this long-awaited development will also produce millions of dollars in revenue for both Hoboken and NJ Transit.”

Hoboken Connect, a multiphase initiative, will consist of the construction of private and public components over the next five-plus years.

Gov. Phil Murphy announces groundbreaking of Hoboken Connect Project, highlighting the $176 million in Fiscal Year 2023 budget funds to improve public infrastructure, on Oct. 5, 2022. — “Made possible by a combination of vision, tenacity, and public-private synergy, the Hoboken Connect project will serve as a microcosm of all that my Administration is determined to accomplish,” Gov. Phil Murphy said at the announcement of the groundbreaking of Hoboken Connect project Oct. 5, 2022. – OIT/OFFICE OF THE NJ GOVERNOR

The private phase includes a mixed-use residential building consisting of 389 apartment homes with 20% dedicated as affordable housing; a 20-story Class A office building with a rooftop terrace; 5,000 square feet of retail space; and related public space open investments, such as additional pedestrian, vehicular and bicycle improvements.

The public phase includes construction of a new bus terminal on Hudson Place, significant rehabilitation of the first and second floors of the Ferry Terminal, the redevelopment of Warrington Plaza, and improvements to Hudson Place to support bicycle and pedestrian access to the transportation facilities.

Mutually beneficial

Through the Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund, $176 million was committed to the project during the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget signed by Murphy over the summer.

A release from the governor’s office boasts that the project will directly and indirectly support 15,290 permanent jobs and $234 million in tax revenue annually. They estimate that Hoboken will see 4,433 jobs on site with $9.6 million in annual retail spending and $4.5 million in annual revenue.

“This project has been 15 years in the making and I could not be more thrilled for it to come to fruition,” said Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. “The city will reap the benefits of not only a rehabilitated transit hub, but much needed infrastructure upgrades, affordable housing, and retail space that will bring thousands of permanent jobs to the area.”

Concept rendering of CetraRuddy’s proposed 389-unit mixed-income residential building at Hoboken Connect. — – LCOR

Murphy’s administration says that NJ Transit will benefit from ground lease payments, increased ridership and customer experience improvements.

“This project is an example of how the public and private sectors can come together to make our cities more walkable and transit oriented as we continue to limit our impact on climate change,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti.

Kevin Corbett, NJ Transit president and CEO, said Hoboken Connect will comprehensively reimagine the terminal.

“This important project will dramatically transform a long neglected historic gem of a terminal and promises to usher in a renaissance for Hoboken, spurring economic growth and transforming the customer experience at this vital transit hub that connects NJ Transit rail, bus, and light rail services with PATH and NY Waterway ferries,” said Corbett.

The project is also expected to create more than 9,800 construction jobs with all improvements made utilizing historic preservation guidelines where applicable.

“The vision for Hoboken Connect was created through a collaborative process, aligning the interests of NJ Transit and the City of Hoboken with the broader goals of the redevelopment, which include transforming and re-activating this historically significant gateway to Hoboken, driving new economic development opportunities, investing in NJ Transit infrastructure and creating new and inviting public spaces for the local community,” said Brian Barry, senior vice president at LCOR. “We’re thrilled to breaking ground alongside key stakeholders who have played an invaluable role in advancing the vision for Hoboken Connect and look forward to bringing this transformative waterfront project to fruition for both Hoboken and those commuting through the area.”

First NJ Transit battery electric bus set to enter service

Officials and stakeholders gathered Oct. 4 in Camden to introduce NJ Transit’s first battery electric bus, which will soon enter service in the city.

The milestone comes on the heels of several recent clean energy announcements by the Murphy Administration and sets the stage for a planned transition to a complete fleet of zero-emission buses by 2040.

“Evidenced by NJ Transit’s introduction of its first battery electric bus, New Jersey continues to serve as a trailblazer in transportation innovation,” said Murphy. “It’s game-changing developments like these that testify to my Administration’s promotion of transportation alternatives that are not only more affordable and accessible, but more environmentally sustainable, especially for communities overburdened by pollution.

“Once and for all, these communities will share in the full financial and health benefits of our state’s transition to a clean energy economy,” Murphy said.

Today, NJ TRANSIT CEO Kevin Corbett was joined by Congressman @DonaldNorcross, NJ DEP Commissioner @shawnlatur, Camden Mayor @VicCarstarphen along with local, county and state officials and other stakeholders today to introduce the agency’s first battery electric bus! pic.twitter.com/0mkzLjl0Xl

— NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) October 4, 2022

The Camden project – a first-of-its-kind initiative for NJ Transit – will test eight battery electric buses in real-world conditions on specific routes. The transportation agency says the project will provide invaluable data and information on the effects of weather, passenger volume, road conditions and other factors on electric bus performance, including the travel distance between recharging.

The project will also review the infrastructure resources and work required to modernize NJ Transit’s bus garages so they are equipped to handle new charging stations and the power needed to energize them.

“NJ Transit could not be more proud to introduce the first electric bus in our agency’s history that will soon be picking up customers along Camden’s city streets,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett. “This is an especially important first step as residents in large urban cities such as Camden often disproportionately bear the effects of air pollution.”

Added New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, “The future is now for NJ Transit, and this bus is just the first step along our transition to a more sustainable transportation system.”

The bus will be used for operator training as well as first responder training and will enter into passenger service in Camden in the coming weeks.

“This is yet another historic first for the City of Camden and NJ Transit as we introduce the first battery electric bus into service at the Newton Avenue Bus Garage,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “This is a huge milestone towards a zero-emission fleet and a sustainable transportation system. It is so important that we reduce emissions throughout New Jersey and in urban communities like Camden.”

NJ Transit takes next step in bus network transformation

NJ Transit advanced its zero-emission bus program this week when the agency’s board of directors awarded a contract to ZEBGO/NJ in alignment with its existing Garage Modernization Program that will focus on bus system design and capital investment planning.

The Zero-Emission Bus System Design and Investment Planning Study will develop and create standards and best practices as it moves toward a 100% zero-emission bus fleet, according to NJ Transit. The contract with ZEBGO/NJ, which is for $9.4 million plus 5% for contingencies, will identify investments that are critical to a successful transformation of the bus network.

Some of the goals of the study are to establish a rollout plan for a 100% zero-emission fleet, to create a “playbook” of best practices and standards, and the accelerated advancement of critical capital projects and programs to jump-start the readiness of infrastructure to receive those zero-emission buses.

“NJ Transit, through this study, will set the standards for the transformation in infrastructure, technology, fleet, and operations for their transition to zero-emission buses,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “NJ Transit is committed to meeting their aggressive zero-emission bus deployment schedule and milestones.”

“This important study approved by our board is a significant step forward for our zero-emission bus program, already well underway,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett. “NJ Transit is committed to a responsible transition to a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2040. We are leveraging our relationships with national and international peer agencies through APTA [American Public Transportation Association] and UITP [The International Association of Public Transport], respectively, to ensure we move forward deliberatively based on global best practices in order to achieve that goal.”

Naming partnership creates BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line

On Wednesday, NJ Transit and BetMGM announced a three-year sponsorship to rename the Meadowlands Rail Line as the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line.

The partnership is a first-of-its-kind for NJ Transit, which adds another source of revenue for the agency.

New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said the effort is part of a commitment to keep fares stable for NJ Transit customers.

“Partnering with BetMGM is a step toward that commitment by identifying new revenue streams that help keep fares affordable,” she said.

“This unique advertising partnership represents a significant new source of revenue for NJ Transit,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett. “This new and innovative partnership is part of our continued commitment to leverage NJ Transit assets to maximize non-farebox revenue and help keep fares stable for our customers.”

The multiyear advertising program, being run through NJ Transit’s marketing partner Intersection, will include extensive print and digital advertising through the NJ Transit system, as well as the renaming of the newly minted BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line, which is now appearing on the latest version of the latest deployed NJ Transit maps.

The effort also builds on the recent announcement that NJ Transit would kick off regular season rail service during football season to MetLife Stadium.

“BetMGM is thrilled to announce this groundbreaking partnership with NJ Transit. The creation of the BetMGM Meadowlands Rail Line generates unparalleled exposure to our leading iGaming brand, through station signage and our rider volume – particularly on our favorite day of the week: gameday,” said BetMGM Chief Revenue Officer Matt Prevost. “New Jersey is our home and first market, and we see today’s announcement as an extension of our strong relationship with the state.”

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