TRENTON, NJ — NJ Transit is taking steps to directly operate the River LINE, assuming control from its outside independent contractor, Alstom, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the statewide public transportation system.

NJ Transit began the transition to operating and maintaining South Jersey's light rail line on September 3 and is expected to assume all responsibility by the end of 2025. 

“This mutually agreed decision reflects the evolving investment needs of the service, which have grown beyond the current scope of Alstom's contract covering River LINE operations and maintenance,” said NJ Transit. “This transition will enable NJ Transit to be best positioned to shape and implement the next steps that will strengthen and enhance the future of the service.”

The River LINE has been plagued by problems since at least 2023, when “continued operational challenges” by Alstom, including operator availability and supply chain and equipment issues, caused delays, canceled trains and limited service on the rail system. Further, a deadly crash involving a 15-year-old boy and a River LINE train in Palmyra occurred in August 2024, as well as a deadly collision between a train and a tree near Roebling in October 2024. 

Frequent complaints from constituents about the rail service led State Senator Troy Singleton (D-Burlington) to hold a town-hall style meeting last October with NJ Transit executives.

At the meeting, NJ Transit CEO Kevin Corbett told the public that he was well aware of the problems faced by riders, seeming to point the finger at Alstom. 

“Alstom, who is responsible for the operations and maintenance of River LINE… has not met our expectations and we know it certainly has not met yours,” Corbett said.

On Wednesday, Singleton called NJ Transit and Alstom's announcement “a welcome one” — but with conditions. 

“For years, my office has heard from frustrated commuters about the lack of communication, poor conditions, and unreliable service on the River LINE," said Singleton in a statement. “Specifically, riders here in Burlington County and beyond have had to endure inconvenient cancellations and delays, little to no communication, dirty and unkept stations and trains, and more.”

“Today’s announcement – that NJ TRANSIT will assume the operation and maintenance of the River LINE – is a welcome one if it means that we will see tangible progress in modernizing service, making needed investments, implementing real-time updates, enhancing safety measures, and improving the overall rider experience. Efficiency, reliability, and safety aren’t luxuries – they are the foundation of a transit system. I will continue to hold NJ TRANSIT accountable to those standards.”

While Alstom will no longer be operating the River LINE, officials say the contractor is committed to ensuring a safe and efficient transition, and will continue to support NJ Transit with other ongoing projects it is involved in, including the manufacturing and delivery of hundreds of new multilevel commuter rail cars, which are expected to arrive in the middle of 2026. 

“Both NJ TRANSIT and Alstom value the strong partnership built over many years and look forward to continuing to work together on projects that deliver safe, reliable and innovative public transportation for New Jersey and the region," said NJ Transit.

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