The first of 14 rehabilitated RiverLine light rail trains was unveiled Friday at Trenton Transit Center as the first step in a multi-part commitment to improve reliability for riders.

Clad in a patriotic image to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence, the first rebuilt train debuted with the promise to ultimately replace the aging fleet with new trains.

The project is estimated to cost about $330 million, said Kris Kolluri, NJ Transit’s CEO.

In September, NJ Transit’s board voted to award a five-year, $171.8 million contract to Kinkisharyo International to maintain and improve the RiverLine’s problematic diesel-powered trains. Kinkisharyo has a facility in Piscataway and manufactured the 52 Hudson-Bergen Light Rail trains and 21 Newark Light Rail trains.

In addition to an engine overhaul, the diesel-powered train sets received passenger compartment improvements, including new LED lighting, replaced seating, new flooring, updated signage and security cameras.

“We have 13 cars to go for $30 million, it will be the first time since 2003 these cars were modernized,” Kolluri said.

The 34-mile light-rail line links Camden and Trenton with 10 other municipalities in Mercer, Burlington and Camden counties.

The RiverLine has the worst “Mean Distance Between Failure” statistics of NJ Transit’s three light rail systems. They average a low of 2,818 miles that trains travel between break downs, according to agency data.

Newark Light Rail trains travel double that distance between break downs at 4,586 miles and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail trains have the best record at 12,818 miles traveled between failures as of November 2025, the latest statistics available.

“People rely on these cars and deserve a car that’s modern,” Kolluri said. “That is a commitment we made to Sen. Singleton.”

State Sen. Troy Singleton, D-Burlington, has been a frequent critic of RiverLine problems and held two public meetings with riders and NJ Transit officials in November and in 2024.

The October 2024 meeting was in the wake of a fatal light rail crash that killed the train operator and injured 23 people when a train struck a large tree on the tracks on Oct. 14, 2024. About 150 people attended that meeting.

Singleton called the announcement of the renovated trains the beginning of promises made to riders that are being kept.

“It is a momentous day because when our friends get a chance to see the train they will be riding and the other 13 that will come behind, it is truly going to change the direction of that experience for those who ride the train,” Singleton said.

“It is symbolic that the train is wrapped in special graphics related to America’s 250th birthday because it will serve as a reminder that it is a momentous and historic year in our country,” he said. “It reminds us that the story of our nation is still moving forward and in New Jersey, it’s been moving forward since the very beginning of our nation’s founding.”

The rehabilitated rail cars also represent a safety improvement for riders, said NJ Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo.

The improved lighting and camera systems create a safe and secure environment for customers, Trucillo said.

“The vehicle rehabilitation and state-of-good-repair work improves reliability,” he said. “People don’t have to wait as long and it makes them feel less vulnerable.”

The second step will be NJ Transit completing its takeover of RiverLine operations. That will be completed early this year, Kolluri said.

The RiverLine was originally operated by a consortium that included Bombardier, which was bought by Alstom.

In September, NJ Transit announced a joint agreement to take over operation of the RiverLine from Alstom.

“We’re taking it over in the first quarter of 2026. Will we have challenges? Yes,” Kolluri said.

“The first step is take the service back, overhaul the fleet we have and then get reliability where we need it to be,” he said. “That is what Sen. Singleton and his constituents asked for.”

Other work will focus on infrastructure, he said.

The announcement had one bittersweet piece of news, Kolluri announced the retirement of Mike Kilcoyne, Senior Vice President of Surface Transit and Bus Operations general manager, ending a 30-year career at NJ Transit.

Kilcoyne was recently credited with restructuring bus schedules and adding new routes after a wave of private carriers ended commuter service, starting in 2023 with DeCamp in Essex County.

Kilcoyne also oversaw deployment of new larger articulated buses, increasing frequency on some of the most heavily traveled routes and the careful deployment of the agency’s first electric bus pilot program in Camden.

“It means a lot that you spent your entire career serving the residents of the state,” Kolluri said. “Your legacy is intact and we’ll carry on your commitment.”

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