NJ Transit Holds ‘Accessibility Forum’ For Riders With Disabilities [VIDEO]

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — NJ Transit recently held an “Accessibility Forum” for people with disabilities or who speak limited English.

The Oct. 28 event, which was held at the agency’s headquarters in Newark, included presentations about ways NJ Transit has been working to make its trains and buses more accessible across the state. Watch video footage of the event here, or view it below.

Some highlights from the agency’s presentations included:

• Station Improvements – NJ Transit has made upgrades at several local stations, including the installation of high-level platforms and new elevators.
• Access Link Upgrades – The agency’s paratransit service is introducing new vehicle types, virtual assistant technology, and an eligibility recertification initiative.
• Digital Redesign – The agency redesigned its website and mobile app, which now features improved screen reader compatibility and a new AI-powered chatbot.
• Language Access – NJ Transit implemented a language survey to identify barriers for non-English speakers, and is working on an education campaign to promote available interpretation services.

The forum also included a public comment section.

A longtime Access Link user shared suggestions about phone accessibility for blind users. He noted that navigating phone menus using voice-over technology is difficult and recommended adding an option to press ‘0’ to speak directly with a live operator. He also requested a mobile app for Access Link to help users track vehicles and communicate with drivers, and suggested that new operators receive the same level of training as veteran staff

Another speaker – who is a frequent rider from out of state – discussed his experience with NJ Transit’s “Fare-Pay card.” He said the card can’t be used on trains yet, and reported issues on buses where readers sometimes fail or result in incorrect fares being charged by drivers.

The Oct. 28 event was the fifth Accessibility Forum that NJ Transit has held.

“Accessibility is fundamental to good transit service, and our system has to work for every customer, from planning a trip to checking elevator status before heading to the station,” NJ Transit president and CEO Kris Kolluri said prior to last week’s event in Newark.

“This forum gives us the chance to gather feedback directly from our customers about our programs and services,” Kolluri added.

• Related: NJ Transit Rolls Out New Phone Apps For Riders With Disabilities

The busy transportation agency has recently seen renewed attention involving accessibility for riders with disabilities.

In 2022, NJ Transit agreed to make updates to improve disability access at five of its busiest train stations as part of a settlement with federal authorities, including Newark Penn. Under the settlement, NJ Transit agreed to modify multiple portions of the five rail stations and their access points, including upgrades to multiple platforms, waiting areas, parking lots and restrooms.

• Related: NJ Transit Agrees To Improve Disability Access At 5 Busy Stations

Later that year, NJ Transit announced that it would be making improvements to Access Link after a settlement found the program violated the civil rights of individuals with disabilities.

• Related: NJ Transit’s Access Link Program Found In Violation Of Federal ADA Law

In 2024, NJ Transit announced that an $83.3 million federal “accessibility” grant would help with the modernization of the historic Brick Church station in East Orange. The project was intended to improve the station’s accessibility in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by installing high level platforms and elevators, new security cameras and other safety measures.

• Related: Train Station In North Jersey Will Get $83M In Disability Upgrades

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