Kris Kolluri will become NJ Transit’s new CEO and president on January 16, 2025.
This transition is happening because Kevin Corbett, who has led the agency since 2018, is stepping down.
While Corbett’s last official day is January 15, 2025, he will stay for 30 days to help with the transition process.
Even though Corbett’s time as NJ Transit’s leader wasn’t easy, he achieved some important successes.
For example, he worked hard to fix the shortage of train engineers, improve infrastructure, and introduce new safety technology like Positive Train Control before the federal deadline.
In addition, NJ Transit managed to keep running during the pandemic while many other transit systems reduced their services.
The agency earned the “Most Outstanding Public Transportation Agency” award in 2023.
As a result, delays and cancellations became less frequent as more engineers were hired, and ridership increased as people returned to regular activities.
However, Corbett’s time as CEO also came with its share of problems.
For instance, trains’ mechanical breakdowns happened more often, and a 15% fare hike, with planned annual increases of 3%, frustrated many riders.
During the summer of 2023, these issues made commuting particularly difficult for passengers.
On top of that, Corbett faced ongoing struggles with unions despite securing contracts with most bargaining groups.
Not to mention, some cost-cutting decisions, like changing employee health insurance, caused renewed tensions with labor groups.
Corbett also dealt with strained relationships with unions despite securing contracts with most bargaining groups.
Some cost-cutting moves, like changes to employee health insurance, reignited tensions with labor groups.
During his tenure, there were also allegations of workplace misconduct, particularly from women working in NJ Transit’s bus, rail, and police departments.
Lawsuits claimed issues like harassment and retaliation.
Moreover, the agency decided to move to a pricey new headquarters owned by a politically connected landlord, raising questions as NJ Transit struggled with financial deficits.
Now, Kris Kolluri is taking over, bringing a wealth of experience in transportation and infrastructure.
He’s well-known for his recent work as the CEO of the Gateway Development Commission, where he led the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project connecting New Jersey and New York.
In just three years, Kolluri helped secure $6.88 billion in federal funding—the largest transit investment in U.S. history—and started construction on both sides of the Hudson River.
Kolluri has also served in many important roles, including Commissioner of Transportation for New Jersey, chairman of NJ Transit’s board, and CEO of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority.
In his positions, he managed projects like a $5.3 billion school construction plan and implemented programs to improve communities, such as transportation solutions and job placement initiatives.
Kolluri’s agenda for the next 13 months is ambitious and strategic.
As NJ Transit’s CEO, one of his first priorities will be addressing the possibility of a train engineer strike.
Since labor negotiations are stuck in mediation in Washington, D.C., finding a solution quickly will be a top priority.
At the same time, Kolluri must rebuild trust with NJ Transit’s 12,000 employees, most of whom are union members.
Another major responsibility for Kolluri will be NJ Transit’s role in the Gateway Tunnel Project, a massive infrastructure effort to build two new tunnels and repair the existing ones under the Hudson River.
This project is critical for ensuring reliable transportation between New Jersey and New York, especially as more people rely on this connection.
On top of that, NJ Transit has to gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host several matches, meaning the transit system must handle thousands of extra visitors.
Kolluri will need to make sure the agency can meet the increased demand, improve infrastructure, and coordinate with other organizations to make it all run smoothly.
Kolluri’s new position comes during Governor Phil Murphy’s last year in office.
Murphy has focused on improving NJ Transit and is confident Kolluri is the right person to keep the agency moving forward.
Murphy has even called running NJ Transit one of the hardest jobs in government, second only to being governor.
Kolluri, a graduate of Rutgers and Georgetown universities, has taught at Rutgers Law School and served on several boards.
His extensive experience in transportation and leadership roles across New Jersey makes him a great fit for the job.
As Kolluri takes over NJ Transit, all eyes will be on him.
The agency faces many challenges, from labor to financial concerns and infrastructure needs.
However, with his history of solving tough problems and getting things done, there’s hope he can bring real improvements.
By focusing on riders’ needs, supporting workers, and pushing forward major projects like the Gateway tunnels, Kolluri has a chance to improve NJ Transit.
