New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) is the largest statewide public transportation system in the United States, operating an extensive network of bus, commuter rail, and light rail services across New Jersey, with connections into New York and Pennsylvania. Serving a service area of 5,325 square miles, NJ Transit is also the third-largest transit provider in the country by ridership, with over 225 million trips taken annually as of 2024[2][5]. It connects major commercial, employment, and residential centers, facilitating regional mobility in a densely populated corridor.
Founded in the late 1970s to consolidate and enhance New Jersey’s fragmented transit services, NJ Transit has grown to operate 260 bus routes, 12 commuter rail lines, and three light rail lines, with more than 164 rail stations, 60 light rail stations, and over 18,000 bus stops[5]. It also manages the Access Link paratransit service, providing curb-to-curb transportation for individuals with disabilities throughout most of the state, assisting more than 470,000 passengers annually[1].
NJ Transit plays a vital role in regional transportation hubs like Newark, which serves as a key nexus for multiple commuter rail lines, light rail routes, and connections to PATH and bus services, integrating New Jersey with New York City and Philadelphia[3]. The agency also operates over 130 park-and-ride facilities, supporting commuters who combine driving with transit use[1].
The NJ Transit Police Department ensures security across all transit properties, maintaining safety for its millions of daily riders[2]. In recent years, NJ Transit has focused on modernizing infrastructure, improving customer experience, and expanding service reliability, underscoring its commitment to safe, affordable, and accessible transportation[6][8]. The organization is notable not only for its scale but also for its integration of multiple transit modes, strategic regional connectivity, and contribution to economic vitality in the Northeast corridor.