NJ Transit Expands Access for Riders With Disabilities
New Jersey riders who use accessible trains, buses, or Access Link paratransit can share feedback on upcoming changes.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Special Needs
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NJ Transit held its fifth Accessibility Forum on October 28 at its headquarters in Newark, gathering customer feedback on accessibility programs for riders with disabilities or limited English proficiency.
Why it matters
The forum is part of NJ Transit's response to a 2022 federal settlement and a civil rights finding that its Access Link paratransit program violated the rights of people with disabilities. For New Jersey riders who depend on accessible trains, buses, and paratransit, the changes shape how easily they can get to work, medical appointments, and school.
NJ Transit's 2022 federal settlement committed it to upgrade disability access at five of its busiest train stations, including Newark Penn. A $83.3 million federal accessibility grant funds modernization at the Brick Church station in East Orange.
The players
NJ Transit
New Jersey's largest public transportation agency, operating the state's commuter rail, light rail, and bus network, including the Access Link paratransit service.
Kris Kolluri
President and CEO of NJ Transit, who said the forum gathers customer feedback on accessibility programs.
Access Link
NJ Transit's paratransit service for riders with disabilities, which is introducing new vehicles, virtual assistant technology, and eligibility recertification.
The details
Presentations at the forum covered making trains and buses more accessible, including high-level platforms and new elevators already installed at several local stations. Access Link is introducing new vehicle types, virtual assistant technology, and an eligibility recertification initiative. NJ Transit also redesigned its website and mobile app with improved screen reader compatibility and an AI-powered chatbot, and it launched a language survey to identify barriers for non-English speakers. Riders who want to share feedback can use the forum's public comment section.
Timeline
2022: NJ Transit agreed to upgrade disability access at five of its busiest train stations under a federal settlement.
2022 (later that year): NJ Transit announced Access Link improvements after the civil rights settlement.
2024: NJ Transit announced an $83.3 million grant for the Brick Church station.
October 28, 2026: NJ Transit held its fifth Accessibility Forum at its Newark headquarters.
The Home Front
The 2022 settlement over NJ Transit's disability access commitments sets the framework for the accessibility upgrades now underway at stations across the state. Those upgrades fit a broader pattern of New Jersey transit agencies responding to federal civil rights findings with physical station changes and service-level reforms.
If you rely on Access Link, check whether your eligibility recertification is due and watch for the new vehicle types and virtual assistant options as they roll out. Riders with limited English can use NJ Transit's language survey and interpretation services, and a licensed or accessible-services representative at the agency can confirm which accommodations apply to your trip.
The takeaway
Accessibility changes at NJ Transit are being shaped by rider feedback and federal commitments, so families who depend on transit should keep track of Access Link updates and station upgrades in their area. Keep your Access Link eligibility paperwork current and note the forum's public comment channel if you want your experience on record.
Further reading
For more on accessibility for families in New Jersey, see Special Needs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Patch.
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