O
ctober 17, 2025
News
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor‑in‑Chief
New Jersey Transit (NJT) has introduced two new initiatives: a disability‑accessibility program and a real‑estate‑driven revenue strategy.
**Disability Assistance**
NJT is piloting two apps that “empower customers with disabilities.” In partnership with the Transit Tech Lab, the agency now offers:
- **GoodMaps** – an indoor navigation platform at Hoboken Terminal that delivers turn‑by‑turn audio or text directions, similar to Google Maps but for indoor use. It provides real‑time train and bus guidance and features for low‑vision and mobility‑challenged users, enhancing independence.
- **Convo** – an on‑demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter service at Newark Penn Station’s Customer Service and Ticket Offices. Customers scan a QR code to connect with a live interpreter, enabling seamless communication.
NJT President and CEO Kris Kolluri said, “GoodMaps and Convo give people more control over their journey and reflect our commitment to a welcoming transit system.” IT Innovation Lead Luna Katbah added, “Our partnership with the Transit Tech Lab shows how technology and inclusive design can empower visually impaired and hard‑of‑hearing customers.”
The Transit Tech Lab, a New York‑City‑area program, links tech firms with transit agencies to pilot solutions for critical challenges.
**Revenue Through Real Estate**
According to “The LAND Plan: Leveraging Assets for Non‑farebox Dollars,” NJT could generate up to **$1.9 billion** in non‑farebox revenue over 30 years by unlocking value from its 8,000‑acre portfolio. The plan projects:
- **$14 billion** economic impact for New Jersey
- **$1.6 billion** in municipal revenue
- **50,000 jobs** and **20,000 new housing units**
Key opportunities and estimated revenue ranges:
| Opportunity | Potential Revenue (30 yrs) |
|-------------|---------------------------|
| Transit‑Oriented Development (mixed‑use, walkable hubs) | $780 M – $1.1 B |
| Industrial Hubs (warehousing, logistics) | $150 M – $300 M |
| Temporary Uses (events, filming, pop‑ups) | $15 M – $30 M |
| Retail Concessions (in‑station tenants) | $80 M – $100 M |
| Advertising (digital displays, vehicles, naming rights) | $40 M – $130 M |
| Parking Optimization (station lots) | $170 M – $230 M |
| Wetland Banking (restoration credits) | 150–170 acres of ecological credit |
| Solar Power (parking canopies, rooftops) | 5 MW of generation |
Kolluri emphasized that the plan offers a roadmap for future administrations, presenting options rather than mandates. “I respect home rule and the legislative process,” he said, “and look forward to working with lawmakers, municipalities, and officials to realize NJT’s full revenue potential.”
