The Southern New Jersey Development Council (SNJDC) proudly hosted newly appointed NJ Transit President & CEO Kris Kolluri, appearing at his first public event since being tapped by Governor Murphy to lead the agency. Held at the Courtyard by Marriott at Rowan University, in Glassboro, NJ, the event brought together leaders in transportation, business, and government to discuss critical issues shaping the future of economic development in New Jersey.
Camden County Commissioner Director Lou Cappelli, and Dr. Tony Lowman, Provost of Rowan University, delivered the opening remarks at the event, prior to Kolluri taking stage for this keynote address. No stranger to South Jersey, Kolluri outlined his priorities at Transit which include focusing on improving customer service and reliability, improved appearance and cleanliness of the rail stations, and rolling out a capital improvement program.
He highlighted the need to focus on regional projects such as the Glassboro Camden Line and Walter Rand Transportation Center improvements as a key investment to address the evolving needs of New Jersey’s economy. Said Kolluri “Transportation is the link for anything we do in our economy. Advancing these projects is crucial for the economic growth of our region and state.” Kolluri added he plans to be in pre-construction on both projects this year.
Kolluri added “Investments like these in are a once in a century opportunity to deliver on a vision that the state needs.” He continued “ensuring we build out the Ed’s and Med’s corridor, and as businesses grow and locate in this part of the state, a robust system that rivals that of the north is needed because it matters to our economy.”
Kolluri noted our current mass transit system is disparate and onerous at times and detailed a three-county study Transit is embarking on that will include Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester, which will “bring into sense how and why these systems are being operated.” He highlighted NJ Transit daily website updates as part of an effort to improve communication efforts between transit operations and its users and strengthen trust in the infrastructure. Kolluri added “South Jersey has the opportunity to capitalize because Governor Murphy will ensure South Jersey receives its fair share.”
“The Glassboro-Camden Line will provide long-overdue, reliable rail service, creating new opportunities for workforce connectivity and regional investment,” said SNJDC President Marlene Asselta. “At the same time, revitalizing the Walter Rand Transportation Center will establish a modern, efficient hub that better serves commuters, encourages transit-oriented development, and strengthens the region’s transit network.”
Asselta added “the SNJDC remains committed to advocating for these vital projects and urges continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure their successful implementation for the benefit of South Jersey communities and economy.”
Photography courtesy of Stokes Creative Group!
Presenting Sponsors
Host Sponsors
Cape May Seashore Lines
Greenman-Pedersen
HNTB
IJB Electric
Supporting Sponsors
Cross County Connection
Keller Engineers of New Jersey
Nexus Properties
Performance Marketing
Event Media Sponsor
