First nominated by Governor Murphy in 2018 to serve as NJ TRANSIT’s Executive Director, Corbett has played a vital role in transforming New Jersey’s mass transit system to make it more accessible, affordable, and reliable for commuters.
Over the last seven years, NJ TRANSIT has seen a number of improvements under Corbett’s leadership, including enhancing customer service, modernizing critical infrastructure, renovating and expanding stations, and introducing new fleets of rail cars.
Other notable NJ TRANSIT accomplishments include the full implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC), the nearly-completed Portal North Bridge replacement project, the introduction of NJ TRANSIT’s first-ever electric buses, the restoration of the ranks of New Jersey’s locomotive engineers and bus operators, the implementation of NJ TRANSIT’s forward-thinking five-year Capital Plan, and winning recognition by the American Public Transportation Association as “North America’s Most Outstanding Public Transportation System.”
“As the most densely populated state, uniquely situated between two major metropolitan hubs, New Jersey disproportionately depends on mass transit, which is why fixing NJ TRANSIT has been a top priority of my Administration,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Kevin has worked in coordination with our federal government, Amtrak, and our Legislature to develop strategic plans and solutions that address commuters’ concerns and position NJ TRANSIT for long-term reliability and success. His leadership and service to the people of New Jersey has been unwavering and I wish him the best as he begins this next chapter.”
“Serving as President & CEO of NJ TRANSIT has been the honor of a lifetime. I am profoundly grateful for the trust Governor Murphy placed in me and for his unwavering support that has resulted in transformational improvements benefitting New Jerseyans for decades to come. I am also thankful for the opportunity to work alongside an extraordinary team of more than 12,000 men and women dedicated to serving the residents of New Jersey,” said outgoing NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “While I am excited about this next chapter in my life, my commitment to public transit and the communities we serve remains steadfast. I look forward to continuing to champion the importance of public transportation in my next role, which will allow me to remain deeply connected to the transportation sector, focusing on practical innovation, infrastructure, and advocacy for public transit in our region.”
“Kevin has worked tirelessly over the last seven years transforming NJ TRANSIT’s long-term capital plan into one that will continue to deliver on moving the agency forward for years to come,” said DOT Commissioner and Chair of NJ TRANSIT’s Board of Directors Francis O’Connor. “It has been a pleasure working with him during my time as Chair and I look forward to continuing to see the positive impacts he has on New Jersey’s residents.”
NJ TRANSIT’s successful facilitation and execution of transportation for major events like Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at MetLife Stadium and the Army-Navy game was critical in proving to the nation that the Garden State is not only capable, but ideal, for hosting on a global scale like the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
Corbett’s resignation will take effect January 15, 2025. An announcement on Corbett’s successor will be made soon.
For a copy of Corbett’s letter of resignation, click here.
Kevin Corbett, who has served as the President and CEO of NJ TRANSIT since 2018, has announced his resignation from the position. Governor Phil Murphy made the announcement on Monday, praising Corbett for his leadership during a challenging time for the transit agency.
Corbett took over as head of NJ TRANSIT at a time when the agency was facing numerous challenges, including a lack of funding, aging infrastructure, and declining ridership. Under his leadership, NJ TRANSIT made significant progress in improving its operations, including implementing a new fare payment system, increasing service reliability, and launching new initiatives to attract more riders.
During his tenure, Corbett also oversaw the agency’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted public transportation ridership. NJ TRANSIT implemented safety measures to protect passengers and employees, while also working to maintain essential service for those who rely on public transportation.
In a statement announcing his resignation, Corbett expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead NJ TRANSIT and thanked the agency’s employees for their hard work and dedication. He also highlighted the progress that has been made during his time as President and CEO, but acknowledged that there is still work to be done to ensure the long-term success of NJ TRANSIT.
Governor Murphy praised Corbett for his leadership and commitment to improving public transportation in New Jersey. He also announced that a search for a new President and CEO of NJ TRANSIT will begin immediately, with Deputy Executive Director Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti serving as Acting Executive Director in the interim.
The resignation of Kevin Corbett as President and CEO of NJ TRANSIT marks the end of an era for the agency, but also presents an opportunity for new leadership to continue the progress that has been made in recent years. As New Jersey looks towards the future of public transportation, the appointment of a new leader will be crucial in ensuring that NJ TRANSIT remains a reliable and efficient mode of transportation for residents across the state.