NJ Transit Expands Access for Riders with Disabilities
Riders who use Access Link or accessible stations can expect new vehicles, recertification steps, and station upgrades in the coming months.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Special Needs
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NJ Transit held its fifth Accessibility Forum on October 28 at its Newark headquarters, gathering public feedback on services for riders with disabilities and those who speak limited English. The event featured presentations on making trains and buses more accessible and included a public comment session.
Why it matters
The forum signals how New Jersey's largest transit agency is responding to a 2022 federal civil rights settlement that found its Access Link paratransit program violated the rights of riders with disabilities. For New Jersey commuters who rely on accessible transit, the changes affect whether they can reliably reach jobs, medical care, and daily errands.
NJ Transit's update draws on the October 28 forum's presentations and public comments, plus program details it has reported since a 2022 federal settlement. The agency has not published outcome measures, so the progress described reflects reported installations and initiatives rather than measured rider results.
The players
NJ Transit
New Jersey's statewide public transit agency, operating bus, rail, and light rail service and the Access Link paratransit program for riders with disabilities.
Kris Kolluri
President and CEO of NJ Transit, who said the forum gathers customer feedback on accessibility programs.
The details
NJ Transit has installed high-level platforms and new elevators at several local stations to ease boarding for riders using wheelchairs or mobility devices. Its Access Link paratransit service is introducing new vehicle types, virtual assistant technology, and an eligibility recertification initiative. The agency also redesigned its website and mobile app with better screen reader compatibility and an AI-powered chatbot, and implemented a language survey to identify barriers faced by non-English speakers.
Timeline
2022: NJ Transit agreed to upgrade disability access at five of its busiest train stations under a federal settlement.
2022 (later that year): The agency announced Access Link improvements after the settlement found the program violated the civil rights of individuals with disabilities.
2024: NJ Transit announced an $83.3 million grant for modernization at the Brick Church station in East Orange.
October 28, 2026: The fifth Accessibility Forum was held at NJ Transit headquarters in Newark.
Health Landscape
The changes follow a 2022 federal civil rights settlement that found NJ Transit's paratransit service violated the rights of riders with disabilities. They reflect a broader push to make public transportation usable for people whose mobility, sensory, or language access needs affect their ability to get to medical appointments and work.
Riders who depend on Access Link or accessible stations should watch for the upcoming eligibility recertification and vehicle changes, which may affect how they book trips. If you rely on the paratransit service for medical appointments, it is worth confirming your current eligibility status and discussing your transportation needs with your care team.
The takeaway
Accessibility improvements at NJ Transit are moving from settlement commitments toward daily service changes that affect how people with disabilities get around. If you use Access Link or accessible stations, staying informed about recertification and new vehicle rollouts can help you plan dependable trips.
Further reading
For broader context on daily life and services for people with disabilities, explore our Special Needs coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Patch.
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