River LINE Light Rail Ride Brings the “Polar Express” to Life
NJ TRANSIT hosted a very special guest on the River LINE Saturday, December 4, as Santa Claus himself delivered goodies to kids battling childhood illnesses and their families on the River LINE “Polar Express” ride for the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey. This is the 4th time that NJ TRANSIT has hosted this special holiday program to spread cheer and the warmth of the holiday season to these very special children.
“NJ TRANSIT’s Polar Express ride is a magical experience for children and adults alike, and we are so pleased to once again partner with the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey to offer this extraordinary adventure to kids of all ages facing childhood illness,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “Bringing joy to these children is yet another way NJ TRANSIT is working to give back to the communities we serve.”
“All children will be decked out in new winter coats graciously provided by presenting sponsor, O’Neil Buick, who are joined by CornerstonePEO and Zallies Somerset, Inc.” said Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey CEO Jennifer French. “Special thanks to Pal Joey’s in Mantua and a very generous donor & friend, Mar-Lena Leander for providing lunch for the adults and the Smolar Family for providing the “happy” in the kids’ meals, and the volunteers that generously provided new pajamas for everyone! Finally, thank YOU, for helping to make this dream-come-true trip a reality for our medically fragile kids with your thoughtful generosity and donations. YOU make a difference!”
The “Polar Express” ride departed the Waterfront Entertainment Complex for its two-hour festive ride between Camden and Burlington South.
New Jersey Transit Police and the Camden Fire Department accompanied families to the light rail station where the honored guests were greeted on the platform by a live band and given a golden ticket before boarding the “Polar Express”. The children and their families then stepped on board the specially decorated holiday wonderland light rail vehicle complete with caroling volunteer elves.
NJ TRANSIT is the nation’s largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 253 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 166 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.
