Kevin Corbett, NJ Transit’s President and CEO, will be stepping down to pursue an opportunity in academia, Gov. Phil Murphy said. After seven years at the helm, Corbett leaves behind a legacy as one of the agency’s longest-serving leaders, credited with steering NJ Transit through a period of growth and modernization.
Corbett was tapped by Governor Murphy in 2018, taking on the monumental task of revitalizing a transit system critical to the daily lives of millions. Under his leadership, NJ Transit has made strides in accessibility, affordability, and reliability.
Highlights of Corbett’s tenure include modernizing infrastructure, upgrading rail fleets, and completing long-awaited projects like Positive Train Control (PTC) implementation and near-finalization of the Portal North Bridge replacement.
His leadership also saw the rollout of NJ Transit’s first electric buses,118 electric powered multi-level III cars that will begin to replace the old Arrow III cars by mid-2025.
The agency also earned the title of “North America’s Most Outstanding Public Transportation System” from the American Public Transportation Association.
Gov. Murphy expressed his gratitude for Corbett’s dedication, stating, “Kevin has been instrumental in making NJ Transit a model for public transit across the country. His strategic leadership and collaborative approach have addressed commuters’ concerns and positioned the agency for a strong future. I wish him nothing but the best in this exciting new chapter.”
Corbett, reflecting on his time at NJ Transit, called his role “the honor of a lifetime.” He praised the team of over 12,000 employees for their dedication and emphasized his continued commitment to public transit. “While I’m excited about this next chapter, I remain deeply connected to the transportation sector and will continue advocating for public transit,” Corbett said.
NJ Transit Board Chair and DOT Commissioner Francis O’Connor also lauded Corbett’s contributions, highlighting his role in shaping a long-term capital plan and positioning the agency for sustained success.
Under Corbett’s watch, NJ Transit also showed logistical prowess, managing transportation for major events like Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour and the Army-Navy game. His departure comes as work on the Gateway tunnel project continues and planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium enters its final stretch.
Murphy said a successor would be named “soon.”
