NJ Transit explores new technology to deliver unified, real-time service information
NEW JERSEY — NJ Transit heard from industry experts Wednesday as the agency explores new technology aimed at providing riders with faster, more accurate and consistent real-time service information across its communication platforms.
The agency hosted an Industry Day for companies interested in its Request for Information, or RFI, seeking potential solutions for a new Unified Customer Communications System. Feedback from the industry and other market research will be used to help develop requirements for a formal procurement process expected to follow.
“I am encouraged by the robust response to our Request for Information. There are many technology solutions available to make it possible for us to deliver consistently accurate, unified real-time information to customers across every channel,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “I look forward to delivering the kind of timely information our customers expect and deserve.”
NJ Transit issued the RFI on June 10 seeking information from companies that provide real-time transit communication systems.
The agency said it is examining available technology as it develops the scope of work for a future procurement. The goal is to create a unified platform that provides accurate and timely information about train and bus service across NJ Transit’s various communication channels.
Those channels currently include station and onboard digital signs, DepartureVision and MyBus, mobile applications, websites, text and push notifications, email alerts, social media, real-time and third-party data feeds, and public address and operational messaging systems.
As part of the RFI, NJ Transit asked companies for information about commercially available platforms, custom-developed systems and ways artificial intelligence and other technology could be used to integrate the agency’s existing systems.
The proposed system would serve as a single source of real-time operational information and distribute updates consistently and simultaneously across multiple channels, according to the agency.
NJ Transit said the platform is also expected to improve the speed and consistency of customer messages while enhancing accessibility and multilingual communications. The system would be designed so it could be updated and expanded as technology and the agency’s needs change.
The RFI is for informational purposes and does not constitute a contract solicitation. Responses are due Sept. 17.
After reviewing the submissions, NJ Transit expects to begin a formal procurement process. The agency anticipates awarding a contract to develop the new communications system in 2027.
The project follows the launch of NJ Transit’s redesigned mobile app and comes as the agency continues a $3 billion fleet modernization program.
NJ Transit has approved the purchase of 374 new Multilevel III rail cars to replace its oldest equipment. Since 2018, the agency has also received more than 1,000 new buses and has authorization to purchase another 1,400. NJ Transit said it expects its fleet to be fully modernized by 2031.
Information about the RFI is available through NJ Transit’s Procurement Calendar.
