ALL ABOARD THE NJ TRANSIT AND RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE “POLAR EXPRESS” TRAIN
River LINE Light Rail Ride Brings the “Polar Express” to Life
December 9, 2023
CAMDEN, NJ – NJ TRANSIT hosted a very special guest on the River LINE Saturday, December 9, as Santa Claus himself delivered goodies to kids battling childhood illnesses on the River LINE “Polar Express” ride for the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey. This is the 5th 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, along with the family members who accompanied them.
“This event is a highlight for NJ TRANSIT because it offers children and their families a moment of joy during the holiday season,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “NJ TRANSIT is proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House during this festive time of year.”
“For two hours, NJ TRANSIT transformed its light rail car into a winter wonderland,” 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.”
"At Ronald McDonald House Southern New Jersey we strive to provide the holiday spirit for our children and guest families while they are far from home,” said Ronald McDonald House Southern New Jersey Interim CEO Tracey Sharp. “In partnership with NJ TRANSIT, we are so excited to once again host our children and families on their very own Polar Express! This trip on the River LINE brings wonder, joy, and even a visit from Santa himself!"
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 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.
About NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 263 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.