Let’s talk about something that’s been bothering NJ Transit commuters for years—cloudy windows. If you’ve ridden one of their multilevel rail cars since 2022, you’ve probably noticed it: windows so opaque you can’t tell if you’re passing a station or a forest. It’s not just an annoyance; it’s a real problem that’s disrupted the commuter experience, making it hard to know where you are or enjoy the ride.
On March 5, 2025, NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri stood in front of a train with freshly replaced windows and announced a solution: a $18.5 million window replacement plan to fix all 13,000 cloudy windows across 400 multilevel rail cars by April 2028. That’s right—three years, not the six to eight it might have taken before.
This isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. It’s a direct response to rider feedback and a strategic move to restore trust in NJ Transit. So, let’s break it down: what caused this NJ Transit cloudy windows issue, why past fixes fell short, how this accelerated plan works, and what it means for commuters and the agency’s future. Buckle up—we’re diving into the details.
The Cloudy Window Crisis Explained
Imagine boarding a train, settling into your seat, and peering out the window to confirm your stop—only to see a hazy blur. That’s been the reality for NJ Transit riders on multilevel rail cars since complaints started piling up in 2022. These aren’t dirty windows you can wipe clean with a rag. The culprit? Decades of exposure to ultraviolet rays, acid rain, and heat, degrading the polycarbonate material used in the windows of multilevel I and II rail cars. Some of these cars have been in service for nearly 20 years, and time has taken its toll.
The result is a cloudy, non-transparent surface that obscures views entirely. For commuters, this isn’t just about missing the scenery—it’s about functionality. As Customer Advocate Franck Beaumin pointed out, “One of the ways passengers know they’re on the right train and on the right line is to look out the window.” When NJ Transit cloudy windows block that, it’s disorienting. Riders have told me they’ve missed stops or second-guessed their routes because of it. Data backs this up: the issue has been a top complaint since 2022, with Beaumin noting it was the first thing he heard about when he started his role in March 2024.
Why polycarbonate? It’s lighter and more durable than glass, a smart choice for rail cars when these multilevels rolled out. But no one anticipated how environmental factors would break it down over time. This isn’t a cleaning issue—it’s a material failure. And that’s where NJ Transit’s past efforts hit a wall.
Why Prior Fixes Didn’t Work
Before Kris Kolluri unveiled this $18.5 million window replacement plan, NJ Transit tried to avoid a full overhaul. Who wouldn’t? Replacing 13,000 windows across 400 multilevel rail cars isn’t cheap or quick. So, they experimented with solutions. Cleaning crews tested different chemicals, hoping to scrub away the haze. When that failed, NJ Transit partnered with Rutgers University’s engineering team to explore ways to restore the existing windows. Maybe a specialized treatment could reverse the damage?
Unfortunately, the data told a different story. The degradation wasn’t surface-level—it was embedded in the polycarbonate itself. UV exposure and acid rain had altered its structure, making it impossible to salvage. After months of testing, the conclusion was clear: no amount of elbow grease or academic ingenuity could fix NJ Transit cloudy windows. Replacement was the only viable path.
This wasn’t a snap decision. Kris Kolluri’s predecessor, Kevin Corbett, kicked off the replacement process last year, but the timeline stretched as long as eight years. That pace didn’t sit well with riders—or Kolluri, who heard about it at home from his wife, a daily NJ Transit rider. The agency needed a bolder, faster approach. Enter the accelerated window replacement plan.
How NJ Transit’s $18.5M Plan Works
Here’s where the rubber meets the road—or rather, the windows meet the rails. On March 5, 2025, Kris Kolluri laid out a $18.5 million strategy to replace all 13,000 cloudy windows in NJ Transit’s multilevel rail cars by April 2028. That’s a three-year timeline, slashing the previous estimate of six to eight years. How are they pulling this off? By tackling one-third of the fleet—about 133 cars—each year.
The scope is massive. NJ Transit operates nearly 400 multilevel I and II rail cars, and every one of them has windows clouded by years of wear. The $18.5 million budget covers procurement, labor, and installation of new polycarbonate windows designed to withstand the elements better than their predecessors. Speaking of which, General Manager of Rail Operations Jim Sincaglia confirmed they’ve updated cleaning protocols to use chemicals that won’t degrade the new windows. No more repeating past mistakes.
Kolluri’s announcement wasn’t just talk. He made it standing next to a train already sporting new windows—a tangible sign of progress. The plan builds on work started in 2024, but the acceleration is what stands out. By April 2026, 133 cars will be done. By April 2027, another 133. And by April 2028, the entire fleet of multilevel rail cars will have clear windows. For transit professionals, this is a masterclass in project management: clear milestones, a defined budget, and a focus on execution.
But it’s not just about logistics. This window replacement plan ties into Kolluri’s broader three-point strategy to enhance the commuter experience. Cloudy windows were a glaring pain point—pun intended—and fixing them signals NJ Transit is listening. So, what does this mean for riders?
Impact on Commuters and Beyond
Let’s put ourselves in the commuters’ shoes. You’re on a multilevel rail car, heading to work or home. With NJ Transit cloudy windows gone, you can glance out and spot your station without squinting through a fog. That’s not a small win—it’s a daily improvement to the commuter experience. As Beaumin noted, clear windows help riders confirm they’re on the right train and track their progress. For a system serving thousands daily, that reliability matters.
The numbers tell the story. With 13,000 windows replaced across 400 cars, every rider on these multilevel rail cars benefits. If each car carries 100 passengers per trip (a conservative estimate), that’s 40,000 daily commuters seeing the difference by 2028. And since NJ Transit cloudy windows have been a top gripe since 2022, this move could boost rider satisfaction and trust—key metrics for any transit agency.
Beyond commuters, this window replacement plan has ripple effects. For policymakers, it’s a case study in addressing infrastructure wear proactively. The multilevel I cars, some nearing 20 years old, are also getting truck rebuilds from Alstom (209 cars, to be exact). Pair that with new windows, and NJ Transit is extending the life of its fleet without a full replacement—a cost-effective play. Transit professionals might note the balance here: $18.5 million is steep, but it’s a fraction of what new cars would cost.
Kris Kolluri deserves credit for pushing this forward. His personal stake—those pillow-talk complaints from his wife—adds a human touch, but the data drives the decision. By 2028, NJ Transit cloudy windows will be a memory, not a meme.
What This Means for NJ Transit’s Future
So, where does this leave NJ Transit? The window replacement plan isn’t just about fixing a problem—it’s about setting a tone. Kris Kolluri’s three-year timeline shows an agency willing to act decisively, a shift from the slower pace of the past. For commuters, it’s a signal that their feedback isn’t ignored. For transit professionals, it’s a reminder that aging infrastructure demands creative, practical solutions.
By April 2028, when all 400 multilevel rail cars have clear windows, NJ Transit will have tackled one of its most visible pain points. But this is just one piece of the puzzle. The commuter experience hinges on more than windows—on-time performance, fare affordability, and fleet reliability all play roles. Still, this $18.5 million investment lays a foundation. If NJ Transit can maintain this momentum, it could redefine how riders and policymakers view the agency.
The new cleaning protocols are a forward-thinking touch. Polycarbonate windows will face the same UV rays and acid rain, but smarter maintenance could delay the next replacement cycle. That’s the kind of long-term planning transit systems need. And with multilevel rail cars staying in service, NJ Transit avoids bigger capital costs down the line—a win for taxpayers.
Here’s the bottom line: NJ Transit cloudy windows were a problem begging for a fix, and Kris Kolluri’s window replacement plan delivers. By 2028, riders will see the difference—literally. For an agency often under scrutiny, that’s a step worth watching.
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