ALL ABOARD THE NJ TRANSIT AND THE APOSTLES’ HOUSE “POLAR EXPRESS” TRAIN
Newark Light Rail Ride Brings the “Polar Express” to Life
December 13, 2025
NEWARK, NJ – Santa Claus took a swing through New Jersey during a pre-holiday test run Saturday, hopping a ride on NJ TRANSIT’s Newark Light Rail, delivering gifts and treats to children from The Apostles’ House. The inaugural Newark Light Rail “Polar Express” spreads cheer and the warmth of the holiday season to families staying at the Apostle House.
“NJ TRANSIT’s ‘Polar Express’ ride is a heartwarming reminder of how public transportation can bring people together in meaningful ways, as we’ve seen through our partnership with Ronald McDonald House Southern Jersey for the annual River LINE Polar Express,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “We’re proud to bring this experience to Newark through this partnership with The Apostles‘ House to create joyful experiences for families in our Newark community.”
“The Apostles' House is truly grateful for this exciting collaboration with NJ TRANSIT,” said Joann Harper, Director of Residential Services at The Apostles’ House. “The Polar Express experience brings joy, wonder and cherished memories to our children and families, and we are honored to celebrate the season together.”
The “Polar Express” ride departed the Broad Street station for its two-hour festive ride, stopping at the Grove Street station before returning to Broad Street.
New Jersey Transit Police accompanied families to the light rail station where guests were issued 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 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.
About The Apostles’ House
Our mission is to empower homeless families to thrive and succeed by providing comprehensive social services to at-risk families and individuals in Newark NJ and surrounding areas, in an environment that encourages and enables self-sufficiency.
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