River LINE Light Rail Ride Brings the “Polar Express” to Life

NJ TRANSIT hosted a very special guest on the River LINE Saturday, December 3, 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.

“Partnering with the communities we serve is a critical part of our mission at NJ TRANSIT,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “NJ TRANSIT is proud to be a part of bringing the hope and joy of the holiday season to these children.”

“NJ TRANSIT’s Polar Express ride brings children’s imagination to life, and spreads so much joy during the holiday season,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “We are proud to once again partner with the Ronald McDonald House to bring this cheer to the kids who need and deserve it the most, through a magical, two-hour train ride with Santa.”

“This is one of our most exciting events for our pediatric patients and their loved ones with one of our favorite community partners,” said Jennifer French, President and CEO of RMHSNJ. “NJ TRANSIT and its incredible team bring the holidays alive for our kids as not only do they provide lots of cheer in the festively decorated train cars filled with song, they KNOW Santa and his number one elf, PERSONALLY! It is a truly magical experience and the perfect dose of whimsical fantasy to transport our critically ill children away from the intense daily medical treatments right to the heart and spirit of Christmas. The looks on their faces when they see Santa bring happiness that is palpable.”

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.