New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill appointed Kris Kolluri as executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA).
Kolluri is currently the president and CEO of NJ Transit, a role he will retain, Sherrill’s office said. The dual role will allow him to oversee the day-to-day operations of both agencies, officials said, while rethinking how people move. The aim of Kolluri’s dual responsibilities is to unify the strategies of both agencies as a way to improve commutes for New Jersey residents. Kolluri will take a $1 salary from the Turnpike Authority.
“We need a collaborative and creative approach when it comes to addressing challenges and opportunities affecting our state, which is especially true as we update New Jersey’s approach to transit,” Sherrill said. “(Kolluri) brings decades of experience with every major transit agency in the region, and his leadership will be key as we rethink the future of transportation in New Jersey to improve commutes, improve coordination, and make sure New Jerseyans spend more time with family and friends, and less time stuck on a train or on the turnpike. Additionally, as we prepare to welcome tens of thousands of people when we host the FIFA World Cup, Kris will ensure safety and efficiency as we move people on our buses, trains, and highways.”
Kolluri is responsible for the nation’s largest statewide public transportation system with more than 11,000 employees who provide nearly 950,000 weekday trips on more than 250 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and the paratransit service, Access Link.
“New Jersey’s success relies on the Turnpike and NJ TRANSIT working together and by overseeing both agencies, particularly for a major security event like the World Cup, I’ll be able to ensure that we eliminate silos and are working in lockstep to provide better service to the people of New Jersey and those visiting our state,” Kolluri said. “Gov.-elect Sherrill has been laser-focused on improving New Jersey’s transit systems since her time in Congress, and I know that her administration will share that same focus, for the World Cup and beyond.”