Digest: NJ Transit to launch customer rewards program

NJ Transit to introduce customer rewards program in April

NJ Transit is introducing a customer rewards program where passengers will earn points toward purchase at participating local businesses. Customers will be able to join the NJT Rewards program through the NJ Transit mobile app beginning April 5. Points will be good for deals at participating stores, restaurants, and attractions. “The program is another way to enhance the experience for our customers and, hopefully, encourage more people to return to transit,” NJ Transit CEO Kevin Corbett said in a press release. “We also think NJT Rewards is a great way to partner with and support local businesses working to recover from the pandemic, while adding value for our customers.” Those interested can sign up for more information at njtrewards.com. Rewards programs are gaining traction among transit agencies; Los Angeles commuter railroad Metrolink introduced a similar program last year [see “Digest: Port of Brownsville gets grant …,” Trains News Wire, Oct. 15, 2020].

Start of Baltimore Penn Station redevelopment

 work set

Work is expected to begin later this spring on redevelopment of Baltimore Penn Station, a $90 million project to convert the station in a mixed-use local hub expected to neighborhood development. The Baltimore Sun reports the project will refurbish the current station head house, which dates to 1911, and build a modern passenger concourse above a new platform to the north of the current site. Amtrak and its development partner announced the project in 2019 [see “Amtrak to spend $90 million on Baltimore station improvements,” Trains News Wire, April 5, 2019] and is currently reviewing bids on the platform work. The existing head house will become office and retail space.

Metra names McCann as chief operating officer

Kevin McCann, who rose through the ranks to become the head of Metra’s Mechanical Department, will become the commuter railroad’s Chief Operating Officer as of July 1, replacing the retiring Bruce Marcheschi. “In a career at Metra that spans more than two decades, Kevin has consistently demonstrated the skills and personality to do his job efficiently and effectively and lead others to do the same,” Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski said in a press release. “He truly embodies the spirit of My Metra, always taking personal responsibility for our customers and for his fellow workers.” McCann joined Metra as a carman in 1996 after previously working for Midway Airlines and Norfolk Southern. He was named chief mechanical officer in January 2018, overseeing all activities of Metra’s Mechanical Department. Marcheschi, who joined Metra in 1987, has been chief operating officer and deputy executive director in 2019.