Elder Help Network Urges Governor Sherrill and NJ Transit Leadership: Make Every Commuter Rail Station 100% Accessible

Advocates ask why seniors—who built New Jersey and rely on transit for dignity and independence—are still waiting while the state invested heavily to welcome the world for FIFA.

The Elder Help Network (elderhelpnetwork.com), a nonprofit dedicated to protecting seniors from abuse, exploitation, and neglect while empowering their voices, is calling on Governor Mikie Sherrill and NJ Transit leadership to deliver full, independent accessibility at every commuter rail station across the state.

Seniors and people with mobility challenges deserve the same level of priority and investment that New Jersey has shown for major international events.

Governor Mikie Sherrill, sworn in as New Jersey’s 57th governor in January 2026, has already signaled a focus on improving rider experience, including accessibility fixes like elevators and escalators. But advocates say capital upgrades to make all stations fully accessible—high-level platforms, elevators or ramps where needed, and reliable independent boarding—remain too slow.

The Reality for New Jersey Seniors

Many older New Jerseyans no longer drive. They depend on NJ Transit commuter rail to reach doctors’ appointments, grocery stores, family, places of worship, and community activities. When stations lack full accessibility, they face steep stairs, wide gaps between platform and train, or reliance on portable lifts and staff assistance that may not always be immediately available or dignified.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) turned 35 in 2025, yet accessibility across NJ Transit’s commuter rail system remains uneven. Stations on lines such as the Gladstone Branch (including Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Murray Hill) and parts of the Morris & Essex Line still operate with low-level platforms that create real barriers. While some stations have received upgrades, many others lag behind.

NJ Transit states that many stations offer accessibility via elevators, ramps, mini high-level platforms, or portable lifts, and the agency provides assistance upon request. However, true independent access—the gold standard for dignity and reliability—remains incomplete for too many riders.

“We Did So Much for FIFA—Where Is the Help for Our Seniors?â€

New Jersey rolled out significant resources and coordination to prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches at MetLife Stadium (rebranded New York New Jersey Stadium). NJ Transit developed special service plans, restricted tracks for ticket holders during matches, coordinated with NJDOT on road and infrastructure improvements around the Meadowlands, and focused on moving tens of thousands of fans efficiently.

These efforts demonstrate that when there is political will and a hard deadline, New Jersey can mobilize transit improvements quickly. Advocates from the Elder Help Network and similar groups are now asking a straightforward question: If we can prioritize world-class event transportation, why can’t we finish the job of making everyday commuter rail stations fully accessible for the people who live here year-round—especially our seniors?

Federal funding exists through programs like the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. NJ Transit has secured grants for specific stations (such as $83.3 million for Brick Church), but advocates say a comprehensive, accelerated plan with clear timelines for the remaining non-accessible stations is overdue.

A Moral and Practical Imperative

Elder Help Network’s mission—“Protecting Dignity. Empowering Voices. Restoring Hope.â€â€”extends naturally to transportation equity. When seniors cannot reliably use public transit, they lose independence, face higher risks of isolation, and may delay medical care. Studies consistently link transportation barriers to worse health outcomes for older adults.

New Jersey’s population is aging. The same state that prides itself on being a hub for business, culture, and now global sports must ensure its foundational infrastructure works for everyone, not just during marquee events.

Governor Sherrill has already taken executive action on rider experience and accessibility issues. NJ Transit leadership under President & CEO Kris Kolluri is managing both daily operations and major event demands. The Elder Help Network and allied advocates are urging them to go further: develop and publicly commit to a transparent, funded roadmap that brings every commuter rail station to full ADA compliance—ideally with measurable milestones and dedicated use of available federal resources.

The Time Is Now

New Jersey showed it could deliver for FIFA. Our seniors deserve no less.

The Elder Help Network is encouraging residents, local officials, county commissioners, and state legislators to join the call for 100% accessibility at NJ Transit commuter rail stations. Seniors helped build this state; they should not have to fight for basic access to the trains that serve it.

For more information on Elder Help Network’s advocacy or to get involved, visit https://elderhelpnetwork.com.

This is an issue of basic fairness, dignity, and smart long-term investment in New Jersey’s people. The infrastructure exists to move the world’s fans—now let’s make sure it fully serves the residents who call New Jersey home every single day.