Regular commuters know that no matter what the weather forecast predicts, the commute will typically look foggy due to clouded windows on NJ Transit trains. Even the CEO of NJ Transit found issues with the obstructed views during his commute to work. It’s become a problem with passengers sometimes struggling to figure out what station they’ve arrived at when no announcement has been made. Now, the company is taking steps to clear up the view so commuters can not only take in the magnificent views of New Jersey during their travels but also ensure they’ll be able to see what station they’re stopping at. Read on to learn about the plan to de-fog the NJ Transit railcar windows.
Why Are These Windows Cloudy?
The problem of cloudy windows has been around for a couple of years. Railcar windows are mostly made up of two main materials, tempered glass and polycarbonate plastic. These windows have to meet government standards for holding up if hit by a projectile or in case of a derailment but also have to be flexible enough that passengers can remove them in case of an emergency, per NJ.com.
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It may look like dirt and grime cloud the windows, but that’s not the case according to Kevin Corbett, NJ Transit CEO. The build-up comes from years of exposure to the elements, such as acid rain, heat, and UV rays. When crews first tried to clean the windows a couple of years ago, the chemicals in the cleaner may have made the problem worse.
“The chemical may have exacerbated it, but it’s a UV issue,” Kevin Corbett told NJ.com. “We were working with Rutgers to fix the existing windows and there is one solution that seems to work okay.”
NJ Transit worked with the Rutgers University School of Engineering this past spring to develop a cleaning solution. While it did help, NJ Transit found replacing the windows is more cost-effective in the long run.
The Plan For Clear Windows
In 2022, NJ.com reported NJ Transit planned to spend $8 million on new train windows. Crews tried to wash and clean the windows but were unsuccessful. The solution NJ Transit came up with was to replace all the impacted windows on several multi-level rail cars that are beginning the process of being overhauled.
The oldest double-decker rail cars that were deployed between 2005 and 2007 are reaching 20 years old, which is when trains are typically overhauled, per NJ.com. The first 400 windows have been ordered, according to The New York Post. The windows will be replaced over the next few months as trains come in for regular maintenance.
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We’ll keep you updated as more details come out surrounding the repairs. To stay in the know on all of the local happenings, follow @thehobokengirl on Instagram and TikTok, and sign up for our newsletter here.
NJ REAL ID: Everything You Need to Know
Starting May 7th, 2025, you’ll need a new form of ID for domestic travel: a REAL ID. This new federal requirement for state-issued driver licenses and non-driver IDs primarily serves to prevent fraudulent identification. Unfortunately, you can’t simply order it online or by phone — you must go in person to request a REAL ID.
Starting May 7th, 2025, passengers must have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/ID for domestic flights, unless using a U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. Until that date, a standard NJ driver’s license is still valid. Keep reading to find out if you need a REAL ID and what documents are required to get it.
Who Needs a Real ID
Not everyone is required to get a REAL ID, but if you typically use your state driver’s license or non-driver ID (instead of a passport or other form of ID) to fly within the U.S., you probably want a REAL ID.
Otherwise, passengers will need to use a valid U.S. passport or another federally approved form of identification. The standard NJ driver’s license can still be used for driving. Upgrade or renew your standard license/ID to a REAL ID by making an appointment here.
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What to Bring: Get It Right the First Time
In order to qualify for a REAL ID, residents need to bring two proofs of residential address, one proof of social security number, and six points of ID. Applicants can download a printable document selector checklist here. Every ID document must be original, unlaminated, or a certified copy in English marked with a state or municipal seal. If any of the documents don’t meet this requirement, or if any appear altered or false or are deemed invalid for any reason, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation. Submitting your Social Security number is required by state law.
If you have changed your name for marriage or otherwise, you may need more than a marriage certificate to verify your name change. You can double-check the details here.
Residential Address
- Valid NJ driver's license/non-driver ID card
- Utility or credit card bill issued in the past 90 days
- Checking or savings account statement from a bank or credit union issued within the past 60 days
- Original, unexpired lease, or rental agreement
- Tax bill, statement or receipt, and/or any letter or correspondence received from the IRS or tax office within the past year
- First-class mail from any government agency in the past 6 months
- If under 18, a statement from a parent or guardian certifying the address of the applicant
Proof of Full Social Security Number
- Social Security card
- W-2 Form issue within the past year
- Pay Stub with name and full SSN
- 1099 Form issued within the past year
Applicants must select six points from primary and secondary documents:
Primary
- Unexpired US passport or passport card (4)
- US or US Territory birth certificate certified copy filed with a state office of vital statistics or equivalent agency in the individual’s state of birth (4)
- US Department of State birth certificate (4)
- US Department of State Consular Report of Birth Abroad (4)
- Certificate of Naturalization (4)
- Certificate of Citizenship (4)
- Current Permanent Resident Card issued by USCIS (4)
- Unexpired foreign passport with valid VISA and I-94 (2)
Secondary
- Unexpired standard photo driver's license from NJ or any state, or US Territory, and District of Columbia (1)
- Unexpired standard non-driver identification card from NJ only (1)
- Social Security card (1)
- Bank/credit union statement or record (within the past 60 days) (1)
- ATM/debit card with preprinted name and applicant’s signature (1)
- Current health insurance card or prescription card displaying applicant’s name (1)
- Current employee identification card with pay stub (1)
- State professional license (1)
- NJ public assistance card with photo (also known as an NJ Social Services identification card) (1)
- High school diploma, GED, or college degree (1)
- Property tax statement, bill, or receipt issued by an NJ municipality (1)
- For NJ high school graduates: a waiver certificate for the written portion of the driver’s test (1)
- Veteran Administration universal access photo identification card (1)
- Unexpired federal government employee driver's license (1)
- Unexpired federal government employee photo identification card (1)
- US military discharge papers (Form DD-214) (2)
- FAA pilot license (2)
- US school photo identification card with transcript or school records (2)
- US college photo identification card with transcript (2)
- Legal name change court order signed by a judge or court clerk (3)
- Civil marriage or civil union certificate or divorce decree (3)
- US adoption papers (3)
- Current military dependent card (3)
- US military photo retiree card (3)
- NJ firearm purchaser card (3)
- Unexpired REAL ID driver's license, non-driver identification card, or probationary license from any state, US territory, and the District of Columbia (4)
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Applicants can schedule an appointment to get the REAL ID now or wait until it's time to renew their license. There are 28 locations within the area that are currently taking appointments.
For more information, visit the NJ MVC website.
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