NJ TRANSIT’s Plan to Fix Cloudy Train Windows: What You Need to Know

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, if you’ve ever looked out the window on an NJ TRANSIT train and found your view obstructed by foggy, cloudy, or scratched-up glass, you’re not alone. Cloudy windows have been a persistent issue, impacting passenger experience and visibility.

Now, NJ TRANSIT is tackling the problem head-on with a fast-tracked window replacement plan designed to fix the issue in just three years—a major improvement from the original six-to-eight-year timeline. Here’s everything you need to know about why train windows become cloudy and how NJ TRANSIT plans to fix them.

Why Are NJ TRANSIT Train Windows Cloudy?

The issue primarily affects single-pane polycarbonate windows, a durable yet UV-sensitive material commonly used in transit. Several factors contribute to the hazy appearance:

1. UV Light Exposure

Prolonged exposure to sunlight causes polycarbonate windows to degrade, leading to a foggy, hazy look over time.

2. Scratches & Abrasion

Dust, debris, and frequent cleaning contribute to micro-scratches, making the windows appear dull and opaque.

3. Temperature Fluctuations

NJ TRANSIT trains operate year-round, meaning windows endure extreme heat in summer and freezing temperatures in winter—both of which accelerate material wear and tear.

4. Glass Contamination

A recent study by Rutgers University’s Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation found that glass coating contamination plays a significant role in reduced visibility.

Why Can’t NJ TRANSIT Just Restore the Windows?

After extensive testing, NJ TRANSIT and Rutgers researchers determined that restoring the existing windows isn’t possible—they’ve simply exceeded their useful lifespan. Replacement is the only viable solution.

To fix the issue as quickly as possible, NJ TRANSIT has slashed the window replacement timeline from 6–8 years to just 3 years, ensuring minimal disruption to train service.

How & When Will NJ TRANSIT Replace Train Windows?

🔹 Over 13,000 windows across NJ TRANSIT’s Multi-Level I and II train fleet will be replaced.
🔹 One-third of the fleet will get new windows each year.
🔹 The Multi-Level II fleet will be fully updated by December 2025.

What to Expect as a Passenger

• By Next Year: You’ll have a 1 in 3 chance of riding in a train car with brand-new windows.
• In Two Years: The odds increase to 2 in 3.
• By 2027: Every NJ TRANSIT Multi-Level train car will have crystal-clear windows.

Plus, this upgrade comes alongside the arrival of 174 brand-new Multi-Level III rail cars starting in late 2025, further enhancing the fleet.

A Clearer Future for NJ TRANSIT Riders

NJ TRANSIT is committed to improving passenger experience—and that includes giving riders the clear, unobstructed views they deserve. With a rapid replacement plan already in motion, passengers can expect gradual but noticeable improvements over the next few years.

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