New Jersey Transit is pledging service improvements along the River Line light rail system.

The agency had been paying a third party $25 million annually to operate the line, which runs from Trenton to Camden. Early next year, it will cut out the middleman and take over full authority.

NJ Transit data shows the River Line regularly has the lowest on-time percentage of the agency's three light rail lines.

CEO and President Kris Kolluri said the agency is spending a combined $360 million on new rail cars and upgrades. It’s the first full modernization for the River Line since it began in 2004.

"People who ride the cars every single day - 5,000 of our valuable customers - rely on these cars, and they deserve a car that is modern,” Kolluri said. “That is the commitment that we made."

Friday was Kolluri’s first public appearance since the announcement that he’d be staying on to lead NJ Transit, as well as taking on a new job as executive director of the Turnpike Authority under a new appointment from Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill.

He currently makes $280,000 a year from NJ Transit and will take a $1 annual salary from the Turnpike Authority.

Kolluri tells News 12 he is continuing as an at-will employee with no new contract. The board still has to approve his appointment.

He says the two agencies share the same goal.

"One is a roadway system; the other is a mass transit system,” Kolluri said.

However, Kolluri says their overall objective is the same: figuring out how to move the residents of New Jersey safely and efficiently.

“You have a segment on News 12 called 'Toll of Commuting,’” Kolluri said. “You focus on all modes. Our job here is the same. We will focus on all modes to make sure the residents are served best."

News 12 sat down with Kolluri for an exclusive interview about the year ahead, including commuter updates on the Portal Bridge, FIFA World Cup and the future of fare increases. Tune in Monday starting at 5 a.m. for a Toll of Commuting exclusive.