Transit Agencies Mark America’s 250^th with Special Wraps, Student Art, and Heritage Locomotive

Transit agencies across the Northeast are helping riders connect with America’s 250^th anniversary through commemorative trains, buses, and student artwork.

The Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) unveiled a two-car commemorative train wrap that highlights the historic connection between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. One railcar showcases Pennsylvania-inspired imagery while a second railcar features New Jersey imagery, including a map of the Delaware River connecting Philadelphia and New Jersey communities.

“For nearly 60 years, PATCO has connected people, communities, and opportunities on both sides of the Delaware River,” said General Manager John Rink. “As our nation celebrates its 250^th anniversary, this commemorative train honors the pivotal role Pennsylvania and New Jersey played in America’s founding while recognizing the connections that continue to bring our region together today.”

New Jersey Transit (NJ TRANSIT) is marking the anniversary with artwork from a statewide student bus design competition. Winning designs from students at Overbrook High School in Pine Hill and Art Lab Studio in Fort Lee are being displayed on two buses—one in South Jersey and one in North Jersey. The South Jersey design includes monarch butterflies, the blazing star flower, the Cape May lighthouse, and the Statue of Liberty. The North Jersey design highlights George Washington crossing the Delaware, “Molly Pitcher,” Thomas Edison’s lightbulb, and Atlantic City’s first boardwalk.

“New Jersey played a central role in the founding of this nation, and it’s fitting that students from across our state captured that story so powerfully in their designs,” said NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri. “NJ TRANSIT is honored to carry these works of art on our buses as we celebrate this milestone anniversary.”

Adding to its Heritage Series, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NYMTA) Metro-North Railroad’s locomotive No. 250 has been rebranded with colors and designs inspired by the colorful locomotives of the mid-1970s U.S. Bicentennial. Other commemorative locomotives in the series honor veterans, Metro-North workers, and the railroad’s history.

“Through our Heritage Series, we’ve celebrated the history and legacy of Metro-North Railroad,” said President Justin Vonashek. “Locomotive 250 gives us the opportunity to go further—honoring not only our own story, but the broader history of the United States.”

Lastly, Amtrak unveiled its Freedom250 NextGen Acela train with its red, white, and blue wrap. Following an unveiling in Washington, DC, the train made its inaugural trip to Philadelphia carrying a class of fourth-grade students for a field trip to landmarks including the Liberty Bell and Carpenters’ Hall.