7 New Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Stops Planned, NJ Transit Says

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Why doesn't the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail line — which runs from Bayonne to North Bergen — actually cross the border to Bergen County?

The original plan for the train was for it to run from Bayonne to Englewood — but the extension stalled.

On Friday, NJ Transit announced that it has taken a step forward to continue the line from Hudson County to Bergen County.

The agency said it has issued a Request For Proposals for contractors to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed 10-mile extension to Englewood Hospital.

New Stops In Hudson And Bergen

The 10-mile Northern Branch will include seven new station stops in five towns, terminating at the hospital.

One of the new stops would be in North Bergen, in Hudson County, and the other six would be in Bergen County.

The line would operate on West Side Avenue in North Bergen, and then on existing railroad right-of-way owned by CSX Transportation (CSX) between 91st Street in North Bergen and the northern border of Englewood.

It would include six Bergen County stops in Ridgefield, Palisades Park, Leonia, and Englewood.

Currently, the train stops in Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City, and North Bergen.

“NJ Transit remains committed to extending the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail into Bergen County,” said agency President and CEO Kris Kolluri on Friday. “This RFP is a concrete demonstration of that commitment. Providing mass transit options to all regions of New Jersey takes cars off the road, cleans the air we breathe, and drives economic activity."

“As one of the most densely populated counties in the state, Bergen County welcomes additional mass transit options,” said Bergen County Executive James Tedesco. “The Northern Branch project will fulfill that need and enhance the lives of all who call Bergen County home."

In 2023, the Federal Transit Administration said it would not consider NJ Transit's original environmental impact statement because of environmental changes since 2007 — including changes to flood plains and storm water management.

At that time, work began to assess and prepare the requirements included in the new RFP.

NJ Transit is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system, with 253 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines, and Access Link paratransit service.

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