NJ TRANSIT ADVANCES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR EXPANSION OF HUDSON-BERGEN LIGHT RAIL

November 14, 2025

NEWARK, NJ - NJ TRANSIT continues advancing an extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail into Bergen County by issuing a Request For Proposals (RFP) to hire a contractor to prepare the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The proposed 10-mile extension would provide light rail service from the current terminus at Tonnelle Ave. in North Bergen up to a currently anticipated terminal at Englewood Hospital.

"NJ TRANSIT remains committed to extending the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail into Bergen County," said NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri. "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, sustainable housing and a multitude of other benefits."

"The Northern Branch is essential to the economic well-being of northern New Jersey and a vital link for Bergen County residents who rely on public transportation for work, school, shopping and daily life," said State Senator Paul Sarlo. "I thank NJ TRANSIT and particularly President & CEO Kris Kolluri, for continuing to advance this critically important project."

"I am pleased that NJ TRANSIT is moving forward with this vital expansion, which fulfills the original vision of connecting Bergen and Hudson counties through a modern, reliable light rail system," said Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee. "This project will create meaningful new transit options for Bergen County residents, strengthen regional mobility, and support the quality of life that our communities deserve."

"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. I thank NJ TRANSIT for continuing this vital project."

The Northern Branch project, as currently proposed, will extend the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system by 10 miles and include seven new station stops in five municipalities. The electric light rail service 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 and would introduce new station stops in North Bergen, Ridgefield, Palisades Park, Leonia, and Englewood.

In 2023, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) rescinded its Notice of Intent (NOI) to consider NJ TRANSIT's previously submitted environmental impact statement citing changes in environmental conditions such as flood plains, storm water management and air quality which have occurred since 2007. NJ TRANSIT determined that that scope of work required to update the environmental impact statement would require a new contract. At that time, work began to assess and prepare the requirements included in the current RFP.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 925,000 weekday trips on 253 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.