Light rail in New Jersey
Encyclopedia
Light rail in New Jersey is provided by New Jersey Transit
, a corporation which also provides bus and heavy rail services.
The Hudson–Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) is a service that connects the Hudson County communities of Bayonne
, Jersey City
, Hoboken
, Weehawken
, Union City
, and North Bergen
with 23 stops along 3 services.
This line was borne out of a public-private partnership
in the mid-1990s, with Washington Group International
, doing business as 21st century Rail, chosen for a DBOM contract for the line to design, build, operate, and maintain the line for its first 15 years. With construction beginning in 1997, the first segments, from Exchange Place
to West Side Avenue
and 34th Street
opening in 2000, with service to Pavonia-Newport
, Hoboken Terminal
, 22nd Street
, Lincoln Harbor
, and Tonnelle Avenue
opening in later segments between 2000 and 2005, and 8th Street
opening in 2011.
The current HBLR fleet consists of 53 low-floor electric light rail cars.
system, requiring all riders to have a validated ticket (validated prior to boarding the train), transfer, or a valid pass.
The Newark Light Rail (NLR) is a light rail system composed of two sections, the Newark City Subway, originally opened in the 1930s by PSCT as the No. 7 line, and the sole surviving line of several that ran into this tunnel, and the Broad Street Line which operates from Newark Penn
to Newark Broad Street
via Washington Park and Riverfront Stadium, which opened in 2006. This line is also included in NJT Bus'
Central Division, dating back to its days as a streetcar line.
Originally constructed as a streetcar line using PCC streetcar
s, the Newark City Subway ran from Newark Penn to a loop at the Newark city line located at what was then called Franklin Avenue. With the conversion of operation from PCC streetcars to cars similar to what is used on the HBLR, the Franklin Avenue loop was removed and replaced with the Branch Brook Park
, with service extended to Grove Street
.
NLR utilizes a fleet of 20 cars, similar to the HBLR fleet.
, Passaic
and points beyond up to 4 local bus fare zones (generally, to Paterson
, Willowbrook
, and West Caldwell
). The line works under a proof-of-payment
system, requiring all riders to have a validated ticket (validated prior to boarding the train), transfer, bus through-ticket, or a valid pass.
The River Line is a diesel
light rail
line operating from Trenton
to Entertainment Center
in Camden, with the line, except at the ends, running along the former Bordentown Secondary of Conrail
, servicing 20 stops along the 34-mile route in the Route 130
corridor. This line is operated under contract to New Jersey Transit by Southern New Jersey Rail Group, a Bombardier
/Bechtel
joint-venture.
system, requiring all riders to have a validated ticket (validated prior to boarding the train), transfer, bus through-ticket, or a valid pass.
New Jersey Transit
The New Jersey Transit Corporation is a statewide public transportation system serving the United States state of New Jersey, and New York, Orange, and Rockland counties in New York State...
, a corporation which also provides bus and heavy rail services.
Hudson–Bergen Light Rail
The Hudson–Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) is a service that connects the Hudson County communities of Bayonne
Bayonne, New Jersey
Bayonne is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. Located in the Gateway Region, Bayonne is a peninsula that is situated between Newark Bay to the west, the Kill van Kull to the south, and New York Bay to the east...
, Jersey City
Jersey City, New Jersey
Jersey City is the seat of Hudson County, New Jersey, United States.Part of the New York metropolitan area, Jersey City lies between the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay across from Lower Manhattan and the Hackensack River and Newark Bay...
, Hoboken
Hoboken, New Jersey
Hoboken is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population was 50,005. The city is part of the New York metropolitan area and contains Hoboken Terminal, a major transportation hub for the region...
, Weehawken
Weehawken, New Jersey
Weehawken is a township in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 12,554.-Geography:Weehawken is part of the New York metropolitan area...
, Union City
Union City, New Jersey
Union City is a city in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. According to the 2010 United States Census the city had a total population of 66,455. All of the city is on land, an area of...
, and North Bergen
North Bergen, New Jersey
North Bergen is a township in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2010 Census, the township had a total population of 60,773. Originally founded in 1843, the town was much diminished in territory by a series of secessions. Situated on the Hudson Palisades, it is one...
with 23 stops along 3 services.
This line was borne out of a public-private partnership
Public-private partnership
Public–private partnership describes a government service or private business venture which is funded and operated through a partnership of government and one or more private sector companies...
in the mid-1990s, with Washington Group International
Washington Group International
Washington Group International was an American corporation which provided integrated engineering, construction and management services to businesses and governments around the world. Based in Boise, Idaho, it had approximately 25,000 employees working in over 40 states and more than 30 countries...
, doing business as 21st century Rail, chosen for a DBOM contract for the line to design, build, operate, and maintain the line for its first 15 years. With construction beginning in 1997, the first segments, from Exchange Place
Exchange Place (HBLR station)
Exchange Place is a station on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail located at Hudson Street, between York and Montgomery Streets, in Jersey City, New Jersey....
to West Side Avenue
West Side Avenue (HBLR station)
-External links:*...
and 34th Street
34th Street (HBLR station)
34th Street is a station on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail located at Avenue E and East 34th Street in Bayonne, New Jersey.The station opened on April 22, 2000. Northbound service from the station is available to Hoboken Terminal...
opening in 2000, with service to Pavonia-Newport
Pavonia-Newport (HBLR station)
Pavonia-Newport is a station on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail located at Mall Drive East in Jersey City, New Jersey.The station opened on November 18, 2000. Northbound service from the station is available to Hoboken Terminal and Tonnelle Avenue, in North Bergen. Southbound service is available to...
, Hoboken Terminal
Hoboken Terminal
Hoboken Terminal is one of the New York Metropolitan area's major transportation hubs. The commuter-oriented intermodal facility, is located on the Hudson River in Hoboken, New Jersey...
, 22nd Street
22nd Street (HBLR station)
22nd Street is a station with side platforms, on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail located above ground at Avenue E and East 22nd Street in Bayonne, New Jersey. The station opened on November 15, 2003....
, Lincoln Harbor
Lincoln Harbor (HBLR station)
Lincoln Harbor is a station on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail located at Waterfront Terrace, north of 19th Street, in Weehawken, New Jersey. The station opened on September 7, 2004.-Name and Vicinity:...
, and Tonnelle Avenue
Tonnelle Avenue (HBLR station)
Tonnelle Avenue is a station on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail located at 51st Street in North Bergen, New Jersey. The station opened for service on February 25, 2006....
opening in later segments between 2000 and 2005, and 8th Street
8th Street (HBLR station)
8th Street is a station on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail located at Avenue C and East 8th Street in Bayonne, New Jersey. It is the southern terminus for the route traveling northbound towards Hoboken Terminal.-History:...
opening in 2011.
The current HBLR fleet consists of 53 low-floor electric light rail cars.
HBLR fares
As of May 1, 2010 the current one-way fare on the HBLR is $2.10. The line works under a proof-of-paymentProof-of-payment
Proof-of-payment or POP is an honor-based fare collection approach used on many public transportation systems. Instead of checking each passenger as they enter a fare control zone, proof-of-payment requires that each passenger carry a ticket or pass proving that they have paid the fare. Ticket...
system, requiring all riders to have a validated ticket (validated prior to boarding the train), transfer, or a valid pass.
Newark Light Rail
The Newark Light Rail (NLR) is a light rail system composed of two sections, the Newark City Subway, originally opened in the 1930s by PSCT as the No. 7 line, and the sole surviving line of several that ran into this tunnel, and the Broad Street Line which operates from Newark Penn
Pennsylvania Station (Newark)
Pennsylvania Station is a major transportation hub in Newark, New Jersey. Located at Raymond Plaza, between Market Street and Raymond Boulevard, Newark Penn Station is served by the Newark Light Rail, New Jersey Transit commuter rail, Amtrak long distance trains, the PATH rapid transit system, and...
to Newark Broad Street
Broad Street Station (Newark)
Newark Broad Street is a New Jersey Transit commuter rail station at 25 University Avenue in Newark, New Jersey. Built in 1901-03 on the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad main line from Hoboken to Denville, Scranton and Buffalo, the station's historic architecture includes an elegant clock...
via Washington Park and Riverfront Stadium, which opened in 2006. This line is also included in NJT Bus'
New Jersey Transit Bus Operations
New Jersey Transit Bus Operations is the bus division of New Jersey Transit, providing bus service throughout New Jersey along with service along one light rail line, with many routes going to New York City and Philadelphia.-History:...
Central Division, dating back to its days as a streetcar line.
Originally constructed as a streetcar line using PCC streetcar
PCC streetcar
The PCC streetcar design was first built in the United States in the 1930s. The design proved successful in its native country, and after World War II was licensed for use elsewhere in the world...
s, the Newark City Subway ran from Newark Penn to a loop at the Newark city line located at what was then called Franklin Avenue. With the conversion of operation from PCC streetcars to cars similar to what is used on the HBLR, the Franklin Avenue loop was removed and replaced with the Branch Brook Park
Branch Brook Park (NCS station)
Branch Brook Park Station is a station located at Anthony Place north of Heller Parkway on the Newark City Subway branch of the Newark Light Rail...
, with service extended to Grove Street
Grove Street (NCS station)
Grove Street Station is a surface station on the Newark City Subway Line of the Newark Light Rail system. It is the terminus of the line and the first following the line leaving the Raymond Boulevard tunnel...
.
NLR utilizes a fleet of 20 cars, similar to the HBLR fleet.
NLR fares
As of May 1, 2010 NLR one-way fares are equivalent to a one-zone bus ride of $1.50, with the ability to purchase through tickets valid for a ride on Newark Light Rail and on a connecting bus to BloomfieldBloomfield, New Jersey
Bloomfield is a township in Essex County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the township population was 47,315. It surrounds the Bloomfield Green Historic District.-History:...
, Passaic
Passaic, New Jersey
Passaic is a city in Passaic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 69,781, maintaining its status as the 15th largest municipality in New Jersey with an increase of 1,920 residents from the 2000 Census population of 67,861...
and points beyond up to 4 local bus fare zones (generally, to Paterson
Paterson, New Jersey
Paterson is a city serving as the county seat of Passaic County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, its population was 146,199, rendering it New Jersey's third largest city and one of the largest cities in the New York City Metropolitan Area, despite a decrease of 3,023...
, Willowbrook
Willowbrook Mall (Wayne, New Jersey)
Willowbrook Mall is a two-level, major shopping center located in Wayne, New Jersey, United States. It is near the intersection of U.S. Route 46, Route 23 and Interstate 80. The mall opened in 1969 and was expanded or renovated in 1970, 1988, and 2006...
, and West Caldwell
West Caldwell, New Jersey
West Caldwell is an township located in the West Essex area in northwestern Essex County, New Jersey. It is located approximately west of Manhattan and six miles northwest of Newark...
). The line works under a proof-of-payment
Proof-of-payment
Proof-of-payment or POP is an honor-based fare collection approach used on many public transportation systems. Instead of checking each passenger as they enter a fare control zone, proof-of-payment requires that each passenger carry a ticket or pass proving that they have paid the fare. Ticket...
system, requiring all riders to have a validated ticket (validated prior to boarding the train), transfer, bus through-ticket, or a valid pass.
River Line
The River Line is a diesel
Diesel locomotive
A diesel locomotive is a type of railroad locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engine, a reciprocating engine operating on the Diesel cycle as invented by Dr. Rudolf Diesel...
light rail
Light rail
Light rail or light rail transit is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems...
line operating from Trenton
Trenton Rail Station (New Jersey)
Trenton Transit Center, formerly known as Trenton Rail Station, is the main passenger train station in Trenton, New Jersey. It is the southernmost stop in New Jersey on the Northeast Corridor...
to Entertainment Center
Entertainment Center (River LINE station)
Entertainment Center is a station on the River Line light rail system, located on Delaware Avenue in Camden, New Jersey. It is the southern terminus of the River Line, and is named for the nearby Susquehanna Bank Center .The station opened on March 15, 2004...
in Camden, with the line, except at the ends, running along the former Bordentown Secondary of Conrail
Conrail Shared Assets Operations
Conrail Shared Assets Operations is an American railroad company. It operates three networks—the North Jersey, South Jersey/Philadelphia, and Detroit Shared Assets Areas, where it serves as a local carrier and switching company for CSX Transportation and the Norfolk Southern Railway...
, servicing 20 stops along the 34-mile route in the Route 130
U.S. Route 130
U.S. Route 130 is a north–south U.S. Highway completely within the state of New Jersey. It runs from Interstate 295 and US 40 at Deepwater in Pennsville Township, Salem County, where the road continues east as Route 49, north to US 1 in North Brunswick Township, Middlesex County, where...
corridor. This line is operated under contract to New Jersey Transit by Southern New Jersey Rail Group, a Bombardier
Bombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation is the rail equipment division of the Canadian firm, Bombardier Inc. Bombardier Transportation is one of the world's largest companies in the rail-equipment manufacturing and servicing industry. Its headquarters are in Berlin, Germany....
/Bechtel
Bechtel
Bechtel Corporation is the largest engineering company in the United States, ranking as the 5th-largest privately owned company in the U.S...
joint-venture.
River Line fares
As of May 1, 2010 River Line fares are equivalent to a one-zone bus ride of $1.50. The line works under a proof-of-paymentProof-of-payment
Proof-of-payment or POP is an honor-based fare collection approach used on many public transportation systems. Instead of checking each passenger as they enter a fare control zone, proof-of-payment requires that each passenger carry a ticket or pass proving that they have paid the fare. Ticket...
system, requiring all riders to have a validated ticket (validated prior to boarding the train), transfer, bus through-ticket, or a valid pass.
Future projects
- New Jersey Transit is planning to extend the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail past its current terminus to TenaflyTenafly, New JerseyTenafly is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 census, the borough population was 14,488. Tenafly is an affluent suburb of New York City....
along the Northern BranchNorthern BranchThe Northern Branch Corridor Project is a proposed 11-mile long rail line that would offer a mass transit rail option to residents of eastern Bergen County, New Jersey, United States, that has been unavailable for decades since passenger rail service ended on the Northern Branch in 1966 and the...
, an existing freight rail line. The project is expected to break ground in 2012 and be completed in 2015, with a cost $900 million. - The Delaware River Port AuthorityDelaware River Port AuthorityThe Delaware River Port Authority is a bi-state instrumentality created by a Congressionally approved interstate compact between the governments of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey...
is planning to build a diesel light rail from the Walter Rand Transportation CenterWalter Rand Transportation CenterThe Walter Rand Transportation Center is a transportation hub located at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Broadway in Camden, New Jersey, named for Walter Rand, a former New Jersey State Senator, who specialized in transportation issues while serving in both houses of the New Jersey Legislature...
in CamdenCamden, New JerseyThe city of Camden is the county seat of Camden County, New Jersey. It is located across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 77,344...
to Rowan UniversityRowan UniversityRowan University is a public university in Glassboro, New Jersey, USA with a satellite campus in Camden, New Jersey. The school was founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School on a twenty-five acre tract of land donated by the town...
in GlassboroGlassboro, New JerseyGlassboro is a borough in Gloucester County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2000 Census, the borough population was 19,068....
, along an existing freight rail line. Governor Jon CorzineJon CorzineJon Stevens Corzine is the former CEO of Goldman Sachs and of MF Global, and a one time American politician, who served as the 54th Governor of New Jersey from 2006 to 2010. A Democrat, Corzine served five years of a six-year U.S. Senate term representing New Jersey before being elected Governor...
formally endorsed the light rail, which will cost an estimated $1.3 billion, and New Jersey has committed $500 million in funding. - New Jersey Transit has removed the Newark-Elizabeth Rail LinkNewark-Elizabeth Rail LinkThe Newark-Elizabeth Rail Link was a proposed -long light rail line in New Jersey, USA, which would have connected the downtown areas of Newark and Elizabeth with the Newark Liberty International Airport and been operated by New Jersey Transit...
from its list of capital improvement projects, a project which would link the downtowns of Newark and ElizabethElizabeth, New JerseyElizabeth is a city in Union County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 124,969, retaining its ranking as New Jersey's fourth largest city with an increase of 4,401 residents from its 2000 Census population of 120,568...
with Newark Liberty International AirportNewark Liberty International AirportNewark Liberty International Airport , first named Newark Metropolitan Airport and later Newark International Airport, is an international airport within the city limits of both Newark and Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States...
in three phases. The first phase, which is the Broad Street Line of the Newark Light Rail, has been completed in 2006, although there is no active planning for the second or third segments.