Governor announces
opening date for light rail extension

Hudson-Bergen Light Rail moves
further into Bayonne's Business District

"Bayonne has proven to be a critical starting point for the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, with half of all system riders originating in Bayonne," McGreevey said. "As the system expands, so does our quality of life. The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail will bring us reduced travel time, more time with our families, increased property values and significant economic growth along New Jersey's 'Gold Coast'."

"The extension of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail to 22nd Street provides local residents and regional commuters with even more light rail access into Bayonne's central business district," State Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Jack Lettiere said. "This light rail has become the crown jewel within the Corporation's system by offering another commuting alternative in a densely populated community such as Bayonne."

"This expansion to 22nd Street, two years ahead of the original schedule, is another example of our commitment to provide quality service to our riders and reduce traffic congestion in our state," NJ TRANSIT Executive Director George D. Warrington said. "We will also be extending the system to Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen in 2005, and we're also looking at another possible extension into Bergen County, which is currently under study."

The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail currently serves 16 stations between 34th Street in Bayonne and the Hoboken Terminal, and between West Side Avenue in Jersey City and the Hoboken Terminal. Ridership has increased significantly on the system since opening in 2000 with 15,500 average weekday trips.

In addition to the opening of the 22nd Street Station, the 2nd Street, 9th Street stations in Hoboken, and Lincoln Harbor Station in Weehawken are expected to open spring of 2004, while service to Port Imperial in Weehawken, Bergenline Avenue in Union City, and Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen is expected in summer 2005.

The project cost for extensions to 22nd Street in Bayonne and Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen is set at $1.2 billion. Funding is a mixture of state and federal funds.

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 752,600 daily trips on 240 bus routes, two light rail lines and 11 commuter rail lines. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 162 rail stations, 28 light rail stations and more than 17,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.