Study to look at extension of light rail to Jersey City’s west side

The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors today approved a study looking at extending the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail service to Jersey City’s west side.
The Board approved a $251,000 contract with AKRF, Inc., to study the extension of the light rail line from its current western terminus at West Side Avenue Station across Route 440 to a redevelopment zone along the Hackensack Riverfront. Being considered in the study is a new station linking the Jersey City waterfront and North Hudson to new residential, commercial and retail development the municipality is planning approximately one-half mile west of West Side Avenue Station.
“This study will enable us to examine the potential for improved transit options near the redevelopment and existing residential areas along Route 440,” said Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chairman Stephen Dilts.
Funding for the study came about through the efforts of U.S. Representative Albio Sires
“Light rail has already proven to support economic development goals, reduce traffic on city streets and increase personal mobility for residents,” Sires said.
The study will mark the first step in the federal environmental process for an extension. To be evaluated are potential alignments, station planning, park and ride locations, operational needs, cost estimates and integration with redevelopment.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail opened in April 2000, and provides more than 40,000 weekday trips between 23 stations in Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City and North Bergen. – RK