NJ TRANSIT is moving forward with the next phase of its Secaucus-Meadowlands Transitway extension, aiming to improve transit connections between the Meadowlands Sports and Entertainment Complex, Secaucus Junction, and Jersey City. The agency’s Board of Directors has approved $22.2 million, plus a 10% contingency, for engineering and design work on the segment from Secaucus Junction to Jersey City.
“Advancing this innovative project is an important step in providing the kind of superior service befitting our customers and the Meadowlands Sports and Entertainment Complex, a world-class entertainment venue,” said NJDOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Fran O’Connor.
NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri added: “I am pleased to see the progress on such an important, environmentally friendly public transportation solution. This critical initiative supports New Jersey’s economic growth while providing new transportation options for residents and visitors as they enjoy the state’s premier sports and entertainment destinations.”
The board also approved extending its contract with engineering firm HNTB to complete Phase 2—Transitway Jersey City—for up to $22,283,241.90 plus contingencies. Phase I began in 2021 when HNTB was contracted for preliminary design work at a cost of about $3.5 million.
Phase 2 involves designing a dedicated right-of-way between Secaucus and Jersey City with several stops along the route. The corridor will not include rail vehicles but will use other vehicle forms on repurposed sections of the former Boonton rail line and Bergen Arches.
The Transitway project aims to boost capacity for moving passengers between key destinations like MetLife Stadium—especially during large events—and create a new transit corridor in densely populated North Jersey by reusing existing NJ TRANSIT property.
The project is being developed so that transit modes can use zero-emission vehicles or be upgraded for them in the future, with plans for scalability toward fully autonomous vehicle operation as technology progresses.
