The Secaucus-Meadowlands Transitway just took a major step forward. That’s big news for commuters—and honestly, for anyone who cares about how people get around Jersey City and the surrounding area.
With a new $22.28 million contract approved to move Phase 2 into advanced design, this project could totally change how folks travel between Secaucus Junction, the Meadowlands, and eventually key spots in Jersey City and nearby towns.
Easy booking across hundreds of accommodations from luxury high-rises to unearthed brownstone treasures.
Browse Accommodations Now
A Modern Transit Corridor for North Jersey
NJ Transit just signed a contract with HNTB Corp. to push Phase 2 of the Secaucus-Meadowlands Transitway into detailed engineering and design. This isn’t just another bus route—it’s a dedicated corridor that rethinks an old right of way for a new era.
The Transitway will use the old Boonton rail line and the Bergen Arches, both of which people have talked about reusing for years. Instead of bringing back trains, the project will run road-based vehicles on their own path, keeping them away from the usual traffic mess.
Zero-Emission, High-Capacity Mobility
A big part of the Transitway is its push for environmentally responsible travel. NJ Transit wants to make zero-emission vehicles the core of the system, and maybe even allow autonomous vehicles as the tech and rules catch up.
This marks a real move toward cleaner, quieter, and more efficient transit in a region that’s struggled with pollution and traffic. For North Jersey’s dense communities, it’s more than just a perk—it’s a piece of the public health and climate puzzle.
Connecting Major Destinations Across the Meadowlands
The Transitway’s first job is to connect Secaucus Junction—the big rail hub—to some of New Jersey’s biggest destinations and event venues. With a dedicated corridor, riders can skip the usual game-day traffic and weekend jams.
From Rail Hub to Entertainment District
Once it’s up and running, the route should improve access to:
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
By carving out a dedicated right of way, the Transitway should boost capacity and reliability on event days. It’ll also give people a stable, fast option for regular weekdays—something that’s crucial for folks who actually depend on transit every day.
From Concept to Detailed Design
The project’s moving into a crucial phase. Phase 1, which started in 2021, focused on early design work—studying routes, tech options, and environmental impacts.
Now, Phase 2 dives into detailed engineering: figuring out how to build the corridor, what it’ll look like, and how it’ll fit into the neighborhoods and landscapes it crosses.
Aligning Transit and Environmental Goals
NJ Transit President Kris Kolluri says this isn’t just about faster rides to football games. It’s about building a safe, efficient, and sustainable transit system that sparks economic growth while sticking to New Jersey’s environmental promises.
The partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection matters a lot here. Planners want the Transitway to connect with a proposed 9-mile linear park called the Greenway, turning unused infrastructure into a mix of transit corridor and public green space.
A Regional Network: Eight Municipalities, One Vision
Headlines usually mention Secaucus and the Meadowlands, but the real vision is regional. The Transitway could stretch through up to eight municipalities, including Jersey City, Secaucus, Kearny, Newark, and more along the route.
Economic Growth and Urban Revitalization
For these towns, better transit isn’t just a policy idea—it’s a way to unlock redevelopment, bring in businesses, and connect people to jobs. Giving residents a real alternative to cars could support new housing, retail, and offices near stations.
Planners hope this means more lively city districts built around transit, not parking lots—a goal urbanists around here have been chasing for decades.
What This Means for Jersey City
For Jersey City, the Transitway could really shake things up. It might work alongside PATH, light rail, and bus services, giving commuters more options.
Strengthening the link between Jersey City and the Meadowlands could make life easier for folks heading to jobs, events, or attractions. No one loves sitting in highway traffic, so that’s a win.
Tourism and hospitality might see a boost too. When visitors search for where to stay in Jersey City, they’re not just thinking about skyline views or restaurants.
Now, they’ll probably care about how simple it is to get from Jersey City hotels to the Meadowlands or regional rail lines. A smooth ride to Secaucus Junction makes Jersey City feel like both a launchpad and a destination, which is pretty appealing.
Locals and visitors get more out of the metro area when transit works well. It opens up the list of things to do in Jersey City, since it’s easier to hop between neighborhoods and big events over in the Meadowlands.
Anyone planning a visit might find getting to Jersey City from North Jersey—or heading the other way—a lot simpler as these connections improve. If the Secaucus-Meadowlands Transitway actually happens, Jersey City could land right at the crossroads of a cleaner, smarter, and more connected regional transit system.
Find the perfect hotel or vacation rental. Instant booking, no fees!
View Top Stays
Here is the source article for this story: $22M contract advances Meadowlands–Jersey City transitway
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
