The North Jersey Rail Coalition’s mission is to connect communities in Passaic, Bergen and Hudson Counties through phased commuter rail investments along the existing alignment of the New York Susquehanna & Western (NYS&W) Railway.
The Passaic-Bergen-Hudson Rail Project originates in Hawthorne, adjacent to the existing Bergen Main Line Passenger Service station and terminates in Hudson County, offering a seamless connection to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail at the Tonnelle Avenue Station. At this preliminary stage, there are proposed stations in Hawthorne, Paterson, Elmwood Park, Hackensack, and North Bergen.
Economic Development
The goal of new commuter rail service is to spur and enhance redevelopment efforts along the corridor and encourage private investment in housing and commercial space. Mass transit is a proven driver of economic activity that can increase local tax bases, alleviate traffic congestion, and create sustainable communities with vibrant local downtowns. New commuter rail service would serve as a catalyst for redevelopment plans already completed for the City of Paterson, ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Hackensack, and provide a new connection for workers and residents to employment and recreation opportunities in Hudson County. New investment would also provide more reliable and safe freight rail service which would share access along the existing rail corridor.
Connecting Major Employment Centers
St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center and the Hackensack University Medical Center – two of New Jersey’s top employers – are both strategically situated in close proximity to the commuter line. The second phase of the project would link communities in Passaic and Bergen Counties with major employment opportunities in Jersey City and other Hudson County employment centers.
A Regional Mass Transit Network
A key aspect of the North Jersey Rail Coalition is connecting as many of the existing commuter rail service lines across Northern New Jersey, providing more efficient links to jobs and services and reducing the burden on an already overtaxed system of highways and local roadways. Moreover, expanding service towards Hudson County offers an inexpensive and reliable means of connecting North Jersey communities in one of the most densely populated and heavily traveled areas of the Country.
> Click Here to See Project Maps
>Passaic County Freeholders Resolution in Support
> Hudson County Resolution in Support
>City of Paterson Resolution in Support
>Borough of Hawthorne Resolution in Support