To relieve growing bus and automobile congestion and improve mobility across two of the most densely populated counties in the United States, NJ TRANSIT advanced the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Transit system. The 20‑mile corridor includes 33 stations and was the first transit project in the nation to be delivered using a design-build-operate-maintain (DBOM) model. The system has played a transformative role in expanding public transit access across Hudson and Bergen counties and supporting economic development along New Jersey’s Gold Coast.
What challenges did STV address?
The corridor required a fully integrated light rail system serving rapidly growing communities, constrained rights‑of‑way and diverse urban conditions. Delivering a complex, multi‑component program under a DBOM structure demanded seamless coordination across disciplines, stakeholder groups and project phases. The team needed to design infrastructure that accommodated high ridership, supported new development and enhanced multimodal connectivity.
What solutions did STV deliver?
As a subconsultant to the DBOM consortium, STV provided multidisciplinary engineering services that shaped the system’s core infrastructure. Work included track alignment design, structural and architectural design for stations and parking facilities, bridge engineering, design of a vehicle maintenance facility and upgrades to utilities and traffic signals. STV’s contributions facilitated reliability, maintainability and long‑term performance across the corridor.
How does this project benefit the region?
The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system connects communities, reduces roadway congestion and supports transit‑oriented development throughout northern New Jersey. The line has become a cornerstone of regional mobility and continues to spur economic growth and sustainable transportation choices.
Key stats and accolades
- First DBOM transit project in the United States
- 20‑mile, 33‑station light rail system
- Recipient of multiple ACEC and ARTBA awards
