New Jersey has never had a proper bus rapid transit (BRT) service. Despite its benefits, like a faster ride compared to a regular bus, its numerous proposals have been stalled. However, Hudson County’s new proposal to implement BRT in the busy streets of John F. Kennedy Boulevard, a corridor connecting Bayonne and Jersey City, could change that.
BRT is a rapid bus-based transit system that would function similarly to a light rail line without tracks. Its defining feature is its exclusive right-of-way, without any other vehicles or pedestrians. Hudson County’s recent study indicated that potential improvements could include dedicated or priority bus lanes, transit signal priority, enhanced bus stops and stations, off-board fare collection, and more high-capacity vehicles.
The initiative started in July 2025, when Hudson County Executive Craig Guy directed his team to conduct a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) study, which represents a key component of the County’s Vision Zero commitments. The study would assess the feasibility of implementing BRT along the corridor, identify future transportation investments, and build upon NJ Transit’s ongoing NewBus Hudson initiative. In January 2026, the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners approved $150,000 in Capital Improvement funding to conduct a comprehensive study to determine potential BRT improvements. In April 2026, Nelson/Nygaard, supported by TYLin, was selected to conduct the study.
The study reflected Hudson County’s Vision Zero Safety Action Plan by discovering transportation improvements to increase mobility and create safer streets. John F. Kennedy Boulevard was selected as one of Hudson County’s busiest and most significant corridors, combining pathways between residential neighborhoods, employment centers, and various other services. That corridor provides access to roughly 2 million jobs within 45 minutes and could reduce commute time by 35 minutes. Combined with its various high ridership and regional connectivity, JFK Boulevard was a strong candidate for future BRT service.
The study’s process would start with a public hearing on September 23 at Hudson County Community College. According to Francesca Giarratana, Hudson County’s deputy director of planning & business opportunity, the study would explore different sections of the corridor to implement unique design options. At a North Jersey Transit Forum on April 25, she stated that “If I was brutally honest, I would say, it’s already difficult and unpleasant to get around Jersey City and Hudson County in a car. We’re not going back.” Giarratana continued, “Traffic’s not going to get easier. So, it’s time to adapt. This is our one true opportunity to make a transit system along the spine of Hudson County.”
Leah Katz, NJ Transit’s acting senior director of capital planning, stated that NJ Transit can’t implement BRT by itself. While they control the service, they don’t control the city streets. Those improvements would have to be developed through local partnerships, including Hudson County. Currently, the study is in its Public Engagement Round 1, encompassing a public survey, social media releases, stakeholder meetings, and public meetings. June to December 2026 is the Design and Analysis phase. Afterward, November 2026 to February 2027 is the Public Engagement Round 2. The study concludes in March 2026 with the Final Feasibility Study.
