New Jersey’s push to enhance its public transportation network, particularly with light rail expansions, has encountered several setbacks and delays in recent years. From the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Extension (HBLR) to the Glassboro-Camden Line (GCL), critical projects designed to improve mobility and connectivity have faced significant challenges. These delays are not only impacting commuters but also raising concerns about the future of South Jersey transportation and environmental goals. Here’s a detailed look at the latest developments in these projects and how they continue to evolve despite significant hurdles.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Extension: A Project Decades in the Making
The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Extension (HBLR), a long-awaited project that would extend the current line by nine miles into Bergen County, has been in the works for over 20 years. While initial optimism surrounded its potential to improve public transportation in one of New Jersey’s most densely populated regions, the project continues to face roadblocks that threaten to delay its completion.
In 2023, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) required NJ Transit to re-study seven aspects of the project’s environmental impact statement. This was primarily due to changes made to the original route, a move that resulted in significant delays and put the project’s timeline at risk. Political challenges during the previous administration also contributed to a backlog in the federal review process, further slowing progress.
As a result of the FTA’s new requirements, the project’s timeline has been pushed back by an estimated 24 months, which could mean a late 2027 or early 2028 completion for the much-anticipated extension. Despite these delays, NJ Transit remains committed to advancing the HBLR project, which would provide vital transit links to areas of Bergen County, improving access to New York City and other key hubs.
The HBLR extension is crucial for improving mobility across North Jersey, but it is just one piece of New Jersey’s larger puzzle of public transportation development. For more updates and insights on the project, check out our detailed coverage in the Business section.
Glassboro-Camden Line: Challenges and Progress
The Glassboro-Camden Line (GCL) is another major public transportation initiative in New Jersey that has faced significant obstacles. This proposed 18-mile light rail line is designed to restore passenger service between Glassboro and Camden, linking the South Jersey region to better transit access. While this project has been in development for more than two decades, progress has been slow, with funding, opposition, and logistical issues creating barriers to its advancement.
In 2024, NJ Transit became the official “Agency of Record” for the GCL, making it the primary authority responsible for pushing the project forward. With a price tag of around $2 billion, the GCL is fully funded by the state, but local opposition has created tension in several communities. A non-binding referendum in Mantua Township in 2023 saw residents vote against the project, raising concerns about the route and its potential impact on local neighborhoods.
Despite the opposition, NJ Transit has made strides in moving the project forward. As of February 2025, the GCL was in the “30% design” phase, and pre-construction work was expected to begin in 2025. Once complete, the GCL will significantly improve public transportation access in South Jersey, a region that has historically had limited options for commuters. The project is seen as a critical step toward reducing the transportation gap between northern and southern New Jersey, with long-term goals of boosting economic development and providing alternative routes for commuters in the region.
Electric Bus Expansion in Camden: A Greener Future for South Jersey
In a related initiative, Governor Phil Murphy announced a significant expansion of Camden’s electric bus fleet in August 2025. This move is part of a broader strategy to modernize transportation options in South Jersey, and it aligns with New Jersey’s ambitious environmental goals. The expansion will see an additional fleet of eight electric buses added to Camden’s current line.
The move comes after NJ Transit’s initial pilot program in 2022, where a fleet of eight battery-electric buses was deployed from the Newton Avenue Bus Garage in Camden. The goal of the program is to test how the buses perform under real-world conditions, taking into account factors like weather, road conditions, and passenger volume. This pilot program provides crucial data that will inform necessary infrastructure upgrades across the state, particularly to modernize bus garages to accommodate electric buses, which currently make up only a small portion of the fleet.
The Camden electric bus expansion is part of Governor Murphy’s broader sustainability initiative, which aims to transition NJ Transit to a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2040. This initiative is crucial to New Jersey’s environmental goals and is expected to significantly reduce the state’s carbon footprint. With the federal grant received in January 2025, NJ Transit is poised to continue investing in zero-emission technology, further solidifying Camden as a hub for the state’s green transportation efforts.
Ongoing Challenges: Strike Threats and Funding Issues
While the electric bus initiative in Camden represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainable transportation, ongoing challenges continue to surround NJ Transit operations. In addition to the setbacks in light rail expansion, wage negotiations between NJ Transit and the union representing over 400 train engineers have hit roadblocks. Though these negotiations don’t directly affect light rail projects, the potential for a strike poses a significant threat to the state’s broader train service, with implications for daily commuters and the overall transportation infrastructure.
The strike threat has raised concerns about the future reliability of NJ Transit services, as a disruption in train operations could ripple across other parts of the transportation network. For many New Jersey residents, NJ Transit represents their primary mode of commuting, making any interruptions potentially impactful to the state’s economy.
Looking Ahead: What These Developments Mean for New Jersey
The current state of public transportation development in New Jersey highlights a complex web of progress, setbacks, and long-term goals. Whether it’s the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail extension, the Glassboro-Camden Line, or the electric bus pilot in Camden, each project has its own set of challenges that require careful attention from policymakers, developers, and residents.
While delays and opposition are frustrating, these projects ultimately promise to transform New Jersey’s public transportation system, providing greater connectivity, sustainability, and economic opportunity for years to come. The outcome of these initiatives will not only define the state’s transportation future but also contribute to its environmental and economic landscape.
For the latest updates and insights into these and other ongoing projects, stay connected with the Explore New Jersey Business Section for the most comprehensive coverage of public transportation and infrastructure developments in the state.
