NJ TRANSIT has taken the next steps toward the creation of a new transit system between Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Sports and Entertainment Complex, including MetLife Stadium and the American Dream mall.
The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors recently approved a contract with HNTB Corporation of New York for the concept phase of the “Innovation Challenge” Meadowlands Transitway Project. The approximately $3.5 million contract aims to help NJ TRANSIT implement environmentally friendly transit access.
“The Meadowlands Complex is home to many of our state’s premier attractions, including MetLife Stadium and American Dream,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “This forward-thinking initiative by NJ TRANSIT will explore ways to get more people to and from the many sporting and entertainment events and venues in the Meadowlands, in a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly manner. This is yet another significant step in the reform and transformation of NJ TRANSIT into an agency that once again reliably serves commuters and travelers.”
In the design phase
In February of this year, NJ TRANSIT advertised the RFP for the “Innovation Challenge” at the Meadowlands. By April, four firms had submitted their proposals which were thoroughly evaluated by NJ TRANSIT. HNTB Corporation was chosen to provide Conceptual Development for the project.
The design is expected to be complete by December of 2022. The type of transit has yet to be determined. But the seven-mile-long route from Secaucus to MetLife and American Dream will use NJ TRANSIT and government-owned property.
“Awarding this contract brings us closer to implementing a new, sustainable, and creative public transportation system in the Meadowlands,” said NJ Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “This innovative partnership with the industry will generate environmentally friendly transportation solutions that meet both present and future needs.”
Increasing service
The goal is to increase service capacity to seamlessly move customers between the Meadowlands Sports and Entertainment Complex and Secaucus Junction. The infrastructure investment aims to ensure that the area has the necessary public transportation system in place to attract and maintain some of the world’s largest entertainment and sporting events, creating an economic boost in the region.
“NJ TRANSIT takes another step toward advancing an innovative, original, and environmentally friendly solution that will allow us to seamlessly move far more customers between Secaucus Junction and the Meadowlands Complex,” said NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kevin Corbett. “This critical initiative will support economic growth in the state, while effectively meeting the anticipated travel demand to New Jersey’s premier sports, retail and entertainment destination.”
The proposals had to include zero emission vehicles or be readily transitioned to zero emission vehicles. Careful attention will be paid to the Hackensack River and its surrounding meadows.
For more information on the NJT “Innovation Challenge” visit njtransit.com/challenge.
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