The Hudson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously (9-0) to approve $150,000 in funding for a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system study, marking the first step in the process of implementing priority bus lanes on John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City.
By Dan Israel/Hudson County View
“Obviously, all modes of transportation are important to us, and this is the first step,” Board of Commissioners Chair Anthony Romano (D-5) told HCV after the vote.
“Feasibility studies tell you where your strengths and your weaknesses are, and what you can do and how you can do it in the most appropriate manner.”
Commissioner Fanny Cedeno (D-6) noted that given the popularity of public transit in Hudson County, it makes sense to consider the feasibility of options like BRT.
“During these times, a lot of people are commuting via public transportation,” she said.
“So I think it’s important that these studies are conducted so that we see what the best possible way is to provide the community with that service in a way that’s beneficial to them and gets them to where they have to go.”
Following the vote, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy applauded the move, stating that he had sought the funding for the study.
“During my campaign for county executive two years ago, I committed to prioritizing safer streets for pedestrians, bikers, and motorists. This included exploring the viability of Bus Rapid Transit on county roads, particularly on JFK Boulevard, so I am thrilled to see this study move forward,” he said in a statement today.
“Hudson County residents deserve reliable and accessible public transportation and with this effort I promise to work with our partners — our municipalities, planning agencies, and advocates — to make sure our roadways are efficient and safe throughout all of the county. I also look forward to continuing the county’s partnership with NJ Transit, which will be essential in implementing the study’s findings.”
The bus prioritization infrastructure consists of a set of street and signal tools designed to help buses move faster, more reliably, and with less delay, especially in traffic-heavy corridors like Kennedy Boulevard, Guy added.
It generally includes a mix of physical changes and tech upgrades, such as:
• Dedicated bus lanes (full-time or peak-hour) so buses aren’t stuck in general traffic
• Bus-only turns or curb space to avoid conflicts with cars and parking
• Transit Signal Priority so that traffic lights stay green longer or turn green sooner when a bus is approaching
• Bus-only signals at key intersections
• Accessible, well-designed shelters with real-time arrival info
• Paint, signage, and red-lane treatments to clearly mark priority space
• Integration with bike and pedestrian infrastructure to avoid conflicts
According to Guy, these tools, and others, can lead to faster trips and more reliable schedules thereby lowering operating costs for NJ Transit, better rider experience- especially for workers, students, and seniors- and reduced congestion and emissions.
“Jersey City residents deserve public transportation that actually works—buses that show up on time and get people where they need to go. County Executive Guy’s leadership on this study is an important first step toward making that a reality on JFK Boulevard,” added Jersey City Mayor James Solomon.
“Better, faster, more reliable bus service means shorter commutes for working people, less time stuck in traffic, and a more affordable way to get around our city. I look forward to working with the county, NJ Transit, and our residents to make this happen.”
Guy said the county will procure professional planning services as well as provide in-house resources and staffing.
According to Guy, the county intends to use available research and data through NJ Transit on ridership trends and demand analysis.
The study will include several opportunities for the public to provide feedback on road design elements such as dedicated bus lanes, other bus system accommodations, and parking.
The staff’s goal is to release a final report by the end of 2026. In response to requests by Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) for the request for proposals, officials told the board it would be in their hands by the next meeting before the RFP is put out.
At the commissioners meeting, Hudson County Complete Streets PATH Campaign Organizer Jack McKee expressed enthusiasm that they were taking this first step.
“Our county has a lot of great transportation networks, north to south. A little bit inland off the coast, that’s the weak spot,” he began.
“When I was speaking, just to illustrate how this can affect daily lives, I had to go to Union City the other day, and I asked someone, ‘Hey, I have to go to Union City, what would you recommend?’ And the answer was don’t. And that’s just the reality.”
According to McKee, BRT on Kennedy Boulevard can connect different communities in the county, ultimately concluding that while the focus is often on the cost, this study has a lot of value.
“ … Very ambitious projects, they all started with, ‘It’s impossible, it can’t be done, it’s too expensive, it’s not the right time, it’s not the right thing,” he declared.
“And now, each and every one of these projects, bridges, tunnels, everything, it’s unthinkable to exist in this area without the PATH tunnels, without the Newark Bay Bridge, without the Lincoln Tunnel. I know this is just the first step, but I encourage you to do more, faster, and whatever you can do.”
 system study at yesterday's meeting.){kind=link}
The real credit and thanks goes to now-Councilwoman Eleana Little, who ran on BRT in 2020 and 2023. Craig Guy would never have thought of this himself. Think about that the next time you treat progressives and leftists like the enemy.
Another $150,000.00 for just another study to a connected vendor.