Passaic, NJ – The City of Passaic has been selected for a transformative Transit Hub Planning project facilitated by the Transit Hub Planning Program. This program is a partnership between the Center for Community Planning, the American Planning Association New Jersey Chapter (APA-NJ), and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). The program offers municipalities free professional planning assistance to develop plans for redeveloping or improving areas centered around transit hubs such as bus, rail, light rail, or ferry terminals.
Spearheaded by Mayor Hector C. Lora and Business Administrator Ricardo Fernandez, Passaic earned this opportunity through a highly competitive application process. The City’s request for assistance focused on the area surrounding the proposed new bus station on Main Avenue. Slated for completion between 2026 and 2028, the new station, funded by NJ TRANSIT will serve as a critical hub in Passaic’s Main Avenue commercial district.
Mayor Hector C. Lora’s visionary approach has been pivotal in advancing the Main Avenue redesign, which will transform the corridor into a more pedestrian and bike friendly area. The redesign includes replacing the current parking median with a modern promenade featuring reverse angle parking, a dedicated bike lane, ample seating areas and green space. Mayor Lora states, “This transformative initiative marks a significant step forward in Passaic’s commitment to creating a more accessible, sustainable, and thriving community. The new transit hub will not only enhance connectivity for our residents and visitors but also serve as a driving force for economic growth and development along Main Avenue. Together, we are reimagining Passaic as a city where modern infrastructure meets opportunity.” This initiative not only enhances the appeal of Main Avenue but also prioritizes safety and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.
In the City’s Transit Hub Plan, the City identified three primary objectives for the project:
1. Improving Intermodal Access to the Bus Terminal: The City aims to enhance intermodal connections between the new bus station and the surrounding area. Located centrally, the station will integrate smoothly with retail blocks, jitney services to New York City and nearby towns, as well as NJ Transit and the City’s UEZ bus routes. Pedestrian access will be enhanced to support these transit options, and a new parking garage, offering over 300 spaces, is currently under construction just one block away.
2. Developing a High-Level Plan to Connect the Bus Terminal to Nearby Rail Stations via Shuttle Service: Mayor Hector C. Lora envisions a plan to create a circulator transit service that links the new bus station with the Passaic Railroad Station on Passaic Avenue and the Garfield Rail Station across the Passaic River. This service will significantly enhance regional connectivity.