Bayonne, NJ — Starting December 1, Bayonne residents will see a major change in their daily commute as NJ Transit officially takes over the Broadway Bus Company’s sole route, marking the sixth time since 2021 that the agency has stepped in to replace a private carrier shutting down operations.
The Broadway Bus Company, which has long served Bayonne’s main shopping and business corridor, announced earlier this month that November 30 will be its final day in service. In response, NJ Transit is launching a new route — the No. 12 Broadway Route — to prevent disruptions for thousands of local riders.
Why Broadway Bus Is Shutting Down
For decades, Broadway Bus Company connected key areas along Broadway, Avenue C, and Kennedy Boulevard. However, NJ Transit officials noted that the route had “very, very light ridership,” making it increasingly difficult for the private company to continue financially.
This closure reflects a broader trend. Since 2021, multiple New Jersey private bus carriers — including DeCamp, A&C, and Orange-Newark-Elizabeth (Coach USA) — have ended service, leaving public agencies to fill the gap.
“This is the sixth time since 2021 we have taken over for a private carrier,” said NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri. “It’s becoming a pattern where we step in when a private carrier walks away because it doesn’t financially work.”
More Frequent Service: What Riders Can Expect on Dec. 1
NJ Transit plans to improve service frequency along the corridor. While Broadway Bus previously ran hourly, NJ Transit will run buses every 30 minutes, offering more convenience for commuters.
However, riders should expect some changes to the route map. While the new Route 12 will cover the same general areas, officials say it will be restructured for better efficiency and stronger connections to other NJ Transit lines.
The full schedule and updated stop list will be released in the coming weeks.
Why NJ Transit Couldn’t Merge This Route With Others
Although much of the new route runs parallel to existing NJ Transit lines, officials say merging it wasn’t a realistic option.
“It runs parallel to everything, there is no way to combine it with other lines, and the distance between the avenues is large for people with challenges,” said Mike Kilcoyne, NJ Transit’s bus operations general manager.
Maintaining a dedicated route ensures better accessibility, especially for seniors and residents with mobility needs.
The Takeover Will Cost NJ Transit $1.6 Million a Year
Operating the new Broadway line is projected to cost $1.6 million annually. While NJ Transit will reclaim eight buses that were previously provided to the private operator, the agency will still need to hire new drivers to run the service.
The takeover is funded through NJ Transit’s 2025 budget, which includes $40 million set aside specifically for routes inherited from failing private carriers.
Bayonne Officials Praise the Move
Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis welcomed the news, saying the takeover protects a long-standing tradition of easy access to public transportation within the city.
“Bayonne has a long tradition of being a convenient community with several transportation options. I am glad that tradition will continue,” Davis said. He thanked both Broadway Bus and NJ Transit for ensuring continued service for “senior citizens, shoppers, students, workers, and others who use the Broadway Bus.”
What This Means for Bayonne Residents and Businesses
The Broadway corridor is a lifeline for Bayonne — connecting neighborhoods, supporting businesses, and giving residents a direct link to work and shopping areas. NJ Transit’s takeover ensures:
- No interruption in service after Nov. 30
- More reliable 30-minute frequency
- Improved connections to the wider NJ Transit network
- Long-term stability backed by state funding
For local businesses in Bayonne’s busy retail district, consistent bus service remains essential for foot traffic and economic activity.
The Bigger Picture: A Shift Away From Private Transit
New Jersey is seeing a clear pattern: private bus companies are struggling to stay afloat, especially on routes with light ridership or rising operational costs. Public agencies like NJ Transit are increasingly stepping in to preserve essential transportation for residents.
While this shift increases costs for NJ Transit — and ultimately taxpayers — it also ensures equitable, reliable transit access, especially in communities where residents depend on buses for work, school, and daily errands.
What’s Next
Riders can expect complete details — including maps, schedules, and adjusted stop locations — to be released by NJ Transit before the December 1 launch.
For now, commuters can rest assured: the Broadway line isn’t going away — it’s getting a state-backed upgrade.
