The system is a component of the state's ' smart growth' strategy to reduce auto-ridership and to revitalize older urban and suburban areas through transit-oriented development. With an eventual overall cost of approximately $2.2 billion to complete its initial operating segments, the Hudson–Bergen Light Rail was one of the largest ever public works projects in New Jersey. The project was financed by a mixture of state and federal funding. Despite its name, the system does not serve Bergen County, into which long-standing plans for expansion have not advanced. HBLR has 24 stations along a total track length of 17 miles (27 km) for each of its two tracks and as of 2017 serves over 52,000 weekday passengers. The line generally runs parallel to the Hudson River and Upper New York Bay, while its northern end and its western branch travel through the lower Hudson Palisades. The system began operating its first segment in April 2000, expanded in phases during the next decade, and was completed with the opening of its southern terminus on January 31, 2011. Owned by New Jersey Transit (NJT) and operated by the 21st Century Rail Corporation, it connects the communities of Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City (at the city line with West New York), and North Bergen. The Hudson–Bergen Light Rail ( HBLR) is a light rail system in Hudson County, New Jersey, United States.

Hudson bergen light rail schedule