NJ Transit Adds Overnight Parking at Light Rail Stations

NJ Transit adds overnight parking at two Hudson-Bergen Light Rail stations in mid-April

Lead

NJ Transit's adding overnight parking at two Hudson-Bergen Light Rail stations starting mid-April. West Side Avenue and Liberty State Park stations will offer daily and monthly overnight parking permits, with daily tickets going on sale April 15th at $30 per 24 hours and monthly permits for May available April 19th at $345. The agency said it evaluated commuter usage over recent months and determined portions of the lots could accommodate overnight parkers while maintaining access for daily commuters.

Context and Background

The overnight parking program is part of NJ Transit's LAND Plan, which aims to maximize non-fare box revenue, transit officials said. The agency priced the overnight parking below market rates at nearby garages while ensuring sufficient spaces remain for daily light rail commuters. Transit agencies nationwide have increasingly looked to parking revenue as a way to supplement fare income and offset operating costs. The initiative aims to benefit both customers and the surrounding community, according to the transit agency.

Key Details

Daily overnight tickets cost $30 for 24 hours and will be available starting April 15th. Monthly permits are priced at $345 per month, with May permits going on sale April 19th. All permits must be purchased through ticket vending machines at the stations on a first-come, first-served basis. Monthly permit holders must renew before the start of each calendar month. Officials didn't specify how many overnight parking spaces will be available at each station or what hours constitute overnight parking.

Timeline and Implementation

Sales for daily overnight parking begin April 15th, with the first monthly permits for May available starting April 19th. The program launches after NJ Transit evaluated several months of commuter parking patterns at both stations. Officials said the staggered sales dates allow the agency to manage the rollout while ensuring daily commuters aren't displaced by overnight parkers.

Rider Impact and Moovit

The overnight parking option provides a new amenity for light rail riders who need extended parking beyond typical commuter hours. Permits are available only at station ticket vending machines, and spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Riders can use Moovit to plan trips to West Side Avenue and Liberty State Park stations and access real-time Hudson-Bergen Light Rail schedules.