Century-Old Bus Company Closes: NJ Transit Takes the Wheel

A century-old bus company in New Jersey is shutting down. Broadway Bus Company, serving Bayonne for over 100 years, will cease operations on November 30, 2025. This marks the end of an era for local commuters.

NJ Transit will immediately take over the route. Service will resume on December 1 under the public agency. The route will be rebranded as the No. 12 Broadway Route.

Why Private Carriers Are Disappearing

Broadway Bus is not an isolated case. According to Reuters, this is the seventh private carrier route NJ Transit has absorbed since 2023. A wave of closures is reshaping regional transit.

The primary cause is financial strain. Many companies never recovered from pandemic-era ridership drops. Soaring operational costs have made routes unsustainable for smaller operators.

NJ Transit’s Plan for the Broadway Route

NJ Transit promises a smooth transition. The new No. 12 route will offer more efficient coverage. It will connect key areas in Bayonne with major transit hubs.

Some stops may be consolidated for better service flow. The agency plans to run buses every half hour during peak times. This schedule aims to maintain reliable service for all former Broadway riders.

Community Reaction and Broader Impact

Longtime residents express sadness. Many have relied on the familiar Broadway buses for decades. The driver’s personal touch will be missed.

The closure highlights a critical shift in public transportation. Private carriers are increasingly unable to compete. Public agencies like NJ Transit are becoming the default service providers.

This trend places more pressure on state budgets. It also centralizes transit planning and operations. The long-term effects on service quality and cost are still unclear.

The NJ Transit takeover of the Broadway route ensures continued service for Bayonne. This move reflects a larger, necessary consolidation within the state’s transit network. Reliable public transportation remains a vital community asset.

Dropping this nugget your way

What happened to Broadway Bus Company?

Broadway Bus Company is closing after more than 100 years. It stopped operations on November 30, 2025. NJ Transit has taken over its service route.

When did the new NJ Transit route start?

The new No. 12 Broadway Route began on December 1, 2025. It replaced the former Broadway Bus service. Schedules are available on the NJ Transit website.

Will all the old bus stops remain?

Not all previous stops will be kept. NJ Transit has optimized the route for efficiency. Some stops were consolidated to improve overall service flow.

How often will the new bus run?

The No. 12 route will run every 30 minutes during peak hours. Off-peak service may be less frequent. Check the official schedule for exact times.

Why are so many private bus companies closing?

Many companies face financial hardship. Lower post-pandemic ridership and high costs are key factors. This has led to a trend of NJ Transit taking over routes.

Did a recent outage affect NJ Transit services?

A Cloudflare outage on November 18 disrupted the NJ Transit app and website. Digital ticketing was temporarily unavailable. Service has since been fully restored.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press, CBS New York, NorthJersey.com