NJ TRANSIT announced it has taken another step towards contributing to the City of Camden’s revitalization and development by initiating Phase 2 of the Walter Rand Transportation Center (WRTC) Improvement Project.

The second phase of this project, which aims to finalize the concept plan and bring the project up to 30% design, was approved during the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors meeting held on Sept. 14. 

“NJ TRANSIT is committed to investing in our facilities and their surrounding communities,” said Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, New Jersey Department of Transportation commissioner. “The improvements to the Walter Rand Transportation Center will enhance our services and improve the customer experience while revitalizing the City of Camden and advancing its economic renaissance.” 

History of the WRTC Improvement Project

At the October 2021 Board meeting, the NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors approved a contract with HNTB Corporation of New York for Conceptual, Preliminary, and Final Engineering Services, with funding authorization for Phase 1 of the project, which consisted of conceptual development services. 

Phase 1 was completed by HNTB in May 2023. 

With the latest Board approval, HNTB is authorized to begin Phase 2 of the project at a cost not to exceed $6,997,708  plus 5% for contingencies. 

Phase 2 includes finalizing the concept plan, bringing the design up to 30% as well as other engineering and environmental permitting tasks.

“The Board’s approval for Phase 2 of the WRTC Improvement Project marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to revitalize South Jersey’s transportation network,” said NJ TRANSIT President/CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “This phase will bring us closer to providing a more efficient and integrated transit hub for the region, contributing at the same time to the broader development goals of the City of Camden.”

What the WRTC Improvement Project Provides

The WRTC Improvement Project will ultimately replace the existing facility with an expanded multi-purpose transit center that will provide an improved link for transportation in South Jersey.

The new center will better accommodate the 26 bus lines that serve the facility; provide improved intermodal connectivity with the PATCO Speedline subway and the River LINE light rail; support intercity independent bus services and provide an opportunity for integration with zero-emission buses. 

Additionally, the new WRTC will provide additional parking, potential administrative offices, and value-capture retail opportunities to the adjacent growing educational and healthcare corridor in downtown Camden.

Other aspects of the Camden development renaissance include a proposed multi-million-dollar redevelopment of the nearby waterfront to the west of downtown and the valued presence of the headquarters for both the Campbell Soup Company and Subaru of America located to the east.