NJ TRANSIT announced it is preparing for the upcoming procurement for the operation and maintenance of the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system by hosting an industry forum on Jan. 11.

Since its inception in 2000, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail has operated under the initial design-build-operate-maintain (DBOM) contract. As that contract gets set to expire in the coming years, NJ TRANSIT said it is evaluating all options on how best to continue delivering a quality operation and maintenance of the system.

“The Hudson-Bergen Light Rail system is vital to the continued economic renaissance of Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Weehawken, Union City, and North Bergen,” said Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, New Jersey Department of Transportation commissioner. “It is critical to our sustainability efforts to continue offering customers a world-class experience and provide high-quality mass transit options in one of the most densely populated regions of our state.”

NJ TRANSIT added it is seeking feedback from industry participants to determine the interest of potential partners, inform the scope of the procurement, and choice of the delivery model to help shape the upcoming procurement.

“Conceived to help revitalize urban waterfront areas along the Hudson River, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail has played a critical role in spurring significant economic growth and development throughout Hudson County since it opened in April 2000,” said Kevin S. Corbett, NJ TRANSIT president/CEO. “As the procurement process for the operations and maintenance of the HBLR is set to get underway, it’s critical that we continue to deliver safe and reliable light rail service while continuing to drive economic development and growth along the line.”

The virtual forum will be held on Jan. 11 at 11:00 a.m. ET.