Paterson, NJ (April 23, 2026) – A driver was taken to a hospital after their vehicle struck an NJ Transit bus in Paterson, New Jersey, on Monday, April 21.
The crash happened just before 5 p.m. near the intersection of 21st Avenue and East 27th Street. Emergency units responded to reports of a bus accident at that location.
The NJ Transit bus was operating on the 703 Line, heading east toward the American Dream Mall, when another vehicle struck it. The driver of that vehicle was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
The bus was carrying nine passengers at the time of the collision. None of them, nor the bus driver, were hurt. After being cleared at the scene, the bus continued along its scheduled route.
The crash remains under investigation, and more details will be released as they become available. Our thoughts are with the driver as they recover.
How Are Bus Crashes Typically Handled on New Jersey Roads?
Crashes involving public transit buses in New Jersey tend to draw a quick response due to the number of people potentially on board. When a bus is struck by another vehicle, the first priority is checking on passengers and the driver before anything else. Even in lower-speed collisions, the size difference between a bus and a car can lead to very different outcomes for each driver involved.
Transit agencies like NJ Transit have their own reporting and review procedures separate from local traffic investigations. These typically include reviewing route data, driver logs, and any available vehicle footage. Bus routes may be briefly delayed or rerouted depending on whether the vehicle needs to be taken out of service for inspection after a collision.