NJ Transit announced recently that it will launch a pilot microtransit shuttle program in Monmouth and Bergen counties.
The pilot program, conducted in partnership with Via and with funding from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), will offer free connections to major bus stops and park & rides, as a way to link customers in portions of those counties with the NJ Transit fixed-bus route network.
“MicroLink powered by NJ TRANSIT is a smart, customer-focused investment that is part of building a more connected, reliable, and rider-focused NJ TRANSIT,” New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill said. “By bringing flexible, on-demand service to communities in Monmouth and Bergen counties, and meeting people where they are, we’re making it easier than ever to access a transit system that works for riders.”
The pilot program, “MicroLINK powered by NJ Transit,” will provide free, on-demand service weekdays between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., beginning Monday, April 6. Customers can reserve rides, like they would with rideshare services. Microtransit is designed to improve accessibility to public transit by establishing common pickup and drop-off points within local communities for first-and last-mile connections to the broader transportation network with a fleet of ADA compliant electric and gas-powered six-seat vans.
In Monmouth County, the program will operate in two service areas: one encompassing sections of Manalapan and Marlboro to connect customers to and from Union Hill Park & Ride in Marlboro; and another covering sections of Freehold Township and Freehold Borough to connect customers to and from the Freehold Mall Park & Ride.
In Bergen County, the pilot program is operated by Via and provides customers along the Knickerbocker Road corridor with connections to and from the NJ Transit fixed-route bus service, including routes in the Teaneck Armory and Englewood Health Center.
“Thanks to funding support from the FTA, we are pleased to introduce ‘MicroLink powered by NJ TRANSIT’ as a new way to make transit more accessible and convenient for our customers when it comes to first- and last-mile connections,” NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri said . “By offering flexible, on-demand service, we are helping customers more easily connect to our bus network while also expanding access to the broader transit system for a more seamless trip.”