May 14, 2025 (Newark, NJ) — Today, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced the upcoming launch of Via Newark, a free weekend-only, on-demand transit service. The six-month pilot program, developed in partnership with Invest Newark and TransitTech provider Via, is designed to help residents and visitors conveniently and affordably access key cultural, educational, and commercial destinations in the city's growing Arts and Education District.
Via Newark is open to the public starting Friday, May 16. Anyone can book an on-demand shared ride to travel anywhere within the service zone, but the program primarily seeks to ease travel for commerce and culture serve Arts and Education District points of interest (map available below). The program is supported by Urban Enterprise Zone funds made available thanks to the reform law spearheaded by the Late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver.
“This is what accessible, people-centered transportation looks like,” said Mayor Ras Baraka. “Via Newark helps ensure every resident — no matter their income or ZIP code — can enjoy all that our Arts and Education District has to offer.”
Anyone within Newark city limits can book a ride using the Via Newark app (available in the App Store and Google Play) or by calling 973-755-0805. Via’s intelligent algorithms matches riders heading in the same direction into one vehicle — creating quick and efficient shared trips. Riders may be directed to walk to their nearest street corner for pickup or dropoff — this minimizes detours and keeps trips running quickly for everyone.
Via Newark will operate Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“This program makes it easier than ever for families, students, and tourists to experience the best of Newark,” said Marcus Randolph, CEO of Invest Newark. “Via Newark removes transportation barriers and moves us closer to a more connected, inclusive city.”
Via Newark represents the latest in a growing trend of U.S. cities embracing microtransit to address mobility gaps. The initial pilot period will demonstrate how microtransit can be successfully deployed across Newark.
To learn more about how the service works or to book a ride, visit city.ridewithvia.com/newark.
###
About Via
Founded in 2012, Via pioneered the TransitTech category by using new technologies to develop public mobility systems — optimizing networks of buses, shuttles, wheelchair accessible vehicles, school buses, autonomous vehicles, and electric vehicles around the globe. Building the world’s most efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation network for all riders — including those with limited mobility, those without smartphones, and unbanked populations — Via works with its partners to lower the costs of public transit while providing transportation options that rival the convenience of a personal car while reducing the environmental impact. At the intersection of transportation and technology, Via is a visionary market leader that combines software innovation with sophisticated service design and operational expertise to fundamentally improve the way the world moves, providing technology in 700 communities and more than 35 countries and counting.
Contact:
Press Information Office
Susan Garofalo
Press Secretary
garofalos@ci.newark.nj.us
Sara-Jessica Dilks
Public Relations Principal at Via
sarajessica@ridewithvia.com