On April 6, NJ TRANSIT, in partnership with Via, a leading provider of technology for government transit systems, launched a pilot program of microtransit shuttle services in portions of Monmouth and Bergen counties designed to connect customers at no cost to major bus stops and park & rides for connections with NJ TRANSIT’s main fixed route bus service.
“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,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “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.”
The Bergen County pilot program is operated by Via under contract with NJ TRANSIT. The
microtransit zone is centered along the Knickerbocker Road corridor encompassing sections of
Bergenfield, Tenafly, Englewood and Teaneck. The service connects customers to and from NJ
TRANSIT’s fixed-route bus service, including routes at the Teaneck Armory and Englewood
Health Center. Previously, bus route No. 139 had a limited number of peak period trips
through the Covered Bridge and Yorktown areas of Manalapan and the Stonehurst and Raintree
areas of Freehold Township. Those trips will no longer divert off Rt. 9 into those areas.
Customers will be able to connect to the No. 139 bus through the new MicroLink service, which
offers improved accessibility by having extended hours of service and the ability for customers
to book trips "on-demand."
"‘We are thrilled to partner with NJ TRANSIT to bring the next generation of public mobility to Monmouth and Bergen County," said Mike Vaccarino, Via's Chief Revenue Officer. " By integrating Via’s intelligent microtransit technology into the region’s existing infrastructure, we are making transit more flexible, accessible, and efficient for thousands of residents. MicroLink Powered by NJ TRANSIT underscores our shared commitment to expanding opportunity and access for New Jersey commuters through enhanced first/ and last/ mile connection."