Via Jersey City Reaches Microtransit Milestone

Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced Jersey City’s on-demand, app-based public transit service, Via, surpassed two million rides, with 80% of all rides serving people of color. The program also achieved record-high efficiency in 2023.

The Fulop Administration introduced Via nearly four years ago to expand access to equitable transportation by addressing “transit deserts.”

“We are already shattering records and exceeding our goals of providing an affordable transit option that is proven to encourage more people onto mass transit and significantly expands mobility, especially for low-income and minority populations,” said Mayor Fulop. “With Via Jersey City, we have created a blueprint for how public transportation should look across New Jersey, further establishing Jersey City as a coveted place to live, work, and play.” 

By the Numbers: Via Jersey City

Half of riders report using Via to connect with other forms of public transit regularly, as it extends the reach of NJ Transit, PATH, and ferry lines and, in turn, reduces congestion and traffic. The tech-based program averages over 14,000 rides per week.

Service metrics from 2023 validate that Via is achieving what it set out to do in terms of providing an efficient and equitable transit connection to the community:

• 60% of all rides serve low-income residents
• 1/3 of riders say they travel more often with Via
• 2/3 of riders do not have access to a personal car
• 85% of riders use the service for essential needs
• Avoided 28,000 gallons of gas and 483,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide in the past three months
• 63,000 rides in September alone, the highest to date, with historically low wait times

As a microtransit service, Via Jersey City uses intelligent software from Via to match multiple riders headed in the same direction into one shared minivan at $2 per ride (or free for trips to and from the newly reopened Port Liberte ferry terminal).

“Via is proud of Jersey City for achieving two million on-demand transit rides in just under four years. This incredible feat is a testament to Jersey City’s leadership in using technology to solve transit inequities and truly imagine a greater future for its community – we look forward to seeing the program continue to meet its goals in 2024,” said Mike Vaccarino, VP of Partnerships at Via.