Via has experienced steady daily growth and high demand since launch in Jersey City, with an increasing number of both new and repeat riders. Via

Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Via launched the first on-demand public bus service in New Jersey. In the first two weeks, the service has provided more than 5,000 rides, with top routes and rider feedback indicating that residents and visitors are using the service to fill the gaps in the existing public transit infrastructure for both commuting and leisure purposes, key goals of the service.

Via has experienced steady daily growth and high demand since launch in Jersey City, with an increasing number of both new and repeat riders. Ridership is strong during commuter hours, with more than 30% of trips to or from core transit hubs. Throughout the day, the service has a high volume of rides to major commercial destinations. Average wait times are less than 12 to 15 minutes.

The service was purpose-built to complement and extend Jersey City’s existing public transit infrastructure, while filling the gaps in areas that need it most. Transit hubs in Downtown Jersey City are vast, but the North and South regions of the city suffer from little access to public transit. The cost to expand traditional public transit infrastructure is significant and Mayor Fulop and his team identified Via’s technology as an innovative solution that Jersey City could proactively introduce to create mobility for residents while taking private vehicles off the roads.

Using the Via mobile app, or a dedicated phone line for riders without access to a smartphone, residents, visitors, and commuters can book a shared ride. Via’s advanced technology matches multiple passengers headed in the same direction into one of 15 high-capacity vehicles, and directs passengers to a nearby corner, or “virtual bus stop” for pickup. Vehicles are routed in real-time, minimizing detours to reduce congestion and emissions, while providing a highly-efficient rider experience.

Rides to-or-from Downtown cost $2, and rides within the outer service zone start at $2, plus $.50 per mile. The service operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Riders can request a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

The project operates in partnership with Avis Budget Group, who provides the vehicles, as well as turnkey fleet management services, including vehicle maintenance.