NJ TRANSIT, in partnership with Via and funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), is launching a pilot microtransit shuttle program in portions of Monmouth and Bergen counties.

The service will offer free connections to major bus stops and park-and-rides, linking customers to NJ TRANSIT’s fixed-route bus network.

“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,” 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.”

MicroLINK Powered by NJ TRANSIT

The pilot program, entitled “MicroLink powered by NJ TRANSIT,” will operate 6 a.m.- 8 p.m. weekdays, beginning immediately, and is a free, on-demand service accessible through the MicroLink app or by phone. Customers similarly reserve rides to popular rideshare services. All services are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Microtransit is designed to improve public transit accessibility by establishing common pickup and drop-off points within local communities for first- and last-mile connections to the broader public transportation network.

MicroLink’s fleet is a mix of electric and gas-powered vans that seat six, including one wheelchair-accessible seat in each vehicle.

The Monmouth County pilot program operates in two service areas.  Service area 1 encompasses sections of Manalapan and Marlboro, connecting customers to and from the Union Hill Park & Ride in Marlboro. Service area 2 covers sections of Freehold Township and Freehold Borough, connecting customers to and from the Freehold Mall Park & Ride. These services are operated directly by NJ TRANSIT, using software provided by Via.

Via operates the Bergen County pilot program 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.