First On-Demand Public Bus Service Launched in NJ

On Feb 25, 2020

Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop and Via announce the launch of New Jersey’s first on-demand transit system. The city-run bus routes will greatly enhance transportation options for residents, with increased connectivity targeting transit deserts in the north and southwest sections of Jersey City. The city sought out the transportation network company Via to help solve mass transit woes, plagued with delays and rising fares. Via is a provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions.

Jersey City residents, visitors, and commuters are now able to use the Via app to hail a shared ride directly from their smartphone. The service will complement and extend the existing public transit infrastructure, providing better connections between residential neighborhoods, business districts, government facilities, PATH stations, and ferry and light rail stops in the north and south regions of the city.

Using the Via mobile app, or a dedicated phone line for users without access to a smartphone, passengers will select a pickup and drop-off location within the service zone and confirm their ride.

Once a ride is booked, Via’s 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”. Via’s technology routes vehicles in real-time, minimizing detours through the use of virtual bus stops to reduce congestion and emissions, while providing a highly-efficient rider experience.

At launch, all rides throughout the entire service zone will have special pricing of $1.00 per ride. Starting on March 21, standard pricing will be introduced. Riders can book a ride to-or-from the Central Zone, including Downtown and Journal Square at a flat rate of $2.00. Riders can book a ride anywhere within the outer service zone starting at $2.00, plus $0.50 per mile. The service will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Riders can request a wheelchair accessible vehicle in app or on the phone.

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