Jersey City will become the first in New Jersey to offer an on-demand bus system in partnership with Via, according to an announcement from Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and City Council.
The new commuting network looks to ease frustration among commuters often left dealing with overcrowded buses and unreliable NJ Transit schedules, while also filling the transit desert by providing more efficient connections between the north and south regions of the city.
“As NJ Transit continues to neglect the city’s mass transit systems, and without help from the state, we are now creating our own innovative solutions that will meet the needs of our residents,” said Mayor Fulop. “This is the latest step towards our larger vision of getting cars off the road, while creating mobility in neighborhoods that sometimes lack connectivity to other parts of the city.”
The unique vendor partnership will create an innovative transit system with virtual stops and routes based on passenger demand. This technology-based transit system will be the first of its kind in the state. Areas of Jersey City identified as primary service areas will increase connectivity to other key shopping and business districts, government facilities, as well as PATH, ferry and light rail stations.
“Via's powerful technology is seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure around the globe, redefining the way people get around cities," said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. "We're delighted to join forces with Mayor Fulop and the City Council to bring this cutting-edge, on-demand shuttle system to Jersey City, providing residents with a convenient, affordable and congestion-reducing dynamic transportation alternative."
Using the Via app, riders will be able to hail a shuttle directly from their smartphone. Via’s algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle. The technology will direct passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.
Via will operate at $2 per ride, with discounts for seniors and low-income residents at $1 or less. Service will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. While Via will operate with 14 vehicles in Greenville and the Heights, at least 10 percent of the program’s fleet will be fully electric vehicles, with a focus on increasing the number of electric vehicles in the upcoming years. Riders can request a wheelchair accessible vehicle should they indicate it is needed. This will also bring additional job opportunities to Jersey City, with Via drivers making well above the state’s minimum wage.
