Camden Community Partnership (CCP) and Via have launched Camden Loop, a new on-demand, app-based public transit service designed to fill transportation access gaps in the city of Camden, N.J.
Camden Loop utilizes innovative technology to expand access to affordable, efficient and equitable public transportation for the Camden community. By using the Camden Loop app (available in App Store and Google Play), residents and workers in the service zone area can book an on-demand public transit ride to easily and affordably connect with New Jersey Transit and Port Authority Transit Corporation stations, work, errands and more.
"In Camden, we believe that every resident deserves access to good jobs and a chance to build a better future,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “The Camden Loop plays a vital role in achieving that vision, as it connects our residents to employment centers and unlocks doors to new opportunities. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to ensuring Camden's continued upward trajectory and an improved quality of life for our citizens."
The new and innovative service aims to meet the needs of Camden residents accessing employment in the city of Camden, as well as providing efficient connections to public transit options outside the city. Additionally, the service also looks to support Camden residents with transportation to access health care appointments, healthy food options, including fresh produce, and other similar services to support improved social determinants of health outcomes and help them with access to other needs while reducing the transportation barrier.
"We believe transportation should never be a barrier to accessing meaningful job opportunities or having reliable access to other services that impact the social determinants of health for Camden residents,” said Dana Redd, president and CEO of CCP. “With the launch of the Camden Loop, we are breaking down these barriers and providing our residents with a convenient and reliable way to commute. By connecting Camden residents to employment centers, we are focused on providing equitable access and building a thriving community."
Camden Loop initially launched on June 13 as CCP and Via initiated the rollout and introduction of services across the city to residents. The services are now fully integrated. Residents are utilizing the services provided through branded mini-van vehicles that are highly visible across the city. During the soft launch, the services were provided at no cost for the first month. The $2 cost per ride will begin on or about July 17. Camden Loop will also develop and offer monthly passes and a bundle package for rides at a reduced cost, to provide residents with affordable options. These options will be rolled out in the near future.
“Via is thrilled to partner with Camden Community Partnership to bring 21st-century public transportation to the people of Camden,” said Eric Gardiner, East Coast partnerships director at Via. “Camden Loop will make it easier for the Camden community to live, work and play by providing a flexible and equitable way to get from Point A to Point B without needing a private car. We are confident this program will transform mobility in the city and look forward to seeing other New Jersey communities follow Camden’s lead.”
“Easily accessible and quality transportation is vital to any community,” said Camden County Commissioner Melinda Kane. “The Camden Loop is a transformative venture that will give the residents of this city more options to access the communities within and beyond the city limits, which will inevitably have a positive impact on things like the regional job market and economy, as well as roadway congestion and more.”
Camden Loop uses advanced software from Via to match riders headed in the same direction into one electric vehicle, creating quick and efficient shared trips that provide greater flexibility than traditional public transit. Via also powers hundreds of similar “micro-transit” programs across the globe, including the successful Via Jersey City service, which launched in February 2020.
"As a proud resident of Camden, my first experience on the Camden Loop was truly remarkable. Not only was it convenient and easy to book a ride through the app, but I also had the pleasure of meeting a driver who lived in Camden too, fostering a sense of community that made the experience even more special," said Camden resident and Camden Loop rider Tameeka Mason.
Camden Loop will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Riders can pay through credit or debit card using the Camden Loop app or by phone. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available upon request.
