New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) is partnering with Uber and Lyft on a pilot program allowing Access Link users to receive rides through the two services. The goal of the Access Link Riders’ Choice Pilot Program is to reduce wait and trip times while maintaining Access Link prices and the reservation process to which customers are accustomed.
Access Link is NJ Transit's American with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit program established to provide public transportation to people with disabilities who are unable to utilize local bus services. The area covered by Access Link is comparable to NJ Transit's Local Fixed Route bus system. The service can be used to travel to any destination – for any reason – if the destination is within the Access Link service area. Because Access Link is a “shared ride” service, other customers may be picked up during a scheduled ride if their location is on the way to the requested destination.
“NJ Transit strives to provide efficient and reliable transportation services to all of our customers, particularly those who are the most vulnerable,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ Transit Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “The Riders’ Choice Pilot Program will improve Access Link reliability while offering additional transportation options to customers of this crucial service.”
“This pilot program is a perfect example of how NJ Transit is leveraging innovative partnerships to enhance our Access Link service,” said NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “By adding Uber and Lyft as travel options, we will improve the Access Link travel experience for our customers while making it more cost effective for NJ Transit.”
Customers who do not opt into the pilot program will continue to have all of their trips serviced by the current Access Link providers. Participation in the pilot program is strictly voluntary. Benefits of the pilot program include:
- Improvement of on-time performance and productivity
- Decreased missed trips
- Improvement in retention of Access Link drivers
Prior to scheduling a trip, Access Link customers in the Riders’ Choice Pilot Program must update their profile to indicate which rideshare service, Uber or Lyft, they would like to use. Customers also have the option to indicate they have no preference and are willing to utilize both providers. Use of the Uber or Lyft app is not necessary, and customers will not be required to contact either company directly. The determination to dispatch Uber or Lyft in lieu of an Access Link vehicle will be made based upon the best available scheduling option.
“Uber strives to make transportation as easy as possible for all,” said Jen Shepherd, global head of transit at Uber. “This partnership with NJ Transit will help cut down on wait time and improve reliability for Access Link riders. We are proud to help improve this critical service.”
The pilot program began May 10 in regions 2 and 5, which include Essex, Morris, Union, Somerset, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem Counties, as well as parts of Cumberland County. The pilot program may expand to additional counties statewide.
“Lyft is excited to partner with NJ Transit on this innovative new program that will expand mobility options for Access Link customers,” said Zach Greenberger, chief business officer at Lyft. “Through similar partnerships across the U.S., we have seen riders benefit from decreased wait times, improved reliability and convenience, which ensures they can get to and from work, school, appointments and other activities.”
