Via, Jersey City's Affordable On-Demand Transit Option, Surpassing 2 Million Rides

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop announced on Thursday that the city’s affordable, on-demand, app-based public transit service, Via, is surpassing two million rides.  That total represents 80% of all rides serving minorities at record-high efficiency in 2023.

Via Jersey City was introduced by the Fulop Administration nearly four years ago to expand access to equitable transportation by addressing “transit deserts.”  Since that time, the municipal ride share has established itself as one of the nation’s most successful programs of its kind in terms of ridership, efficiency, and impact.

Mayor Fulop stated during Thursday’s announcement that, “We are already shattering records and exceeding our goals of providing an affordable transit option that is proven to encourage more people onto mass transit and significantly expands mobility, especially for low-income and minority populations.  With Via Jersey City, we have created a blueprint for how public transportation should look across New Jersey, further establishing Jersey City as a coveted place to live, work, and play.”

One in five Jersey City residents have taken a Via ride.  According to a city press release, “Half of those riders report using Via to connect with other forms of public transit on a regular basis, proving its effectiveness in extending the reach of NJ Transit, PATH, and ferry lines and, in turn, reducing congestion and traffic.  The tech-based program averages over 14,000 rides per week.”

How does the system work?  As a “micro transit” service, Via Jersey City uses intelligent software from Via, the global leader in TransitTech, to match multiple riders headed in the same direction.  They ride together in a shared minivan at just $2 per ride.  The rides are free for trips to and from the newly-reopened Port Liberte ferry terminal.

“Via is proud of Jersey City for achieving two million on-demand transit rides in just under four years.  This incredible feat is a testament to Jersey City’s leadership in using technology to solve transit inequities and truly imagine a greater future for its community – we look forward to seeing the program continue to meet its goals in 2024,” said Mike Vaccarino, Vice President of Partnerships at Via.

The Via fleet uses a combination of high-capacity vans and electric vehicles to maximize use and reduce vehicle emissions.  For more information on how to use Via Jersey City, please visit: https://city.ridewithvia.com/jersey-city.