NJ TRANSIT launched a new pilot program in partnership with technology company Via, bringing free, on-demand shuttle services to parts of Bergen County and Monmouth County in an effort to solve the “first-mile/last-mile” problem for public transit users. The service is similar to Stevens Shuttle, also powered by Via, which is a free, on-demand ride service for Stevens students and employees.
MicroLink, powered by NJ TRANSIT, began operating on April 6, 2026, and is a two-year pilot program funded by a $7 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The service is designed to connect residents to and from NJ TRANSIT bus stops and a few specific connections, such as the Englewood Health Center. Customers can book a ride using the MicroLink mobile app or by calling 973-233-4047. The system functions similarly to popular rideshare apps; users enter their pickup and drop-off locations, and the algorithm determines the most efficient route to shuttle them to a connecting bus stop.
In Bergen County, the service will be available in Bergenfield, Englewood, Teaneck, and Tenafly, and in Monmouth County, Freehold and Manalapan. Shuttle services run on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and consist of a fleet of electric and gas-powered vans that seat up to six passengers, including one wheelchair-accessible spot per vehicle. Transit officials view the pilot as a strategic investment to expand access to the existing network without the high cost of extending traditional bus routes into suburban neighborhoods. “By offering flexible, on-demand service, we are helping customers more easily connect to our bus network while also expanding access to the broader transit system for a more seamless trip,” said NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kris Kolluri.
The pilot program is currently scheduled to last for two years. During this time, NJ TRANSIT will monitor ridership data, customer feedback, and service efficiency to determine whether similar microtransit zones should be established in other parts of the state. Residents interested in using the service are advised to book their rides approximately 20 to 30 minutes before they wish to depart to allow for dynamic routing and pickup coordination.
