Access Link users can utilize Lyft, Uber

NJ Transit is partnering with Uber and Lyft on a pilot program allowing Access Link users to opt in to receiving rides through the two services.

The goal of this pilot program, called 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.

“The Riders’ Choice Pilot Program will improve Access Link reliability, while offering additional transportation options to customers of this crucial service,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti.

(Continued from Page 14) as a catalyst for environmental improvements and economic development in the adjacent communities.

It stands to become a destination unto itself as a place for exercise, recreation and access to the great outdoors. The DEP anticipates that the project will spur new enterprises and support existing businesses in areas in need of economic growth and redevelopment.

The Greenway will connect residents to parks, schools, hospitals, and business districts, in addition to offering com- muters a way to bypass some of New Jersey’s most congested roadways.

The Greenway passes near the Newark light rail and NJ Transit’s Frank R. Lautenberg Secaucus Junction train station, which provide direct access to New York’s Penn Station. Currently the Greenway is an undeveloped nine-mile piece of land that is closed to public access. Closure is necessary for public safety, to allow the Department to complete remediation and clean up while we undertake a public planning process for park improvements, DEP said.

With this new partnership, Uber and Lyft drivers will now be available to supplement Access Link services as needed only if the customer opts in to utilize the pilot program, according to a press release from 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.

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, the release said.

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.

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.

The pilot program has begun in Essex, Morris, Union and other counties. Further details on potential expansion will be announced at a future date.

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 – as long as the origin and destination are 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.

“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,” said NJ TRANSIT President and CEO Kevin S. Corbett.

Jen Shepherd, global head of transit at Uber said the partnership with NJ TRANSIT will help cut down on wait time and improve reliability for Access Link riders.