New Jersey Transit has launched a “free shuttle van” ride-hailing service connecting passengers’ residences with bus stops, focusing on Korean-dense towns within Bergen County such as Tenafly, Englewood, and Teaneck. Transit authorities announced that they began a pilot operation of a new public transportation ride-hailing program called “MicroLink” on the 6th.
Funded by the federal government and operating for the next two years, this program allows passengers to directly hail a van via a mobile application to travel from their residences to nearby bus stops or transfer parking lots. This pilot service is initially available only in parts of Bergen County and Monmouth County within New Jersey. The service areas within Bergen County include four towns with large Korean populations: Tenafly, Englewood, Teaneck, and Bergenfield. The service is available on weekdays from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM and is free of charge during the pilot period.
Passengers can conveniently travel from near their residences to bus stops by booking a vehicle in real-time via the ‘Microlink’ app. The Transit Authority emphasized, “This service was established for passengers who experienced inconvenience using public transportation due to the long distance from their homes to bus stops,” adding that it “will play a role in dramatically improving public transportation accessibility for local residents.” Residents wishing to use the service can download the ‘Microlink’ app on their smartphones.
Elderly individuals and others unfamiliar with using apps can also request a ride by phone (973-233-4047). However, as the service operates on a demand-based basis, reservations must be made 20 to 30 minutes in advance to ensure a smooth experience. The vehicles deployed for the Microlink service are 6-seater vans equipped with wheelchair boarding facilities to accommodate those with mobility impairments.