Passaic County, VVTA launch microtransit services

Passaic County in New Jersey and the Victor Valley Transit Authority (VVTA) are launching new microtransit services to better serve its communities. 

Passaic County 

The county’s new microtransit program will expand transportation options for residents in Passaic and Clifton, N.J., offering greater flexibility, accessibility and convenience. The program is a significant step forward in the county’s ongoing commitment to providing equitable transit solutions that meet the needs of all community members.  

Passaic County notes the micro-transit initiative is designed to complement existing transportation services, including the county’s well-established paratransit service, which serves seniors, people with disabilities and residents in need of assistance getting to medical appointments, grocery stores and other essential locations.  

Through this new program, powered by TransitTech provider Via, riders will benefit from on-demand, app-based transit services that operate with greater flexibility than traditional bus routes. Passaic County notes the service will use smaller vehicles to enhance mobility options in areas that are not easily accessible by large buses or fixed transit routes. Additionally, the microtransit service will provide first/last mile transportation to and from transit stops and stations within the service area, increasing access to existing transit options across Passaic County. The microtransit vehicles will be equipped with accessibility features, ensuring that riders of all abilities can use the service.  

“Passaic County is committed to improving transportation options that make a real difference in the lives of our residents,” said Passaic County Board of County Commissioners Director John Bartlet. “This microtransit program will not only provide more flexible options for residents in urban and suburban areas, but will also ensure that we continue to offer equitable and inclusive transit solutions.”  

The county notes the program will also strengthen the existing paratransit services by expanding routes and increasing support for those who rely on transportation to maintain their independence and access essential services. 

The new microtransit system is expected to be operational in mid-2025 and will feature user-friendly booking through a mobile app, a phone hotline and web-based options for those without smartphones.  

Key features of the new microtransit program:  

• On-demand, app-based booking system  
• Small, accessible vehicles designed for greater mobility in underserved areas  
• Integration with Passaic County’s existing paratransit services  
• Expanded route options to serve more residents  
• First/last mile connections to transit stops and stations within the service area  

As part of the program’s launch, Passaic County is working closely with local municipalities, including Passaic and Clifton, to ensure that the service addresses the unique needs of each community. 

VVTA 

VVTA has launched Micro-Link, which will serve South Victorville, North Victorville, and Hesperia zone areas Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with on-demand transportation services.  Micro-Link, which will cost $2 per ride, serves three areas in Apple Valley, Hesperia and Victorville. Riders can schedule a ride from five days to on-demand availability via the Micro-Link app or by phone. Payment is accepted by cash only on board each van at the time of pickup.  

The agency notes the curb-to-curb service will take riders to the nearest bus stop if riders need to get to somewhere outside the service area. If riders choose to travel outside the zone area, each $2 trip includes a free fixed route day pass. 

VVTA notes the wait time for the service is based on availability from time of reservation to time of pickup from riders’ requested location within the service zone. The agency notes arrival time are subject to changes based on unforeseen circumstances such as traffic conditions, weather conditions, delays caused by passengers (i.e. no shows) and/or traffic accidents. 

The agency says Micro-Link is a supplement to the existing bus service and is meant to complement equity, reliability and efficiency improvements being implemented as a six-month pilot program.