Case Studies > Via Jersey City: An On-Demand Public Transit Solution

Via Jersey City: An On-Demand Public Transit Solution

Company Size
1,000+
Region
  • America
Country
  • United States
Product
  • Via Jersey City
  • Mercedes Metris Vans
  • Kia Niro Electric SUVs
Tech Stack
  • On-Demand Transit Platform
  • Electric Vehicles
Implementation Scale
  • Enterprise-wide Deployment
Impact Metrics
  • Cost Savings
  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Environmental Impact Reduction
Technology Category
  • Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)
  • Networks & Connectivity - Cellular
Applicable Industries
  • Cities & Municipalities
  • Transportation
Applicable Functions
  • Business Operation
  • Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
  • Fleet Management
  • Public Transportation Management
  • Smart City Operations
Services
  • Software Design & Engineering Services
  • System Integration
About The Customer
Jersey City, located in New Jersey, is a bustling urban area with a diverse population. The city has been proactive in addressing its public transportation needs, especially in underserved neighborhoods. The local government, led by Mayor Steven Fulop, has been keen on improving mobility and accessibility for its residents. Jersey City has a mix of commuters, residents, seniors, and students who rely on public transit for their daily activities. The city has been working closely with various stakeholders, including ward leaders and city transit planners, to design and implement effective transportation solutions.
The Challenge
After the regional transit authority canceled key bus routes in two neighborhoods already underserved by fixed route transit, Jersey City took its transportation needs into its own hands. The city aimed to improve mobility and complement existing transit options. The challenge was to provide a comprehensive public transit solution that could serve commuting and other trips, especially in areas with limited fixed route services. The goal was to create a city-controlled, on-demand public transit system that could offer greater connectivity to light rails and major downtown employment centers.
The Solution
Via Jersey City was launched in February 2020 with a fleet that included electric vehicles, reflecting a commitment to sustainable transport. The service was designed to fit seamlessly into the existing transit ecosystem with a fare of $2, comparable to the city bus. The innovative service model allowed riders to book trips to or from central wards but not within them, ensuring that the service complemented existing transit options like PATH, light rail, and bus routes. In response to growing demand and social distancing requirements amid the global pandemic, the service expanded in September 2020 by almost doubling its fleet size. The service zone covered 15 square miles, and the fleet included 24 Mercedes Metris vans and 2 Kia Niro electric SUVs. The service operated from 6 AM to 10 PM on weekdays, catering to a diverse rider cohort including commuters, residents, seniors, and students.
Operational Impact
  • Via Jersey City is Via’s fastest-growing U.S. service, serving an average of 1,200 rides a day and 6,000 per week.
  • The service has benefited communities of lower income the most, with half of the riders identifying their annual income being below $50,000 and 27% being below $27,000.
  • Sixty-two percent of riders use the service to commute.
  • The service has attracted significant attention as an innovative and cost-effective strategy for improving access to regional networks in transit-poor areas.
  • In the last quarter of 2020, the service had saved an estimated 2,452 gallons of gasoline, more than 48,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, and reduced travel by 53,946 miles.
Quantitative Benefit
  • 6 out of 10 destinations are connections to transit.
  • 70% of rides are shared.
  • The service saved an estimated 2,452 gallons of gasoline in the last quarter of 2020.
  • More than 48,000 pounds of carbon dioxide were saved in the last quarter of 2020.
  • Travel was reduced by 53,946 miles in the last quarter of 2020.

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