MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – On February 27, Middlesex County will launch RIDE On Demand, an affordable app-based public transit service to begin to address the County’s transit gaps – or areas where buses and trains cannot efficiently serve. The City of New Brunswick will be the first to participate in this one-year pilot program. RIDE On Demand will provide safe, easy, and flexible transportation for $3 per rider. The new service is available Monday through Friday from 6 am to 10 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm.

To encourage and familiarize individuals who reside, work, study, or visit New Brunswick with RIDE On Demand, the service will offer unlimited free rides for the first two introductory weeks. Through the Middlesex County RIDE On Demand app (available in the App Store or Google Play), riders can book the service from New Brunswick and get picked up in minutes to be driven to work, medical appointments, grocery stores, or any location within New Brunswick.

“Middlesex County RIDE On Demand is part of the County’s strategic investment in our transportation infrastructure,” said Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios. “This on-demand public transit service will provide our residents and visitors easy access to safe, convenient, reliable transportation at an affordable rate. I encourage everyone in New Brunswick to take advantage of this low-cost microtransit option.”

“Reliable transportation is crucial for day-to-day living,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Charles Kenny, chair of the County’s Transportation Committee. “Middlesex County RIDE On Demand can transport riders safely and efficiently. Especially, getting to and from major transportation services including train stations and bus stops. This is an excellent extension of the County’s existing affordable transit options, and an example of our ongoing commitment to increasing mobility throughout the County.”

“I commend Middlesex County for its generous and progressive approach in introducing the RIDE On Demand program,” said New Brunswick Mayor, Jim Cahill. “This initiative underscores their commitment to offering affordable, flexible, and secure transportation solutions for our community. New Brunswick is enthusiastic about renewing its partnership with the County to pilot this innovative, app-based transit service. We encourage everyone in New Brunswick to embrace the convenience of RIDE On Demand and discover the opportunities this new County service will provide.”

Middlesex County RIDE On Demand’s app and operations will be provided by a TransitTech company, Via. After someone books a RIDE On Demand trip, Via’s intelligent algorithms will match other riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle. Riders will be directed to a nearby corner for pickup and drop-off. The result is a highly efficient service that minimizes lengthy detours while providing near-universal transit coverage in areas that buses and trains cannot reach.

Middlesex County RIDE On Demand may eventually expand to include other municipalities in Middlesex County after initial assessments on this pilot program. Current transit services under the Office of Middlesex County Area Transit (MCAT) will not be impacted by this new offering but will work together to serve the growing needs of the community.

To download this new app, iPhone users should visit the App Store, Android users can visit the Google Play Store, and search “Middlesex County RIDE On Demand.” For individuals without access to digital devices, rides can also be booked by phone at 732-655-6600.

For more information, please visit middlesexcountynj.gov/RIDE.