New Jersey state officials, Chamber of Commerce, SJTA and RCSJ representatives pose at an RCSJ–Cumberland bus stop next to a SJ Connects shuttle. From left: Assemblyman Cody Miller; RCSJ Vice President Communications, Marketing and Enrollment Management Susan Nardelli; NJ State Senator Michael Testa;, President & CEO Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey Christina M. Renna; Director, Government Affairs Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey Hilary Chebra; Executive Director South Jersey Transportation Authority Stephen Dougherty.
Free shuttle seen as a ‘game-changer’ for college students.
One of the main obstacles for Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) students is transportation to and from the College. SJ Connects, a free shuttle service pilot program that launched in June, may help alleviate those challenges.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) launched the program to offer residents who experience transportation barriers free access to travel to higher education institutions, medical centers, shopping hubs, community service buildings, New Jersey Transit bus terminals, and more.
The initiative is being utilized in Cumberland, Gloucester, Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, and Salem counties.
“SJ Connects was an idea that stemmed from the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey, the SJTA, health care organizations, transportation agencies, educational institutions, community partners, and the South Jersey legislative delegation, with support from 1st Legislative District represented by Senator Michael Testa, Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, and Assemblyman Erik Simonsen,” said Cody Miller, executive director of Advancement and Foundation, RCSJ.
According to RCSJ administrators, the free shuttle service will be of great benefit to RCSJ students.
“In Cumberland County specifically, there are more challenges with regard to access to transportation, job opportunities, and income. This disproportionately impacts a student’s ability to afford transportation,” said Miller, who is also an Assemblyman in the 4th Legislative District.
“This no-cost pilot program will provide access not only for students attending both campuses but will also increase access to transit for health care, job opportunities, employment, and general transportation,” he added.
“Students have had the challenge of transportation for many years,” said Dr. Kellie W. Slade, executive director of RCSJ’s Student Services. “Some cannot afford a vehicle or bus fare and often must catch a ride with friends or family members. This free service is a game-changer and provides the means for students and employees alike to ride safely from Cape May County to Gloucester County.”
SJ Connects also assists RCSJ in its intention to collaborate with the institution’s health care, business, and community partners.
“The college has focused on collaboration among our health care, business, and community partners,” RCSJ president Brenden Rickards shared. “By expanding transportation access along what we consider our “eds and meds” corridor—Route 55—we are expanding access to opportunities in education, health care, and the workforce.
“Since the new routes are interconnected, students can commute to and from the hospital and our Gloucester and Cumberland campuses for free.”
SJ Connects received a $5 million investment from NJ Transit to support the program. A new fleet of 20-passenger ADA-compliant buses are included in the investment.
During the 18- to 24-month pilot phase of the initiative, ridership data will be collected to gauge the effects of the service.
“Our hope is that by increasing awareness of these new transportation routes, students will take advantage of this free service,” Miller said.
Regional Shuttle: Vineland is Hub for County
“Continued funding depends on ridership,” he continued. “So, we need to ensure this initiative is successful to offer more transit options for South Jersey commuters and the community at-large, whether they are students, workers, or community members.”
SJ Connects is a new regional shuttle bus system designed to expand public transit across seven southern New Jersey counties. It was launched this summer and is operated by the South Jersey Transportation Authority. It’s a major step forward for mobility and opportunity for residents. The new, free regional shuttle service is designed to connect residents with locations important to their lives.
SJ Connects also serves as a “last-mile connector” to link traditional NJ Transit hubs with previously underserved areas.
The service is completely free to all passengers during its initial 18- to 24-month pilot program phase. It is funded by an $5 million investment from NJ Transit to cover a new fleet of vehicles and local infrastructure improvements.
Vineland occupies a prominent place at the center of this important initiative; four of the six SJ Connects routes originate here, recognizing the role the city plays as a hub for Cumberland County and the surrounding region.
“This important new program can be a positive step forward in connecting our residents to job opportunities, while also strengthening our regional economy, “said Mayor Anthony Fanucci in the city’s newsletter.
SJ Connects operates using 12 new, ADA-compliant shuttle buses that accommodate up to 20 passengers each and runs daily from approximately
6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Routes specifically target major job corridors, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, government and public complexes and retail centers.
In addition to Cumberland, the service runs in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Gloucester, and Salem counties.
Route information, schedules, and service details are available at www.sjta.com or by calling 856-227-7571.
