Affordable On-Demand Service Revolutionizes City Travel with $2 Fares

Camden Community Partnership and Via Transportation have joined forces to introduce Camden Loop, an innovative microtransit service aimed at addressing the transportation needs of low-income residents. With support from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), this project offers convenient first-mile/last-mile rides within city limits at a cost of $2 per ride. Notably, the service is currently being provided free of charge until July 17.

Camden Loop aims to eliminate transportation barriers by providing flexible and shared mobility options within the city, enabling residents to access employment opportunities, regional travel, and essential services. Dana Redd, President and CEO of Camden Community Partnership, emphasizes that the project is centered around equity and addressing the social determinants of health by connecting individuals to affordable mass transit, shopping areas, and workplaces.

Operating from 6am to 8pm on weekdays, Camden Loop offers transportation anywhere within the city, including the NJ Transit Station at the Garden State Pavilion in Cherry Hill. Users can easily make reservations through the dedicated Camden Loop smartphone app or by calling 856-408-1699. Following the initial free period, rides will be available for a nominal fee of $2, with all revenue reinvested to expand the program.

Camden Loop launched in June with a $2 million grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, supplemented by an additional $4.2 million allocated in the 2023 state budget. This funding is expected to sustain operations for several years. The fleet consists of Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Pacifica minivans, two of which are wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all riders.

Camden Loop provides convenient pickups at "virtual bus stops" located within a block of riders' locations. Additionally, individuals without access to bank cards or smartphones can purchase trips using vouchers or package options. Eric Gardiner, Director of East Coast Partnerships for Via, highlights the success of similar microtransit partnerships worldwide, including Via Jersey City, which has completed 1 million trips since January 2020. Since its launch in June, the nine-mile Camden Loop service has completed 3,500 trips, with an average usage rate of 5 trips per vehicle hour.

The ultimate goal of Camden Loop is to create a public transit system that is as seamless and comfortable as traveling by car, while remaining affordable like traditional bus services. It is anticipated that this initiative will transform the way residents and visitors engage with the Camden community.

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