Mayor Fulop Asks Residents to Decide on Color for New Via Vehicles

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop has opened a survey for the community to decide the color scheme for Via’s vehicles when the on-demand service launches in Jersey City. Jersey City will be the first in New Jersey to offer the on-demand bus system in partnership with Via, and the community can vote on green, blue, orange or purple to distinctly identify the vehicles. The survey can be found here and will be closed as of January 10, 2020. The winning color will be revealed at a later date.

“This innovative tech-based system is going to help create mobility for our residents who live in parts of the City that sometimes lack connectivity,” said Mayor Fulop. “This is a system built for our residents, to ease their commutes and diminish their frustrations. We’ve implemented Via based on community feedback and we want to continue to engage our residents by letting them choose the color.”

The unique vendor partnership between Jersey City and Via will create an innovative transit system with virtual stops and routes based on passenger demand. With overcrowded buses and unreliable NJ Transit schedules, the new commuting network will provide more efficient connections between the North and South regions of the City. Areas of Jersey City identified as primary service areas will increase connectivity to other key shopping and business districts, government facilities, as well as PATH, ferry and light rail stations.

Using the Via app, riders will be able to hail a shuttle directly from their smartphone. Via’s advanced algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle. The powerful technology will direct passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.

At $2 per ride, the service will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with 14 vehicles available in Greenville and the Heights.  At least 10% of the program’s fleet will be fully electric vehicles with a focus on increasing the number of electric vehicles in the upcoming years. Riders can request a wheelchair accessible vehicle should they indicate it is needed.