Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Microtransit topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Passaic County Move reports 32,000 rides in five months; pilot links riders to schools and jobs
Summary
Via, operator of the Passaic County Move microtransit pilot, told commissioners the service has completed about 32,000 rides since launching May 20, 2025, and that most riders lack access to a personal vehicle. The county and vendor highlighted high user satisfaction, driver hourly pay, and plans to monitor seasonality and winter conditions as the
Passaic County’s microtransit pilot, Passaic County Move, has completed about 32,000 rides in the five months since launch and is being used heavily to connect residents to schools, work and transit hubs, Via representatives told the county board on Oct. 28.
"It’s hard to believe that it’s only five months since the service has launched," said Mike Longay, Partner Success Principal at Via, summarizing early metrics. Via said the service launched on May 20, operates in a roughly 10‑square‑mile zone with about 10 vehicles (three wheelchair‑accessible), and runs about 14 hours on weekdays.
The company reported several service measures that the county described as evidence the pilot is meeting goals for access and equity: an average ride rating of 4.9; an average vehicle productivity of about four passengers per active hour; survey responses showing 86 percent of riders do not have access to a personal vehicle; 75 percent of rider households report annual income below $50,000; and an estimated 8.6 rides per rider in the month from Sept. 23 to Oct. 23. Via also reported that roughly three‑quarters of drivers live in Passaic County and that drivers are paid an hourly wage, with an average driver working more than 35 hours a week.
Ria Shah, Via vice president of operations for New Jersey partnerships, said the service connects riders to other transit such as NJ Transit and train stations as well as to schools and medical visits. "People really use our service not just to do errands themselves or to connect to medical resources, but also to actually connect to a bus or NJ Transit," Shah said.
Commissioners asked operational questions about shared rides, pickup points and winter weather. Via said about 51 percent of rides include sharing at least one minute with another passenger and that most riders walk one to two blocks to a pickup hub unless mobility needs require a curbside meeting. Via said it will monitor winter conditions and adjust corner‑to‑corner pickup if needed.
Board members noted the program’s economic development benefits, citing anecdotal examples of residents saving money by switching from ridehail services to the county program. The county is applying for additional funding to expand the service area, the board said.
The presentation did not propose an immediate policy change; Via and county staff said they will return with further data as the pilot continues.
