Speak Up, Salem County: NJ TRANSIT Launches Free Shuttle Pilot and Seeks Your Input to Get the Routes Right
SALEM, NJ — Efforts to bring major changes to the public transportation landscape in South Jersey have begun, and local officials are handing Salem County as well as Cumberland, Cape May, and Atlantic County residents the steering wheel.
The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ), alongside the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA), has officially launched SJ Connects, a brand-new, fare-free regional shuttle service spanning seven counties. To ensure this service and future transit investments actually work for our community, NJ TRANSIT has launched a sweeping market study—and they are coming to Salem County this weekend to hear directly from you.
SJ Connects: Free Regional Shuttles Now In Service
The newly unveiled SJ Connects initiative is an ambitious, free 18-to-24-month pilot program designed to eliminate transportation barriers across South Jersey.
Backed by a $5 million funding commitment from NJ TRANSIT—which covers the bus fleet, driver salaries, and essential infrastructure—the program targets high-demand regional destinations.
Key Details of the Pilot Program:
- Cost to Riders: 100% Free.
- Accessibility: All shuttle fleets are fully ADA-compliant.
- Counties Included: Salem, Gloucester, Cumberland, Camden, Burlington, Atlantic, and Cape May.
- Target Destinations: Aiming to link residents to the regional corridors, major retail employment hubs, workforce training centers, and primary NJ TRANSIT hubs.
Why Salem County Voices Are Essential
While the launch of a free shuttle service is excellent news for some locals, a look at the project’s official route map helps to reveal why local oversight is critical.
On the western side of the promotional map, the route marker for Mannington’s Inspira Medical Center is significantly skewed. Instead of placing the medical center in the middle of Salem County where it actually stands, the planners have mistakenly marked it far to the southeast, right along the Quinton border with Cumberland County. Hopefully it is just a mistake but the new route through a couple Salem County Municipalities looks much more expansive on a skewed map of South Jersey compared to the one on their website.
Editorial Note: If we want state-funded transit routes to properly serve our families, workers, and patients, we have to bring up these errors plus other concerns and tell them exactly where the routes need to reach for communities that have little no public transportation.
Make Your Voice Heard This Sunday at Salem Community College
NJ TRANSIT and its consultant teams are actively seeking feedback through the Southern New Jersey Transit Market Study (STJMS) to identify travel patterns, service gaps, and long-term mobility needs.
You can talk to the project team face-to-face this weekend right here in our backyard:
- What: Live Public Outreach Event (at the Music Around the County Concert)
- Where: Salem Community College
- When: Sunday, June 14, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
NJ TRANSIT staff will be on-site to discuss the study, answer questions, and gather feedback specifically regarding transportation needs throughout Salem, Cumberland, Atlantic, and Cape May counties.
Can’t Make It? Take the Survey Online
If you cannot attend the concert on Sunday, your voice can still shape the future of local transportation. NJ TRANSIT is gathering data from anyone who lives or works in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem Counties to help guide future bus service decisions.
What to Expect From the Survey:
- A Broad Scope: This study is looking at the big picture. When they ask about “public transportation,” they want feedback on NJ TRANSIT buses, rail, light rail, and Access Link, as well as county/town shuttles and private commuter buses.
- Quick & Easy: The questionnaire only takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
- Cash Incentive: Respondents can opt-in to enter a drawing to win a $50 Visa gift card.
- Completely Anonymous: You can complete the entire survey without giving your name. Sharing your contact information at the end is entirely optional and only used if you want future study updates or wish to participate in follow-up questions.
- Advocate for Others: If you know a family member, neighbor, or coworker who relies on transit but cannot fill out the survey themselves, you are encouraged to complete it on their behalf based on their daily travel experiences.
Survey Access Links:
- Project Information: Visit the official Southern New Jersey Transit Market Study | New Jersey Public Transportation Corporation
- Direct Input: Complete the South Jersey Transit Market Study Survey online or scan the official QR code provided below.
How to Ride the Free Shuttles Today
The future of the SJ Connects program relies heavily on public awareness and ridership numbers during this testing phase.
To view full route maps, up-to-date daily schedules, and service details for the Salem County routes, residents can visit www.SJTA.com or call customer service directly at 856-227-7571.
Again here is the survey’s link: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/8Lj2BJ
Also, you can scan the Survey QR Code below:
