South Jersey To See Expanded Public Transit Options This Fall

Public transportation will be expanding across South Jersey, a known transit desert that has struggled with limited options for years. But that’s about to change.

On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) announced three new initiatives aimed at making the region’s transit network more reliable and better connected. The plan includes expanding Camden’s electric bus fleet, launching an express shuttle between Vineland and Atlantic City, and funding new microtransit services across the region.

“South Jersey’s transportation challenges are not just well-known; they are critical and escalating. The reality is that as you travel further south, mass transit options diminish significantly,” said Christina M. Renna, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, in a statement. 

”The Governor’s announcement addresses these pressing issues directly, and we are incredibly grateful for his responsiveness to our Chamber’s concerns,” Renna continued.

In Camden, the state will deploy eight additional electric buses, expanding a fleet designed to curb greenhouse gas emissions, improve local air quality, and give residents dependable service. Officials said the investment reflects ongoing efforts to build a transit system that addresses both environmental and equity concerns.

South Jersey will also see the launch of a new express shuttle bus pilot linking Vineland and Atlantic City. Beginning this fall, the one-year program will provide two round-trip tickets each weekday between the Vineland Transportation Center and the Atlantic City Bus Terminal. The shuttle is expected to reduce traffic along the busy corridor while providing casino workers and other commuters in Cumberland County with more direct access to jobs.

The governor also announced a $5 million commitment of one-time federal funding to expand microtransit service throughout the region, particularly in areas to connect schools, healthcare facilities, and job centers. The initiative is part of a broader state strategy to strengthen mobility options in underserved communities.

“These new transportation options in South Jersey will not only better connect residents to jobs, schools, and healthcare, but also lay the foundation for a stronger and more interconnected regional economy,” said Murphy in a press release.