Pilot details
NJ TRANSIT’s enhanced Access Link Rider’s Choice (ALRC) Pilot 2.0 program offers Access Link customers additional options and benefits to complement the standard services provided. With this enhancement, you have more flexibility and convenience to get where you’re going. Access Link customers are allowed to request a ride from the participating transportation network company* (TNC) of their choice for each trip. Examples of TNCs include Uber and Lyft.
To enroll in the pilot, complete this short information form and download the TNC provider app on your mobile device. Register using the phone number and email address associated with your Access Link account, and set up a payment method with a credit or debit card.
Fares and subsidies
The Access Link voucher will subsidize up to $30 per trip. For example:
- If your total trip cost is $27, the Access Link voucher will cover the entire trip, so you’ll pay nothing out of pocket
- If your total trip cost is $62, the Access Link voucher will cover the first $30 of the trip, so you’ll need to pay the remaining $32 balance
Operating hours
7 days a week, 6am – 9pm
Monthly vouchers
When you join the pilot, you’ll get 20 subsidized trips every month, and they’ll refresh at the start of each calendar month (trips left at the end of the month won’t carry over into the next month).
Please note:
- Vouchers can’t be shared, they don’t roll over to the next month, and they can’t be exchanged for cash.
- For any trip-related questions, you’ll need to reach out to the TNC you’ve requested your trip from directly. Access Link will not have your trip details.
Locations
This pilot follows the same service area as Access Link:
- Region 2: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem
- Region 3: South Ocean, Atlantic, Cumberland, Cape May
- Region 4W: Mercer
- Region 4E: Middlesex, Monmouth, North Ocean
- Region 5: Essex, Morris, Union, Somerset
- Region 6: Bergen, Hudson, Passaic
To use your voucher, your pickup and dropoff locations must both be within the same ADA zone. If the dropoff location is outside the ADA zone of the pickup address, the voucher won’t be valid.
Support
If you experience a safety concern while traveling with a TNC partner, you should immediately communicate with that service provider directly. If you can’t resolve the concern with the TNC, you can share the information with Access Link’s Customer Service Group by email at adaservices@njtransit.com or by phone at 973-491-4224 (select option #5 from the main menu).
*In New Jersey, a TNC is any business operating in the state that uses a digital network to connect riders with drivers for prearranged rides. Examples include Uber and Lyft.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I opt in to the pilot?
Opting in is still easy. Fill out this short information form, which gives Access Link and its TNC partners consent to share your information. This includes consent for TNC partners to share your trip details with NJ TRANSIT, such as pickup and dropoff locations, ride option preference, date, time, duration, fare, contact information, and promotion offers.
To activate your TNC account, you must give your approval to the TNC partner to communicate with you by phone, text, or email. If you don't provide your information (opt in), you won’t be eligible for a payment voucher applicable on trips with NJ TRANSIT’s TNC partners.
If you do not want access to subsidized ride vouchers with one of the TNC partners, you don’t have to do anything. This complementary program does not affect your rides on Access Link vehicles with Access Link drivers.
Scan below for Information Form
- How do I opt out of the pilot?
Using a TNC may not be the best option for all Access Link customers—for instance, those who need paratransit service. If you opt in and try the ALRC Pilot 2.0 and find that you require a higher or different level of service, you can opt out at any time. To opt out, scan the QR code shown below or contact Access Link’s Customer Service Group at 973-491-4224.
Scan below for Unenrollment/Opt-Out Form
- Do I need a rideshare account to use the vouchers?
Yes, under the updated pilot program, you must first download the app of your selected TNC partner onto your mobile phone. Then, create an account within the app and add a supported payment method, which could be a credit or debit card. Once you’ve registered and are approved to participate in the pilot, you can start requesting subsidized TNC trips through the app.
Please note: Make sure the phone number or email address (phone number is preferred) that you use to create your rideshare account matches the contact information in your Access Link profile.
- How do I request a ride if I don’t have a smartphone?
If you don't have a smartphone, but have a mobile device that's capable of texting, you can request Uber trips by calling 1-833-USE-UBER (833-873-8237). This service operates from 4am to 10pm ET. After calling, follow the prompts to connect with an agent in English or Spanish.
To request a ride over the phone with an agent, you must be calling from the phone number associated with your Uber rider account, and the phone must be SMS/Text capable. If you don't already have an Uber rider account, you may sign up for one here.
- How can I cancel a ride?
If you need to cancel a ride, you must do it within the TNC partner’s app. Access Link cannot cancel a ride for you that you requested in the TNC’s app. Before requesting a ride, please review the cancellation policy for each partner. Cancellation fees may apply. Additional fees may be assessed if the driver is already on their way or has arrived.
- How can I learn more about using Uber vouchers?
Please refer to Uber's beginner’s guide to Uber vouchers for transit agency riders.
Posted by Lucia Phan
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