Rider insights: How NJ Transit’s Access Link Riders’ Choice Pilot redefines mobility freedom

NJ TRANSIT’s Access Link Riders’ Choice (ALRC) Pilot 2.0 expands mobility access for its paratransit customers by offering on-demand rides with Uber. This forward-thinking program gives eligible riders up to $20 off on 10 Uber trips per month, to be used for travel to work, appointments, and leisure across five service regions in New Jersey.

Unlike traditional paratransit services, which often require booking days in advance and restrict travel to rigid time windows, NJ Transit’s approach puts flexibility and convenience at the forefront. And it’s sent ripples throughout the community. 

Since its launch in 2024, the Access Link Riders’ Choice Pilot 2.0 has delivered 269,000+ rides with Uber.* The response to the program’s same-day capabilities has been overwhelmingly positive, from riders and the families and caregivers who support them.

Now, we’re passing the mic to the voices that matter most. Below, discover firsthand perspectives from ALRC riders and caregivers on how this program transforms daily life and expands what it means to move. 

Voices of the program

In an exclusive webinar with Easterseals, a leading disability advocacy organization, Access Link Riders’ Choice participants joined to share their insights. Here’s who joined us that day: 

Wanda Williford is a longtime Access Link Riders’ Choice user and paratransit rider since 2017. She is the former president of the National Federation of the Blind and currently serves as an officer with the New Jersey Council of the Blind.

Sharice Frazile is a caregiver and mother to three Access Link riders. She describes the program as “tantamount to a different way of life.”

Sharice Frazile, mother and caregiver to three ALRC riders, speaks during an Easterseals webinar.

Impact, in their words

On opening doors and changing lives

“The fact that [NJ Transit] has now offered an on-demand service [through] a rideshare voucher system has…and this is not hyperbolic…changed my life.” - Wanda Williford, ALRC rider

On how flexibility empowers

“As a mom and a caregiver, that the [Access Link Riders' Choice program with Uber] takes things off my plate. I can be traveling out of the country and still make sure my daughter has a real-time ride. If I forget to [book] a ride with Access Link['s dedicated vehicles], I can schedule an Uber. That is amazing, and takes a lot of angst away.” - Sharice Frazile, caregiver to three ALRC riders

On innovation in paratransit

“Innovation to me is meeting the rider’s needs where they are and what their expectations are and what they need. And thus far, so far with the Riders' Choice program and the other TNCs that NJ Transit offers, it is a game changer here in New Jersey.” - Wanda Williford, ALRC rider 

On becoming a part of the daily routine

“My daughter expects it when she comes downstairs in the morning. She's like, 'I'm waiting for my Uber.' She already knows she's going to get where she needs to go without a problem.” - Sharice Frazile, caregiver to three ALRC riders

On why spontaneity matters

“Disability is one of those things where we typically don't have spontaneity built into our lives…you call your doctor and they say, 'Well, can you come in today?' I’ve had that situation. Four years ago, I couldn't have [come in without advance notice]. [Now, if] I call my doctor and say, 'Oh, I need an appointment.’ And they say, 'Oh, we have an opening today. Can you come in?'  I'm like, 'Yes, I can come in.' I mean, it is such a relief." - Wanda Williford, ALRC rider

On the freedom to go—whenever you need to

“Where before, we needed to schedule days in advance or [stick to] the hour windows and all of these things…the way that the program has [incorporated Uber], again, makes managing [my daughter’s] life, makes managing my two wheelchair users’ lives different in a wonderful way.” - Sharice Frazile, caregiver to three ALRC riders

As NJ Transit continues to innovate its services to move its community, stories like those of Wanda and Sharice serve as a reminder that transportation is about more than just moving between two points. It’s about the freedom to live life on one’s own terms.

More information

If you’re interested in enhancing your service offerings with Uber Transit, please visit uber.com/transit.

*Uber data as of July 30, 2026.