A new pilot program will make getting there easier for residents.

SJ Connects is a free shuttle service initiative designed to expand mobility and improve access to essential destinations throughout South Jersey.

“This free service reflects our administration’s commitment to ensuring South Jersey continues to receive the investment and attention it deserves,” Gov. Mikie Sherrill said.

“For too many South Jersey families, transportation challenges limit access to opportunity,” she said.  “SJ Connects is an important step toward changing that reality by creating stronger connections between communities and the jobs, schools, healthcare providers, and services that help residents succeed.”

Atlantic and Cape May counties are among seven served by the collaborative effort by the South Jersey Transportation Authority and the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey aimed at strengthening workforce connectivity, supporting economic development, and addressing longstanding transportation gaps across the region.

“For South Jersey, projects like SJ Connects play an important role in ensuring access to opportunity is not determined by geography alone,” NJDOT Commissioner Priya Jain said.  “This initiative strengthens the connection between communities and essential services across the region, particularly in areas that have historically faced transportation challenges. It represents a systematic approach to improving mobility in a way that supports residents, strengthens workforce participation, and reinforces the broader economic vitality of the region.”  

The initiative backed by a NJ Transit $5 million regional investment includes a fleet of all-new ADA-compliant 20-passenger shuttle buses, and will fund infrastructure improvements and driver salaries over the next 18 to 24 months. 

“Initiatives like SJ Connects help extend the reach of the broader transit network for residents across the region,” said Kris Kolluri, president and chief executive officer of NJ Transit and executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. “ We are proud to support a partnership that enhances regional connectivity and helps better integrate communities into New Jersey’s overall transportation system.” 

Over the last year, SJTA, CCSNJ, healthcare organizations, transportation agencies, educational institutions, and community partners worked to identify underserved areas and develop routes designed to provide the greatest regional impact. 

“SJ Connects puts free, dependable transit on corridors where our employers are hiring and our workforce is trying to show up,” said Christina M. Renna, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey.  “That’s not just a social service, that’s an economic investment, and it’s one that’s going to pay dividends for this region for years to come.” 

While the pilot program operates, partners will collect ridership data, evaluate service needs, and continue exploring long-term opportunities to expand the regional mobility service throughout South Jersey. 

 “We’re proud of everyone involved in helping deliver this service and committed to providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation connections throughout the region,” South Jersey Transportation Authority Executive Director Stephen Dougherty said. 

Healthcare leaders also emphasized the importance of dependable mobility for both patients and employees. 

“Transportation access is closely tied to healthcare access,” said Robin Walton, chair of the CCSNJ Board of Directors and senior vice president of External Affairs and Chief Philanthropy Officer for Inspira Health.  “Programs like SJ Connects can help reduce barriers for patients seeking care while also supporting the thousands of healthcare employees who rely on dependable transportation to get to work each day.” 

Educational institutions also praised the initiative’s focus on strengthening South Jersey’s “Eds and Meds” corridor and improving access to campuses and workforce training opportunities.  

“Our motto at Salem Community College is ‘You can get there from here,’” Salem Community College President Dr. Michael R. Gorman said.  “Thanks to SJ Connects, students can get to the college from our constituent communities.   SCC students prefer in-person learning experiences.  With the transportation barrier addressed through SJ Connects, they will be getting to campus.  This is not simply a bus route, it is a pathway to career and personal success.” 

Officials noted that the success of the program will depend heavily on public awareness and community utilization, with outreach efforts planned through employers, community organizations, social media, and regional stakeholder partnerships. 

Additional route information, schedules and service details are available by scanning the above URL code, going online or by calling 856-227-7571.