New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said his state would be implementing three initiatives to expand and modernize public transportation in the southern part of the state.

During a fireside chat sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, Murphy said the state would be expanding the electric bus fleet in Camden, deploying a new express shuttle service between Vineland and Atlantic City, and investing $5 million in federal funds on microtransit options in the state’s southern region.

“Our administration is committed to strengthening public transportation in all corners of our state,” Murphy said. “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.”

The state plans on adding eight new buses to the Camden electric bus fleet to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and provide residents with reliable transportation, officials said. Additionally, the shuttle bus program will launch this fall with two trips each weekday between the Vineland Transportation Center and the Atlantic City Bus Terminal. The one-year pilot program aims to reduce congestion while improving regional mobility.

Finally, the $5 million investment of one-time federal funding will be used to support microtransit expansion, improving service options on “eds and meds” corridors. The initiative is designed to connect residents to jobs, schools, and healthcare facilities, officials said.

“With Governor Murphy’s support, NJ TRANSIT is committed to fully modernizing its fleet of rail cars and buses by the year 2031 and that includes the continued expansion of the electric bus program,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “Having sustainable transportation options in the most densely populated state is not just a wish-list item – it is critical to the environmental future of New Jersey and essential for powering our economy for generations to come.” 

South Jersey’s transportation challenges are escalating, noted Christina M. Renna, president & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, and mass transit options diminish as one travels further south in the state.

“The Chamber has been a relentless advocate for enhanced transportation solutions throughout the region, fighting for vital infrastructure investments and filling service gaps,” Renna said. “The Governor’s announcement addresses these pressing issues directly and we are incredibly grateful for his responsiveness to our Chamber’s concerns."