What Transportation Services New Jersey Offers
New Jersey runs several transportation programs specifically for people with disabilities, but they are not one unified system—each has different rules, coverage areas, and how you arrange a ride. The main options are NJ Transit's paratransit service (called Access Link), medical transportation through Medicaid, volunteer driver programs run by nonprofits, and reduced-fare bus and rail passes. Which one works for you depends on where you live, what your disability is, whether you may have access to for Medicaid, and whether you need a ride to a medical appointment or somewhere else.
Most people with disabilities in New Jersey use a combination of these services rather than one alone. A person might use Access Link for trips around their town, a Medicaid medical ride to get to a doctor, and a reduced-fare pass when they can use regular transit. Understanding what each program covers and how to arrange rides will save you time and money.
Key Takeaways
- Access Link is NJ Transit's paratransit service for people who cannot use fixed-route buses or trains; you must be certified by NJ Transit before you can book rides.
- Medicaid covers medical transportation to doctor visits, dialysis, and other treatment if you are enrolled in Medicaid and the ride is to a covered service.
- Reduced-fare passes cost half the regular price on NJ Transit buses and trains if you have a disability certification card from NJ Transit.
- Volunteer driver programs and nonprofit shuttle services exist in many counties but operate on different schedules and serve different areas.
- You may need to book Access Link rides at least one day ahead, and cancellations sometimes carry penalties.
NJ Transit Access Link: How Paratransit Works
Access Link is paratransit—a curb-to-curb pickup service that comes to your home or another address you choose, rather than a fixed bus route. You can use it if you have a disability that prevents you from using regular NJ Transit buses or trains, or if you live more than a quarter mile from a bus stop or train station. To use Access Link, you must first be certified by NJ Transit, which means submitting medical documentation and sometimes attending an in-person assessment.
To explore for Access Link certification, contact NJ Transit's Office of Civil Rights at 973-275-5555 or visit the Access Link page on njtransit.com. You will need to submit a completed process form, a doctor's statement describing your disability and how it affects your ability to use fixed-route transit, and proof of identity. NJ Transit reviews your process and notifies you by mail whether you are certified. The process typically takes two to four weeks. Once certified, you receive an Access Link ID card that you show when you book a ride.
Booking an Access Link ride requires calling ahead—usually at least one day in advance, though some areas allow same-day booking. You call the Access Link reservation line for your region (the number is on your ID card), tell them where you are starting and where you are going, and they assign you a pickup window, usually one hour long. Rides cost $3.50 per trip (as of 2024, though fares change). If you need to cancel, you must do so at least one hour before your scheduled pickup, or you may be charged a no-show fee.
Medicaid Medical Transportation
If you are enrolled in Medicaid in New Jersey, the program covers transportation to medical appointments, dialysis centers, mental health treatment, and other covered health services. This is called non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). You do not pay out of pocket; Medicaid pays the transportation provider directly. The ride must be to a Medicaid-covered service, and your doctor or clinic must refer you or you must arrange it through your Medicaid managed care plan.
How you book a medical ride depends on which Medicaid plan you are in. If you are in a Medicaid managed care plan (most people in New Jersey are), you call your plan's transportation coordinator or the number on the back of your Medicaid card and request a ride. You will need to provide the address of the medical facility, the date and time of your appointment, and your Medicaid ID number. The plan arranges the ride with a contracted transportation company, which picks you up at your home and drops you at the facility. If you are in fee-for-service Medicaid (less common), you may need to arrange transportation through a specific vendor your state designates.
Medical transportation is usually available for appointments during business hours on weekdays. If your appointment is early morning or evening, or on a weekend, you may need to use another service or arrange your own ride. Some plans allow a companion to ride with you at no extra cost if you need information; ask your plan when you book.
Reduced-Fare Transit Passes
People with disabilities can buy reduced-fare passes for NJ Transit buses and trains at half the regular price. A reduced-fare pass costs $1.75 per bus ride or $2.75 per rail ride (prices as of 2024). To get a reduced-fare card, you must explore in person at an NJ Transit office or authorized vendor with proof of disability. Acceptable proof includes a Social Security Administration disability letter, a Veterans Affairs disability rating, a doctor's letter stating your disability, or a certification from a state agency.
Reduced-fare passes work on all NJ Transit local buses, express buses, and rail lines. You tap your card when you board. Some people use reduced-fare passes as their main way to get around because they can use regular transit without booking ahead, though you do have to wait for the bus or train schedule. This works well if you live near a bus stop or train station and your trips are predictable.
Volunteer Driver Programs and Nonprofit Transportation
Many counties and towns in New Jersey run volunteer driver programs or partner with nonprofits to offer free or low-cost rides for seniors and people with disabilities. These programs vary widely by location. Some use volunteer drivers who donate their time; others contract with transportation companies. Some serve only medical appointments; others take people to shopping, social activities, or religious services. Coverage areas, may be able to access rules, and how far in advance you must book all differ.
To find a volunteer driver program in your area, start by calling your county's Office on Aging or your local senior center—they often coordinate or know about programs. You can also search the New Jersey Disability Rights website or call 211 (a statewide helpline) and ask what transportation programs serve your town. Some well-known programs include the Morris County Volunteer Driver Program, the Burlington County Senior Transportation Program, and various Meals on Wheels programs that include transportation. When you call, ask whether the program serves people with disabilities under a certain age, what destinations they cover, how far ahead you must book, and whether there is a cost.
Comparing Your Options
| Service | Cost | Booking | Coverage | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Link | $3.50 per trip | Call 1 day ahead | Curb-to-curb, anywhere in service area | Certified by NJ Transit as unable to use fixed-route transit |
| Medicaid Medical Transportation | Free | Call your plan | To covered medical appointments only | Enrolled in Medicaid |
| Reduced-Fare Pass | $1.75 bus, $2.75 rail | No booking; use anytime | Regular NJ Transit routes | Proof of disability |
| Volunteer/Nonprofit Programs | Free to $5 | Varies by program | Varies by program | Varies by program |
How to get your free guide
Start by identifying which services might work for your situation. If you take regular trips around your town and cannot use a bus, Access Link is usually the best option—call NJ Transit at 973-275-5555 to ask for an process. If you have Medicaid and need rides to doctor visits, call the number on your Medicaid card and ask how to request medical transportation. If you want to use regular buses and trains when you can, explore for a reduced-fare card at an NJ Transit office or vendor.
At the same time, call 211 or your county's Office on Aging to ask about volunteer driver programs in your area. Many people find that combining services works best: Access Link for regular trips, Medicaid transportation for medical appointments, and a reduced-fare pass for occasional bus or train use. Keep the phone numbers for each service in a place you can find them easily, because you will need to call ahead to book most rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use Access Link if I have a disability?
No. Access Link is available if you cannot use fixed-route transit, but you can also use a reduced-fare pass and ride regular buses and trains if you are able to. Some people use both—Access Link for trips that are hard to reach by bus, and regular transit for other trips.
What if I miss my Access Link pickup window?
If you are not ready when the driver arrives, you may be charged a no-show fee (usually $3.50 to $5). If you know you will be late, call the Access Link line right away. If you need to cancel, you must call at least one hour before your scheduled pickup to avoid the fee.
Can I bring someone with me on a medical transportation ride?
Yes, if your Medicaid plan allows it and you tell them when you book. Most plans allow one companion at no extra cost. Ask your plan's transportation coordinator when you call to arrange the ride.
What if I live in an area with no volunteer driver program?
You can use Access Link if you are certified, or a reduced-fare pass if you can use regular transit. You can also ask your doctor's office or clinic whether they have transportation resources or partnerships with local nonprofits that help patients get to appointments.
How long does it take to get certified for Access Link?
The process usually takes two to four weeks from the time NJ Transit receives your completed process and medical documentation. Call 973-275-5555 to check on your process status if you have not heard back after three weeks.