Jersey City Seniors to Get Microtransit Boost from Gambling Revenue

When the last van pulled away from the curb on a gray morning last month, Maria Santos felt the city shrink. The 74-year-old Jersey City resident, who uses a wheelchair to get to her dialysis appointments, had come to rely on the Via microtransit service. It picked her up at her door on Bergen Avenue and took her where she needed to go — no transfers, no waiting in the cold.

Then the route map changed. Service hours were trimmed. Some neighborhoods lost coverage altogether. Santos, like many seniors and residents with disabilities, was left to figure out the bus schedule or call a relative for a ride.

That could soon change, thanks to a new infusion of state money — some of it coming from an unexpected source: Garden State gamblers.

What’s happening

Last week, the state announced it would funnel a portion of casino revenue into a program designed to expand microtransit options for seniors and people with disabilities across New Jersey. Jersey City, which saw its Via service scaled back in January, is expected to be one of the first municipalities to benefit.

The program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, will reimburse cities for the cost of providing on-demand rides to eligible residents. That means the city could restore some of the lost service without dipping into its own budget.

Local officials say the timing couldn’t be better. The January cuts were driven by a shortfall in the city’s transit budget, leaving many residents stranded.

The background

Jersey City launched its microtransit pilot with Via in 2021, using federal pandemic relief funds. The service was an instant hit — ridership grew quickly, especially among older adults who appreciated the door-to-door convenience.

But federal money doesn’t last forever. When the pandemic funds dried up, the city had to make tough choices. In January, it reduced service hours and narrowed the service zone, citing budget constraints.

Across the state, a similar story played out in other municipalities that had launched microtransit pilots. So when Trenton started looking for a new fund to keep these programs alive, the casino revenue stream seemed like a natural fit.

What it means for Hudson County

For Hudson County residents, this is about more than a line item in a state budget. It’s about the person on Gramercy Street who can’t walk six blocks to the bus stop. It’s about the mom pushing a stroller who needs to get to a doctor’s appointment. It’s about the dignity of getting somewhere on your own.

If the program rolls out as promised, seniors and disabled residents in Jersey City could see more ride options, longer hours, and possibly a bigger service area. That’s a big deal in a city where a third of residents are over 65 or live with a disability.

The money won’t fix everything — it’s designed to cover rides for specific groups, not the general public. But for those who qualify, it could feel like the city just got a little bit bigger again.

What people are saying

“This is exactly the kind of creative solution we need,” said Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey, who has been a vocal advocate for restoring the service. “Our seniors didn’t stop needing rides just because a federal grant ran out.”

Not everyone is convinced the casino revenue is the right source. Assemblyman John Mejia, who opposed the funding plan, called it “a Band-Aid on a broken system.” He argues the state should fund transit through stable sources, not gambling proceeds that can fluctuate with the economy.

But for Santos, the timing is what matters. She’s already called her council member’s office to ask about how to sign up.

What comes next

The city is expected to submit its application to the state program within the next few weeks. If approved, officials say, the restored service could begin as early as April.

Residents who want to be ready should watch for announcements from the city’s transportation department. In the meantime, you can call the senior services hotline at (201) 547-5000 to get on a list for updates.

Jersey City has a way of getting things done when it has to. If this program works, it won’t just be a win for seniors — it’ll be a reminder that sometimes, even a gamble can pay off.