NJ Transit Offers Free Bus, Train Rides To COVID Vaccine Sites

NEW JERSEY — NJ Transit kicked off a new program on Tuesday that offers Garden State residents a free, round-trip bus or train ticket to a COVID-19 vaccine site.

Hopefully, the program will help get more shots into arms as the state continues its vaccination drive, NJ Transit officials stated.

Here’s how it works, spokespeople said:

“The complimentary tickets will be offered through the NJ Transit mobile app, and an off-line method will also be offered for individuals to obtain tickets without a smartphone. Customers using the mobile app will enter the promo code ‘VAXRIDE,’ that can be redeemed online for two complimentary round-trip tickets. Tickets will be limited to up to 4-zones for intra-state bus travel only (destinations within New Jersey) and valid only to rail stations within New Jersey. The offer would be a one-time use code (per registered email), with a 60-day expiry to accommodate vaccine availability. People may travel to both publicly- and privately-operated vaccine sites, such as state ‘Mega-Sites’ and local CVS/Walgreens locations. Individuals without a smartphone may obtain tickets by visiting and registering at one of seven customer service offices (see below list), or by contacting NJ Transit customer service and receiving their tickets via postal mail. Registered Access Link customers may also obtain sponsored fares by mentioning the code ‘VAXRIDE’ when making Access Link reservations via telephone.”

New Jersey-based health care company Novartis was among the corporate sponsors that provided funds to kickstart the program, donating $120,000 towards the effort. It's expected to cover round trips for about 11,000 people, officials said.

Companies that wish to become a sponsor can contact NJ Transit at vaxride@njtransit.com.

“Transportation should not be a barrier for anyone wishing to protect themselves from COVID-19,” New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said.

“Helping those in need is a foundation of our society and I am proud we are able to launch this critical program,” said Gutierrez-Scaccetti, who also serves as the board chair for NJ Transit.

“Our goal through this public-private partnership is to help and encourage as many New Jerseyans as possible get vaccinated,” NJ Transit President and CEO Kevin Corbett said.

Corbett added that in addition to its own employee vaccination campaign, the new program shows that the agency is “exploring every possible avenue to ensure that all New Jerseyans have access to the vaccine in support of Gov. Phil Murphy’s statewide vaccination goals.”

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