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COVID-19 Transportation Changes

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been schedule changes to most of the public transportation serving Somerset County. RideWise will update this page with changes to transportation services as we become aware of them.

TRANSPORTATION UPDATES (as of 7.10.20):

Somerset County public buses – Somerset County Transportation will resume its regular schedule for most transit shuttle services starting Monday, July 13. The one exception is the CAT-1A shuttle, which will continue running on a modified/holiday schedule. Also, CAT shuttles are not providing service to Raritan Valley Community College until further notice. The last stop on the CAT line is the ShopRite, located on Route 28 in Branchburg. To view transit schedules, click here.

Social distancing guidelines, as recommended by the state, will be followed. Passengers and service operators are required to wear facial coverings, and all shuttles will be limited to 50% capacity. Vehicles will be disinfected after every shift and additional cleaning procedures will be performed to ensure that all vehicles are sterile.

Residents who are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19 are not permitted to use the county’s transportation services and should immediately contact a healthcare professional. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, fever or coughing.

Somerset County Paratransit services –Restrictions for reservations will be implemented. Residents are required to make reservations for no more than two weeks in advance for medical appointments, and no more than one week in advance for service to shopping stores. Residents should be mindful when making reservations so that everyone has an opportunity to use these services.

Hunterdon County LINK public buses – YES running. Effective immediately, all passengers are required to wear a facial covering while on the LINK vehicles. LINK vehicles cannot transport passengers for COVID related testing including the test site at Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC). The RVCC testing site will not allow entry if residents do not arrive in a vehicle, even if they have a valid driver’s license and prescription. For the safety, health and security of staff and volunteers, patients must arrive by car. 5 people per bus for social distancing. On Bridgewater Route 23: No 6:30 am run to RVCC as the college is closed.

NJ Transit Buses – All NJ Transit Buses have resumed their regular, full schedules.

NJ Transit Trains – Beginning Monday, July 6th, NJ TRANSIT will operate full weekday service for rail and light rail providing added capacity to improve distancing on board vehicles, which aligns with “The Road Back”, New Jersey’s roadmap for restoring economic health through public health. Handheld mobile devices are being issued this week to train crews on the Raritan Valley Line (RVL) which can scan and validate both paper tickets/passes and electronic tickets/passes displayed on the mobile app – creating a more contactless customer experience.

Executive Order 125 became effective in early April and requires NJ TRANSIT to limit occupancy by passengers at 50 percent of the stated maximum vehicle capacity on all buses, trains and light rail vehicles, in addition to the requirement for customers and personnel on board vehicles to wear a face covering. NJ TRANSIT is closely monitoring ridership on all vehicles regarding compliance with these capacity restrictions and will be working closely with the Administration to adjust those limits if necessary. To learn more, click here.

  • SAFE NJ Campaign: NJ TRANSIT unveiled a new customer awareness campaign “SAFE NJ” as customers begin to return to the transit system. The “SAFE NJ” campaign will focus on high visibility signage throughout the system to maintain awareness of recommended best practices that ensure the healthiest and safest transit system for all. The new “SAFE NJ” series reinforces the requirement to wear face coverings, be cognizant of distancing and to help keep stations and vehicles free of discarded Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as used face coverings and gloves. Click here to learn more.

NJ Transit Access Link Buses – Regular weekday service

Suburban 100 Bus (Princeton/Franklin Park/Franklin Township/NewBrunswick) – Service will be resuming Monday, June 15, 2020. There will be one schedule running Monday – Friday. View the modified schedule here.

Suburban 200 Bus (Hillsborough) – NOT running

Lakeland Bus (Northern Somerset County/Rt 78 service) – NOT running

TransBridge Bus (Rt 202/Branchburg) – Limited re-start on Monday, June 8. Pickups in Branchburg on Route 202 at the park and ride will be extremely limited:

  • Weekdays: 2 trips inbound to NYC (6:30 am and 7:30 am) in the morning and 2 trips returning to Somerset County in the afternoon (leaving NYC PABT at 4:45 pm and 5:30 pm).
  • Weekends: one trip inbound to NYC at 8:30 am; one trip leaving NYC PABT at 6:00 pm.

There will be no stops at Sanofi or Metlife as of now.

The Bagel Garden at 1021 US-202, Branchburg, will still be selling tickets for this bus. Their phone number is 908.526.6444. Their new hours are:

  • Weekdays: 6 am – 12:30 pm
  • Weekends: 7 am – 1: 00 pm

To view past transportation updates, please click here.