A Middlesex County Community Shuttle program provides a Deviated Route Shuttle service, which does not require advance reservation and are available to the public. Shuttles feed into other accessible bus and rail fixed-route transportation services. Shuttle vehicles can deviate up to ¾ mile off route. For deviation requests please call 1-800-221-3520 24 hours prior to riding. 

There is a suggested fare of $1 for General Public and $.50 for Seniors and Disabled.

Shuttle route information can be obtained from the vehicle operator or by visiting RIDE Shuttle Routes 

RESERVATION-BASED TRANSPORTATION 

• Individuals must have a scheduled appointment where transportation is required in order to be able to register and reserve a trip with RIDE.

• Transportation credits must be purchased in advance of the trip.

• Fare charge is $3 one way ($6 roundtrip).

• Transportation is based on availability and is a shared ride service with other passengers.

• All transportation is curb-to-curb. Vehicle operators are not permitted to assist passengers beyond the curb.

• Demand/Response Transportation is provided within Middlesex County and up to 5 miles outside the County, within NJ.

• Dialysis and other recurring trips are provided to Middlesex County locations only.

• Requests for service will be met as resources permit.

RIDE has the responsibility to take reasonable action necessary to maintain order and safety on a vehicle, including, but not limited to, denying services to any passenger who violates policies.

Days: Monday-Friday

Hours: First scheduled appointment: 9 am.

           Last scheduled return pick-up: 4:30 pm. You may be scheduled to be picked up, one hour prior to your appointment and 30 minutes past your return time.

Credits:

• Credits must be purchased in advance of your scheduled transportation request.

• To purchase credits, call 1-800-221-3520

• Credits purchased with a credit card will be immediately available on your file.

• Individuals purchasing credits by check, will have their account credited upon receipt of check.

• Residents who receive Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) may receive a discounted fare. If you receive PAAD, you must provide a copy of your PAAD card by faxing it to 1-732-398-2626.

• Cash will not be accepted by the vehicle operator.

RIDE On Demand is a convenient and affordable public transit service that allows you to book rides through the Middlesex County RIDE On Demand app. Within minutes, you can be picked up anywhere in New Brunswick and dropped off at any destination within New Brunswick and part of North Brunswick, for $3 per rider. This is a ride sharing service where one or more passengers headed in the same direction, may ride with you.

RIDE On Demand Services are available: Monday through Friday from 6 am to 10 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm.

To download this new app, iPhone users should visit the Apple App Store, Android users can visit the Google Play Store, and search "Middlesex County RIDE on Demand." For individuals without access to digital devices, rides can also be booked by phone at 732-655-6600.

RIDE On Demand accepts cash or debit/credit.

This public transit pilot program is operated by a TransitTech Company, Via. For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit city.ridewithvia.com/middlesex.

Click here to view the Rider Guide. 

Telephone: 1-800-221-3520 (Follow the prompts to speak with a Representative)

Days: Monday-Friday
Hours: 8:30 am-4 pm

For faster processing complete the *RIDE Registration Form*.

Transportation may be requested months in advance and no less than four full business days (not including weekends or holidays) before your scheduled appointment.

• First and Last Name

• Home Address/Mailing Address

• Email address

• Telephone Number - Home and Cell

• Emergency Contact Name and Daytime Telephone Number

• Date of Birth

• Gender*

• Disabilities - ambulatory/non-ambulatory

Disability Award Letter

• Race*

• Estimated Household Income*

• Voter Status*

*Optional for reporting purposes only

• Date of appointment

• Time of appointment

• Time to return home

• Destination address including zip code

• Doctor's name, clinic name, company name, etc.

• Telephone number and extension of destination

• Inform representative if an aide will be accompanying you

To Cancel a Ride

Call 1-800-221-3520. Follow the prompts to cancel a trip. (Be sure to leave your first and last name, day(s) and date(s) of the trip(s) being canceled). Cancellations can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and must be made no less than 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time.

Note: Frequent cancellations will result in a review of future requests and may lead to suspension or termination of services.

No Show Policy

A No Show is considered when:

• A passenger who has scheduled a ride fails to cancel the trip at least 24 hours prior to the

scheduled appointment time.

• Passenger is not present when the vehicle operator arrives to pick up the passenger at the designated time and location.

• Passenger declines to take the ride.

Note: Three No Shows within a 30-day period may lead to a 14-day suspension. Continued no shows may result in a loss of transportation services. Passengers may appeal the imposed action. All appeal requests must be submitted in writing to: RIDE Director, 97 Apple Orchard Lane, North Brunswick, NJ 08902.

Requests to rescind the action may result in a fair hearing sponsored by the Office Director within 10 working days after request is received.

• Available Monday-Friday to VA medical facilities within Middlesex County.

• Available twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays to Lyons Hospital.

• Available three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to East Orange Hospital

• Requests for service will be met as resources permit.

Under Department of Transportation (DOT) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations at 49 C.F.R. Section 37.3, "service animal" is defined as "any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items." DOT ADA regulation 49 C.F.R. Section 37.167(d) requires transit entities to permit service animals to accompany individuals with disabilities in vehicles and facilities. Appendix D to Section 37.167 contains further important information on service animals. It is important to note that while the U.S. Department of Justice has amended the definition of "service animal" for purposes of its ADA regulations under Titles II and III of the ADA, for state and local governments and places that are open to the public, the definition under DOT ADA regulations for transportation has not changed. Therefore, members of the public may find that some service animals may no longer be considered service animals once they leave a transportation system.

Individuals requiring portable oxygen machines or portable respirators may travel with them in our vehicles. 

• Provide exact addresses and telephone numbers for both pick up and drop off locations.

• Be ready sixty (60) minutes prior to your scheduled pick-up time to meet the vehicle at the curb. In consideration for other scheduled riders, the vehicle operator will not wait more than five (5) minutes.

• Return pick up may be up to thirty (30) minutes past the scheduled return pick-up time. In consideration for other scheduled riders, the vehicle operator will not wait more than five (5) minutes. If your return trip is running late, please call RIDE as soon as possible. We will try our best to accommodate the late return for pickup, however, due to scheduling parameters we may not be able to make an additional pick up and we may not be able to re-schedule the return trip.

• Seatbelts are required to be worn.

• Stay seated while the vehicle is in motion.

• Do not talk to the vehicle operator while the vehicle is in operation.

• No smoking, vaping, drinking, or eating on the vehicle.

• Passengers are limited to two (2) bags (the equivalent of supermarket bags) of groceries on the vehicle. The weight of each bag may not exceed 15lbs. Passengers are responsible for carrying all packages in and out of the vehicle.

• Passengers on scooters will be offered transfer to a seat.

• Tipping the vehicle operator is prohibited.

• Update registration information as necessary to facilitate communication.

• Unruly, inappropriate, and disruptive behavior can result in loss of transportation.

• Only registered and scheduled passengers will be transported. Aides do not need to be registered. However, at the time of scheduling a trip, you must inform staff an aide will accompany you so a seat may be reserved for the aide.

• Provide assistance to passengers as needed getting on and off the vehicle.

• Provide assistance to passengers as needed with securing seatbelts.

• Provide assistance to passengers using a mobility device from the curb and to secure the mobility device on the vehicle.

• Report disruptive or inappropriate passenger behavior immediately to the Dispatch (This includes physical or verbal abuse of a member of the staff or another passenger). Vehicle operator will take direction from Dispatch on resolving concern.

• Only passengers listed in the vehicle operator’s tablet are permitted to board the vehicle.

• The vehicle operator will wait 5 minutes before advising Dispatch and requesting permission to go to the next pick up. (At request of the passenger, the vehicle operator can sound the horn)

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES

Many municipalities provide some type of transportation for their senior and disabled residents. All intra-municipal trips should first be requested of the municipality. Only if the municipality cannot transport, should RIDE be contacted. For inter-county trips, senior and disabled residents also have transportation options.  More information can be obtained by calling the numbers below.

Carteret ............................ 732-541-6177               

Dunellen ........................... 732-968-3033         

East Brunswick .................. 732-390-6896             

Edison (Dial-A-Ride) ……….... 732-248-7345                

Highland Park .................... 732-819-0052           

Metuchen .......................... 732-632-8525      

Middlesex ......................... 732-356-0414         

Milltown ............................ 732-828-2100              

Monroe ..............................609-443-0511               

New Brunswick (Dial-A-Ride) 732-745-5161            

North Brunswick ................ 732-247-0922

Old Bridge .................. 732-721-5600

Perth Amboy ................... 732-826-1690

Piscataway ................... 732-743-2218

Sayreville ................... 732-390-7058

South Amboy .................. 732-525-5960

South Brunswick .................. 732-329-4000

South Plainfield .................. 908-754-1047

South River .................. 732-257-2340

Spotswood .................. 732-251-3432

Woodbridge....................732-726-2394

Other Alternatives:

Access Link: 973-491-4224

Modivcare: 866-527-9834

NJ Transit: 973-275-5555

EZRide/Ryde4Life: 866-208-1307

There will be no service provided on the following holidays:

New Year's Day                                          Labor Day                                 

Martin Luther King's Birthday                    Columbus Day

Presidents' Day                                           Election Day

Good Friday                                                Veteran's Day

Memorial Day                                             Thanksgiving Day

Juneteenth                                                  Day after Thanksgiving

Independence Day                                     Christmas Day

Every effort is made to telephone passengers as early as possible if transportation must be canceled due to circumstances beyond our control. Cancellations due to inclement weather or other emergencies are announced on the County website at:

www.middlesexcountynj.gov

If a passenger engages in disruptive behavior, the vehicle operator shall initially warn the passenger verbally and direct the passenger to stop engaging in such conduct. The vehicle operator then shall immediately contact Dispatch and complete a written report concerning the incident. Passengers who engage in violence, cursing, swearing, threatening, verbally abusive, or disruptive behaviors, as well as any illegal conduct in the vehicles will be refused service. A passenger whose behavior threatens or has threatened the safety of RIDE personnel and/or other passengers will be denied service including dismissal from the vehicle. These passengers could permanently lose the privilege of riding with RIDE.

"Disruptive behavior" is defined in this Guide as being any action which impinges on the rights, privacy, physical and/or emotional well-being of others; any action by a passenger that poses significant risk of harm to the health or safety of anyone in the vehicle, including the passenger who is engaging in disruptive behavior. This includes, but is not limited to, such conduct and behavior as the following:

• Disruptive or upsetting behavior onboard vehicle.

• Verbal or physical abuse including threats or intimidation towards other passengers or the vehicle operator.

• Comments or gestures of a sexual nature.

• Foul or vulgar language.

• Unwarranted physical contact.

• Getting out of a seat while the vehicle is in motion, or while the vehicle is stopped with the engine running in anticipation of moving.

• Refusing to comply with instructions from the vehicle operator to cease engaging in disruptive behavior on the vehicle.

• Exiting a vehicle while it is parked or stopped to pick up or drop off a passenger or attempting to exit the vehicle while it is stopped at a traffic light, at a stop sign, due to traffic ahead of it, or while it is moving.

• Distracting the vehicle operator vehicle by speech, sound, or action, including, but not limited to: shouting, screaming, cursing, spitting, kicking, punching, shoving, pulling, insulting, bullying, assaulting, or harassing another passenger or the vehicle operator.

• Refusing to wear, prematurely releasing, or getting out of a seatbelt.

• Refusing to exit the vehicle at designated drop off.

• Making any physical or verbal threats towards any passenger or vehicle operator.

• Engaging in dangerous conduct or activity towards self or another.

• Smoking, vaping, eating, or drinking while on board vehicle.

• Damaging the vehicle, or personal property of any passenger of the vehicle.

Depending on the severity of the situation, the passenger may be suspended or terminated from riding the RIDE service. Before a passenger may return from a suspension, the passenger must be willing to sign an agreement to discontinue the inappropriate behavior. Refusing to sign such an agreement could result in a formal termination of services.

Management shall determine the appropriate action, which may include notification to police or suspension of service and shall give such notice to the offending passenger in writing.

All appeal requests must be submitted in writing to: Director of RIDE, 97 Apple Orchard Lane, North Brunswick, NJ 08902. Requests to rescind the action may result in a fair hearing sponsored by the Office Director within ten (10) working days after request is received.

RIDE is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from, or denied the benefits of, our services on the basis of legally protected characteristics as set forth by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended and New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (“LAD”). Any person who believes that they have been discriminated against based on a protected characteristic should file a complaint in writing to RIDE.

To file a complaint, or for more information under RIDE obligations under Title VI write to: Middlesex County Area Transit, 97 Apple Orchard Lane, North Brunswick, NJ 08902, visit our website at www.middlesexcountynj.gov or contact us at 800-221-3520.

Title VI Complaint Policy Update

Title VI complaint form

Transportation services provided by this agency are in whole or part funded through federal funds received through NJ Transit. As an individual you also have the right to file your complaint under Title VI by writing to:

Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights

Attention: Complaint Team

East Building, 5^th Floor

TCR 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington, DC 20590

A complaint must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), the New Jersey Law (“NJLAD”), and any other applicable federal, state, or local laws, the County of Middlesex does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities.

The County of Middlesex is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of their disability as provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The County of Middlesex, and all management, coordinators, and employees share direct responsibility for carrying out the County’s commitment to the ADA. RIDE's Director ensures accountability in the commitment and supports all parts of the organization in meeting their respective ADA obligations. RIDE coordinates internally with all appropriate offices, in the investigation of complaints of discrimination and takes a lead role in responding to requests for information about the County of Middlesex civil rights obligations and operations.

ADA Complaints:

If you wish to file an ADA complaint of discrimination with RIDE, please contact the RIDE’s Director at (732) 745-7456 or 1-800-221-3520, or 97 Apple Orchard Lane, North Brunswick, NJ 08902, or use the complaint form available *ADA complaint*.

The County of Middlesex’s ADA Policy and Complaint procedures are available on the county’s website at https://www.middlesexcountynj.gov

Filing a complaint directly to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA)

A complainant may choose to file a Title VI complaint with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) by contacting the Administration at:

Federal Transit Administration

Office of Civil Rights

Attention: Complaint Team

East Building, 5^th Floor – TCR

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE

Washington, DC 20590

The Older Americans Act requires that all eligible passengers receiving services under the Act be given every opportunity to contribute to the cost of the program. There is no obligation to contribute, and services will not be affected by the ability or lack of ability to donate. All contributions will be kept confidential.

To purchase credits for donations with a credit/debit card, call 1-800-221-3520. Or mail a check made out to Middlesex County Treasurer to:

MCAT

PO BOX 871

New Brunswick, NJ 08903

RIDE is looking for health care provider organizations, supportive service providers, persons with leadership experience in private or voluntary sectors, and representatives who reside in the County who are employed with an aging/disability related service agency in the County and residents of Middlesex County to advise the transportation needs of the veteran, senior and disabled residents.

Members of the Advisory Committee are stakeholders who care about the service provided by the RIDE and represent the consumer. The role of an advisory committee member is to support the organization’s mission and purpose, give input concerning service quality and design, and enhance the organization’s program and services through advocacy. This is accomplished by meeting and listening to one another’s concerns and views related to the issues under consideration.

The objective of the council is to (1) advise the Board of County Commissioners on matters related to transportation in Middlesex County; (2) promote intergovernmental cooperation on transportation issues; (3) assess the transportation needs of the County and suggest methods to address these issues. The Citizens Advisory Committee shall adhere to its established bylaws.

If you are interested in being part of the CAC, please contact Sandra Forbey at (732) 745-8766 for more information. 

Middlesex County has adopted a plan for coordinating human service transportation in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The plan is a blueprint for the coordination of existing services and the possible development of new services to meet emerging passenger transportation needs in the county.

Downloadable:

Rider Guide

Guia del Pasajero

M1 Schedule

M1 Shuttle Route Map

M7 Schedule

M7 Shuttle Route Map