DeCamp Bus Is Stopping NYC Trips; Officials Look To NJ Transit

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Several elected officials in North Jersey say they’re probing for solutions after hearing news that New Jersey’s oldest privately owned bus company is planning to stop making commuter trips to New York City.

On Monday, DeCamp Bus Lines announced that it will be ending commuter service across the Hudson River in early April. Read More: End Of An Era For DeCamp Bus; NJ Company Stopping NYC Routes

“DeCamp Bus Lines has struggled to recapture daily commuter passengers as work-from-home, telecommuting and flex schedules severely reduced daily commuting to New York City,” the company said. “Despite our best efforts, monthly ridership averages 20 percent or less of pre-COVID levels.”

The company will continue to run daily charter, shuttle and casino services, spokespeople said.

DeCamp is headquartered in Montclair (read more about its history here). Over the past years, many commuters in North Jersey have leaned on its routes as a way to get to work, with some people including it among the reasons why they moved to their current homes.

DeCamp recommended that commuters seeking a new way of getting to New York City try NJ Transit.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson with NJ Transit told Patch the agency is aware of DeCamp’s announcement and is checking into the situation.

“NJ Transit is currently assessing the impacts of DeCamp's decision to cease their limited post-pandemic commuter service,” he said. “Part of that assessment is identifying the alternatives already available on existing NJ Transit bus, rail and light rail service. We'll communicate available alternatives for affected DeCamp customers in advance of April 7.”

‘AN ALARMING DEVELOPMENT’

Meanwhile, elected officials in the area – including some who represent Montclair – continue to keep tabs on DeCamp’s announcement.

“My office is monitoring the news regarding the cuts to DeCamp's commuter bus service,” U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11) said. “We have been in touch with NJ Transit who assured us that they are working on the problem and an answer to how the gap in service will be addressed.”

“As we learn more, we will be sure to share it on our social media channels,” Sherrill added.

Montclair Councilman Bob Russo said that a “large surplus of state resources” should be put to work in an attempt to keep DeCamp afloat. Russo also said a contract should be signed between NJ Transit and DeCamp to continue service to New York City.

Meanwhile, Councilman Peter Yacobellis said he was “shocked” to hear about DeCamp’s plans to end commuter service to New York City.

“Although ridership has not returned to pre-pandemic levels, I know that many of you still rely on these lines in some way, to simply get to work,” he wrote, adding that he and his partner chose their home in Montclair based on their transit options.

“This is an alarming development for the many residents of Montclair who rely on this transit option to get to New York City for work,” Yacobellis continued. “Although we are blessed with multiple train stations in Montclair, trains are often overcrowded, many residents do not live in walking distance to a train station, and demand for parking exceeds supply at our train stations.”

Yacobellis continued:

“While this issue has an acute and harmful impact on Montclair, it is also bigger than Montclair. Therefore I'm in the process of reaching out to our state and federal officials to ask for a whole of government approach. This includes U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Senators Booker and Menendez; Congress Members Sherrill and Payne; Governor Murphy; State Senator Nia Gill, State Assembly Members Timberlake and Giblin and prospective future reps of Montclair (currently serving): State Senator Richard Codey and Assembly Member John McKeon. While many of us have settled into different routines, I do not believe the philosophical debate on ways of working and ways of commuting for those of us in major metropolitan regions is settled. We don't know what is going to happen with congestion pricing in NYC and many employers in NYC continue to adapt in-office requirements for workers. I believe these broader ways of living and working in the NYC region need time to settle before entire options are taken away from us. Therefore I am asking, on behalf of all of you, that our higher level officials step up and procure the resources necessary to help keep DeCamp afloat for more time.”

Nearby in Bloomfield, the town's mayor appealed to NJ Transit to pick up the slack that will be left when DeCamp stops commuter service.

“This route is vital to the Bloomfield community, as well as many other neighboring localities, and DeCamp’s decision to abandon it will leave residents without reliable transportation to work, school, doctor’s appointments and many other essential destinations,” Michael Venezia said.

“While there may be challenges associated with this endeavor, my administration stands ready to provide any necessary assistance to NJ Transit to ensure the new service meets the needs of residents,” Venezia said.

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