CAPE MAY COUNTY, NJ — A new weekend shuttle service connecting The Wildwoods and Cape May is set to begin Memorial Day Weekend as impaired driving arrests continue to climb in Cape May County.
Coastal Cruiser, powered by Metropolis Passenger Logistics, will operate Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Labor Day Weekend, offering hop-on, hop-off transportation to wineries, breweries, distilleries, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and other stops in lower Cape May County.
According to New Jersey Judiciary Municipal Court statistics, Cape May County reported 690 DWI filings during the July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025 court year, an increase from the previous year. Wildwood City accounted for 118 DWI filings, while the combined Wildwoods municipalities totaled 203 arrests, according to a press release.
The press release also points to state traffic safety guidance on bicyclists and intoxication. It says drunk driving laws do not apply to bicycles in New Jersey because a bicycle is not considered a motor vehicle. According to the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, nearly one-fourth of all fatal bicycle crashes statewide involve either a cyclist or a motorist who is legally intoxicated. Operating a bicycle while intoxicated is still illegal and dangerous, and motorized bicycles and certain high-speed electric bikes may qualify under the motor vehicle statute.
“I spend a lot of time in Wildwood and saw the need for safer streets from drunk driving. We wanted to create something that not only makes exploring the shore easier but also helps people make safer decisions while enjoying everything Cape May County has to offer,” said Michael Barreto, Founder & President at Metropolis Passenger Logistics. “People come here to relax, visit wineries and breweries, spend time with friends and family, and experience the shore. Coastal Cruiser gives them a responsible way to do that without worrying about driving, parking, or navigating traffic.”
The route will include stops at Cape May Winery, Willow Creek Winery, Turdo Vineyards, Nauti Spirits, Cape May Brewery, MudHen Brewing Company, Behr Brewing Company, Cold Spring Brewery, the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, MAC Visitors Center and downtown Wildwood near the boardwalk entrance. Riders will be able to track shuttle locations in real time through a mobile app, and day passes cost $40 in advance or $45 at the shuttle, with a multi-day purchase discount, according to the announcement.
“Coastal Cruiser is bringing a much-needed service to The Wildwoods,” said Tracey DuFault, President of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce. “This will only enhance and support responsible tourism, and we can’t be more excited for it.”
For this inaugural season, the service is scheduled to run on weekends from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. More information and passes are available through Coastal Cruiser, according to the announcement.
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