Community Corner
Princeton Relaunches Free Loop Bus Connecting Downtown, Train Station
The Loop now offers two tiers of free service, with a Loop Express running 6 days a week between the Shopping Center and train station.
PRINCETON, NJ — The municipality re-launched its free Princeton Loop bus system Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Princeton Shopping Center, expanding the fare-free service to include a new express route and updated branding as officials tout the upgrade as a step toward car-free connectivity.
The Princeton Loop now operates two tiers of service: Loop Local and the new Loop Express, which runs six days a week and connects the Princeton Shopping Center, downtown Princeton and Princeton Station. The express route completes a round trip in approximately 40 minutes.
Council President Michelle Pirone Lambros, who led the transit study that shaped the expansion, said the system is meant to strengthen the local economy alongside mobility.
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"The Princeton Loop Express strengthens connections between our neighborhoods, our centers of commerce and our regional transit," Lambros said, "making it easier for residents, employees, and visitors to support Princeton's businesses, cultural events and attractions."
Councilmember Mia Sacks framed the expansion within the state's broader Smart Growth agenda, saying the Loop brings transit directly to areas of new residential development.
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Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri, state Sen. Andrew Zwicker and Experience Princeton Executive Director Robin Lapidus joined Princeton Council members at the event.
"Affordable, accessible public transportation is vital to improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents," Benson said, noting the service's importance to seniors, working families and individuals with disabilities.
The newly branded buses are green and feature a frog design, with the tagline: Hop on. It's free.
As part of the launch, Experience Princeton is running a promotional contest in which the first 500 riders will be entered to win one of four $50 digital gift cards redeemable at more than 70 Princeton businesses.
Residents can also join a community feedback session April 22 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., when Councilmember Leighton Newlin will ride the Loop Express and take questions from constituents in an event called "Leighton Listens."
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