WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield has been selected by Union County as the first community to launch RideUC, a new county-funded, on-demand shared-ride service offered in partnership with transportation provider Via, said Mayor Jeremy Berman.
The one-year pilot program is intended to address last-mile transportation needs by helping residents get to the train station, downtown businesses, shopping and other local destinations without relying on a car.
Berman said RideUC differs from traditional ride-hailing services because it combines county funding with passenger fares to provide shared transportation at a lower cost.
"I'm pleased to share that Westfield has been selected by Union County as the first community to launch RideUC, a new County-funded, on-demand shared-ride service offered in partnership with transportation provider Via," Berman said.
The service will be free through Nov. 20, according to Berman.
After that, rides will cost $3 per trip. The program is scheduled to operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and riders will be able to book trips through an app or by phone.
Residents should begin seeing RideUC vehicles around town starting Tuesday, Oct. 20.
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