Burlington County’s free shuttle bus service will launch next week.
Residents of Burlington County, New Jersey, will soon notice the introduction of a new blue shuttle bus as the region launches its first public transit option in over twenty years. This development comes as part of a broader initiative to enhance transportation services across South Jersey, marking the official start of the new route on September 21. The Burlington County Shuttle is the sixth addition to the SJ Connects public transit program, which is operated by the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA). This program commenced earlier this year with the introduction of five shuttle lines on June 1, following the necessary legal authorization for operations in the county.
The SJ Connects initiative aims to provide seamless transportation across a substantial area, stretching from Cape May Court House to Palmyra. The shuttles connect with other transit lines, including SJTA routes and NJ Transit services, ensuring greater accessibility for riders across the region. While the Burlington County Shuttle begins at the Pennsauken Transit Center in Camden County, it concludes its route after ten stops at Twosome Drive and Church Street in Moorestown. Notable stops along this shuttle include locations such as the Cinnaminson ShopRite and the Cooper University Healthcare facility at Moorestown Mall, accommodating up to 20 passengers at a time.
The establishment of the SJ Connects program received substantial financial backing, with million in state funding allocated for its initial trial run, supported by the administration of former Governor Phil Murphy. The efforts to secure funding were significantly influenced by state Senator Troy Singleton, who emphasized the importance of connecting the region—historically characterized by its expansive farmlands—to economic opportunities and educational resources. Singleton articulated the importance of this transportation network, particularly in enhancing connectivity to Philadelphia and other vital locations throughout New Jersey.
The SJ Connects routes have been strategically developed to include key medical centers, educational institutions, and locations of economic significance, as highlighted by Stephen Dougherty, the executive director of SJTA. The routes feature multiple stops at major employers and healthcare providers, including facilities such as the Pureland Industrial Complex, which is recognized as one of the largest industrial parks east of the Mississippi River.
As all six shuttles under the SJ Connects umbrella prepare to commence operations, local officials are encouraging community members to take advantage of this free service. Increased usage is not only intended to benefit riders but also to reinforce the case for sustained state funding, paving the way for potential future expansion of the transit network. Senator Singleton has called on the public to recognize the value of this transportation resource funded by their tax dollars, underscoring the community’s role in shaping the future of public transit in Burlington County and beyond.
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