The City of Summit is announcing a series of improvements to its ridesharing program for residential commuters. The program, the first of its kind in New Jersey, was implemented in October 2016 and has been successful in helping to alleviate parking congestion at the NJ Transit Summit Station.
A major change in the program will be the use of Lyft, Inc. as the provider for the transportation technology platform. The change will be effective on December 4, 2017 when Lyft drivers begin providing transportation for the ridesharing service.
Additional enhancements to the ridesharing program include the option for its 200 participants to schedule rides with Lyft drivers a minimum of 30 minutes and up to seven days in advance. Program hours have been extended to 11PM to allow for greater flexibility in commuting options for participants. The location for evening pickup has also been changed to 40 Railroad Avenue on the Broad Street side of the train station.
“These changes to Summit’s ridesharing program will certainly improve its convenience for commuters,” explains Summit Mayor Nora Radest. “Through our new relationship with Lyft, we are able to provide the enhanced service including scheduled pickups that participants have requested. I look forward to working together to expand and enhance the program further.”
“Lyft is built on the mission of improving people’s lives with the world’s best transportation and part of that commitment is being a valuable part of the transportation ecosystem in communities like Summit,” said Ann
Ferracane, General Manager, Lyft New Jersey. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this program and look forward to helping move Summit residents around during their key commute hours.”
Current program participants will need to download the Lyft mobile application and set up a Lyft account prior to December 4. To enroll, go to: cityofsummit.org/ridesharing
Under the city’s program, Summit residents with prepaid parking permits are eligible for free rides to and from the station during weekday commuting hours; residents without prepaid permits will be eligible for $2 rides, which is equivalent to the cost of the city’s $4 daily parking. Trips must begin or end within Summit or at the train station and be completed Monday through Friday between the hours of 5AM and 11PM.
For more information about the ridesharing program or parking in Summit, NJ, please visit cityofsummit.org or contact the Parking Services Agency at parking@cityofsummit.org or (908) 522-5100.