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The city established its Newark Arts and Education District during a ceremony commemorating Juneteenth and officially renaming Washington Park Harriet Tubman Square in 2022. Pictured here and located in the park, Shadow of a Face by Nina Cooke John, stands as an interactive monument to Harriet Tubman. - JESSICA PERRY/NJBIZ
The city established its Newark Arts and Education District during a ceremony commemorating Juneteenth and officially renaming Washington Park Harriet Tubman Square in 2022. Pictured here and located in the park, Shadow of a Face by Nina Cooke John, stands as an interactive monument to Harriet Tubman. - JESSICA PERRY/NJBIZ
Via Newark micro-transit pilot debuts free weekend travel
Jessica Perry//May 21, 2025//
Newark recently introduced a new weekend micro-transit program to help navigate the city that also happens to be free.
Mayor Ras Baraka joined Invest Newark May 14 to introduce Via Newark. Developed with TechTransit provider Via, service started May 16.
The on-demand transit service launches with a six-month pilot. The program aims to help residents and visitors navigate cultural, educational and commercial destinations in Newark’s growing Arts and Education District. According to the city, thanks to a reform law spearheaded by the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, Urban Enterprise Zone funds support the program.
“This is what accessible, people-centered transportation looks like,” said Baraka. “Via Newark helps ensure every resident – no matter their income or ZIP code – can enjoy all that our Arts and Education District has to offer.”
Removing barriers
By using the Via Newark app (available via the Apple App Store and Google Play) or calling 973-755-0805, anyone can book a ride within Newark city limits. However, the city noted the new program primarily seeks to ease travel for commerce and culture serving the Arts and Education District points of interest (see map). Launched in 2022, the new Via partnership is part of other ongoing efforts to promote and further activate the new arts area.
The micro-transit service offers quick and efficient shared trips, using its algorithm to match riders heading in the same direction in one vehicle. Potential riders could also receive directions to walk to a near corner for pick-up or drop-off, minimizing detours and keeping everyone moving.
“This program makes it easier than ever for families, students, and tourists to experience the best of Newark,” commented Invest Newark CEO Marcus Randolph. “Via Newark removes transportation barriers and moves us closer to a more connected, inclusive city.”
The city says the pilot aims to explore how the city can successfully deploy micro transit programs. Via Newark will operate Friday from 5–10 p.m.; Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sundays from noon–9 p.m.
The Brick City is the latest in New Jersey to work with Via. Last year, Middlesex County debuted its RIDE On Demand, also powered by Via. Meanwhile, in 2024, Jersey City marked more than 2 million rides provided through its on-demand service, Via Jersey City. Launched in 2019, the Hudson County partnership marked Via entrance to the New Jersey market.
