Montclair-Essex County pact expands senior rides via Lyft and Uber; county reports tens of thousands of trips

The Essex County Board approved an interlocal agreement with the township of Montclair to provide transportation network company (TNC) services for seniors (resolution 30). Michael Viera, director of special transportation services, described the program as an expansion of the county’s special transportation offerings that began during the pandemic and noted Montclair’s $175,000 contribution for the first two years.

Viera said using Ubers and Lyfts as part of the county’s transportation program was initially adopted to reduce shared-ride exposure during the pandemic and has proven cost-effective; he reported that Montclair averaged about 6,000–7,000 trips annually prior to the pandemic and recorded roughly 42,000 trips in 2023 for that municipality alone. Countywide, Viera said the transportation program conducts roughly 100,000 trips annually when including all municipalities and TNC usage.

Commissioners asked how seniors schedule rides and Viera said county transportation is free and that residents can call the Essex County transportation number (973‑737‑4200) to schedule trips; for the Montclair program, Montclair maintains its own scheduling path but county staff coordinate the rides.

The board approved the interlocal agreement by roll call. Staff said the program will continue alongside traditional transportation options and that municipalities may expand the model.