Access Link NJ is a paratransit service designed to provide transportation for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed-route NJ Transit bus or light rail system. This essential service ensures that eligible residents have access to reliable transportation within specific service parameters.
Key Eligibility Criteria for Access Link
To qualify for Access Link, applicants must meet specific requirements that address both their disability status and their ability to access public transportation, as well as their geographical location relative to existing transit routes.
Here’s a breakdown of the core eligibility criteria:
| Criterion | Description |
|---|---|
| Disability Status | Applicants must be individuals with a disability. This is the foundational requirement for Access Link services. |
| Functional Inability | The disability must prevent the individual from independently using the standard NJ Transit bus or light rail system. This means that even if a route is available, the person's disability makes it impossible or extremely difficult for them to board, ride, or alight from conventional public transit. |
| Geographic Proximity | The desired pick-up and drop-off locations for the Access Link service must be within ¾ of a mile of an existing NJ Transit bus route or a light rail station. This ensures that the service supplements, rather than replaces, the fixed-route system in areas it already serves. |
Understanding the Service Area
The geographical proximity requirement is crucial for Access Link eligibility. If your origin or destination falls outside the ¾-mile radius of a NJ Transit bus route or light rail station, Access Link may not be able to provide service for that particular trip. This ensures that the paratransit service effectively extends the reach of the conventional public transportation network to those who cannot directly use it due to their disability.
What Access Link Provides
For those who meet the eligibility criteria, Access Link offers a valuable, door-to-door (or curb-to-curb) transportation option. It is designed to bridge the gap for individuals whose disabilities create barriers to using standard public transit, ensuring they can still navigate their communities for appointments, work, or personal needs.
For more detailed information or to request a ride, you can visit the official NJ.gov website for transportation services for people with disabilities.
