Van Neste Square Bus Station Opens as NJ TRANSIT Launches Free On-Board Wi-Fi and Upgraded Real-Time Tracking

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Local transit infrastructure took a major step forward today as the newly upgraded bus station at Van Neste Square officially opened in Ridgewood’s Central Business District.

The temporary NJ Transit shelter has been removed, and temporary seating is currently in place while the village awaits the installation of permanent benches. The project was made possible by an NJDOT grant secured last year with support from Legislative District 40 representatives: Senator Kristin Corrado, Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, and Assemblyman Al Barlas.

Major Statewide Upgrades Across NJ TRANSIT Bus Fleet

The local station opening coincides with a massive statewide modernization effort announced by NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri, advancing Governor Mikie Sherrill’s Rapid Action Plan.

NJ TRANSIT is upgrading computer hardware, GPS systems, and cellular antennas across its entire vehicle lineup to dramatically enhance the commuter experience.

Key Statewide Upgrades Include:

• Free On-Board Wi-Fi: Over 1,500 buses statewide are currently equipped with free Wi-Fi, with plans to expand to nearly 2,000 buses (more than 80% of the active fleet) by the end of 2026. The broadband initiative is backed by a $15 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund.

• More Accurate Real-Time Tracking: Partnering with transit tech firm Swiftly, app prediction accuracy for bus arrivals has jumped from 74% to 86%. Beginning in October, commuters will see enhanced real-time data across the NJ TRANSIT website, mobile app, and third-party transit applications.

• Next-Gen Digital Bus Signs: Solar-powered digital e-paper signs are being piloted at key stops in Hudson County (Hoboken, Union City, Jersey City) and Monmouth County (Manalapan and Howell). These ADA-compliant signs display real-time arrival times, detours, safety lighting, and text-to-speech features.

How to Connect to Free NJ TRANSIT Wi-Fi

1. Look for the “Wi-Fi Enabled” sticker near the entrance of the bus.

2. Open your device’s Wi-Fi settings and select the network NJTRANSITWIFI.

3. Accept the terms on the pop-up widget and click Accept & Continue to start browsing.

“New Jerseyans rely on NJ TRANSIT to get to work, school, appointments, and everywhere else life takes them, and we should be doing everything we can to make those trips easier,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.

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