For many Glen Ridge residents, the jitney was easy to take for granted—until a New Year’s Eve Facebook post raised the possibility that it could disappear.
On December 31, 2025, the Borough of Glen Ridge shared a post announcing that officials were considering phasing out the town’s jitney service following the upcoming retirement of one of its longtime drivers. The post quickly drew attention, and residents took to Facebook and other online forums to express alarm, concern, and, in some cases, outrage at the idea of losing a service many consider essential to daily life in town.
In the days that followed, residents questioned why the jitney was under review and worried about how its removal could affect commuters and the character of Glen Ridge itself. The response culminated in a well-attended town council meeting on January 5th, 2026, where many residents spoke during public comment to voice their concerns and offer ideas for improving the service rather than eliminating it.
Ridership on the jitney declined during the pandemic as more people began working from home, reflecting broader shifts in commuting patterns. However, officials acknowledged that this trend may be changing as more companies require employees to return to the office. While the jitney’s annual operating cost of approximately $290,000 represents a relatively small portion of the town’s overall $13 million budget, leaders are evaluating whether current ridership levels justify continuing the service without changes.
At the January 5th meeting, residents suggested a range of possible solutions to increase revenue and ridership. These included improving fare enforcement, introducing electronic passes, and promoting the service more clearly to commuters. Others proposed modernizing the jitney by adding real-time tracking so riders could see when it would arrive, making the service easier and more appealing to use.
While the jitney is currently used primarily by commuters, several residents suggested expanding the service to better serve students. Running additional routes before and after school could provide a safe and reliable way for middle and high school students to travel to and from school, after-school activities, and part-time jobs. Supporters said increased student use could reduce traffic congestion during peak drop-off and pickup times while helping families manage busy schedules.
Beyond its practical uses, many residents argued that the jitney plays a key role in Glen Ridge’s identity. Local realtors have pointed to the service as a factor that draws families to the town, particularly those moving from cities who expect some form of public transportation. For some, the jitney is what sets Glen Ridge apart from neighboring communities.
As town officials continue to weigh their options, the debate has made one thing clear: the jitney is more than just a transportation service. Whether the town chooses to invest in improvements, explore alternatives, or rethink how the service operates, residents are eager to remain part of the conversation about what the jitney’s future should look like.
