Transportation Services

IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 9/30/2026 - RESERVE-A-RIDE TO OFFER AUTOMATED RIDE REMNDERS UNDER NEW SOFTWARE
OCEAN COUNTY – Starting October 19, the Ocean County Department of Transportation will send automated message reminders to Reserve-A-Ride users about ride details, thanks to the implementation of a new software system.
With the new software, riders will receive an automated confirmation call the day before their booked ride. On the day of the appointment riders will also receive a call 15 minutes before their pick-up window begins, a text alert when the vehicle is on the way, and when it has arrived.
When booking through Reserve-A-Ride users will select a pick-up window of 30-60 minutes, depending on the service selected. Passengers will need to be ready at the start of the pick-up window, because drivers may arrive at any point during the specified time frame.
“The new software is designed to make Reserve-A-Ride services more efficient and timing during the pick-up window more accurate for riders,” Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to Ocean Ride, said.
When users schedule a ride through the Ocean Ride Reserve-A-Ride program, they will be prompted to provide contact information, if it is not already on file, so they can receive reminders and updates.
“Ocean Ride is moving forward towards the future of public transportation, seeking to streamline service for riders,” Arace said. “The Reserve-A-Ride program is meant to make life easier for our senior population and residents living with a disability. We hope this new alert system provides even further ease.”
The system for booking rides will stay the same. Rides can still be booked over the phone. Reserve-A-Ride hours of operation will also remain the same, along with the share ride service. Riders can expect the same Ocean County vehicles to be driven by friendly and caring drives, providing safe and reliable transportation. In 2027, all Ocean Ride users can expect the launch of a new smartphone application, which will allow for easy access to ride and route information.
The Ocean County Department of Transportation Services operates 13 Ocean Ride public transportation routes and the Reserve-A-Ride Program which provides door-to-door, non-emergency medical transportation services to seniors (age 60 and over) and persons with disabilities (age 18 and over). This service is offered on an advanced registration basis primarily to destinations within Ocean County.