OCEAN COUNTY – Ocean Ride Reserve-A-Ride passengers will begin receiving automated calls and text messages about their scheduled transportation starting October 19 as part of a new software system designed to improve service.
The Ocean County Department of Transportation Services said riders will receive an automated confirmation call the day before a scheduled trip. On the day of the ride, passengers will get another call 15 minutes before their pickup window begins, followed by a text message when the vehicle is on the way and another notification when it arrives.
Reserve-A-Ride passengers select a pickup window of 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the service. Riders are being reminded to be ready at the beginning of that window because drivers may arrive at any time during the designated period.
“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 scheduling a trip, riders will be asked to provide or confirm their contact information so they can receive the automated updates.
Arace said the technology is another step toward modernizing the county transportation system while making the service easier to use for seniors and residents with disabilities.
“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 way passengers book rides will not change. Reservations can still be made by telephone, and the program’s operating hours and shared-ride service will remain in place.
County officials also said Ocean Ride plans to launch a smartphone application in 2027 that will give riders easier access to trip and route information.
Ocean Ride operates 13 public transportation routes in Ocean County. Its Reserve-A-Ride program provides advance-registration, door-to-door, non-emergency medical transportation primarily within Ocean County for residents age 60 and older and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
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