Gov. Phil Murphy today announced three major initiatives to expand and modernize public transportation options in southern New Jersey. During a fireside chat sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey, Murphy unveiled an expansion of Camden’s electric bus fleet, a new express shuttle service between Vineland and Atlantic City, and a $5 million federal investment to grow micro-transit options in the southern region of the state.

“Our administration is committed to strengthening public transportation in all corners of our state,” said Murphy. “These new transportation options in South Jersey will not only better connect residents to jobs, schools, and healthcare, but also lay the foundation for a stronger and more interconnected regional economy.

CCSNJ has championed the expansion of public transportation in southern New Jersey and it was also a recommendation in NJBIA”s recently released 2025 Blueprint for a Competitive New Jersey.

In Camden, the state plans to expand on a fleet of electric buses, increasing access to clean, efficient, and sustainable transit options. The expanded fleet of eight new buses will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and provide residents with a reliable mode of transportation. During this morning’s fireside chat, Murphy said that “double-digit millions of dollars” were committed to the purchase.

The new express shuttle bus pilot between Vineland and Atlantic City will launch this fall, with two round trips each weekday, providing direct service between the Vineland Transportation Center and the Atlantic City Bus Terminal. The one-year pilot, operated by the South Jersey Transportation Authority — with the support of NJ TRANSIT — will connect casino workers and other commuters from Cumberland County to employment opportunities in Atlantic City, while also reducing congestion and improving regional mobility.

A $5 million investment of one-time federal funding will be allocated to support the expansion of microtransit across South Jersey, improving service options on “eds and meds” corridors. The initiative is designed to connect residents to jobs, schools, and healthcare facilities, advancing the State’s efforts to build a more interconnected public transportation system for all New Jerseyans.

“South Jersey’s transportation challenges are not just well-known, they are critical and escalating. The reality is that as you travel further south, mass transit options diminish significantly. The Chamber has been a relentless advocate for enhanced transportation solutions throughout the region, fighting for vital infrastructure investments and filling service gaps. The Governor’s announcement addresses these pressing issues directly and we are incredibly grateful for his responsiveness to our Chamber’s concerns,” said Christina M. Renna, president & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey.

“Supported by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the expanded fleet of electric buses in Camden will provide clean and dependable transit options for residents and commuters,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is investing in our clean energy future by putting more zero-emission vehicles on our roads, resulting in improved air quality, healthier families, and a stronger green economy.”

“With Governor Murphy’s support, NJ TRANSIT is committed to fully modernizing its fleet of rail cars and buses by the year 2031 and that includes the continued expansion of the electric bus program,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “Having sustainable transportation options in the most densely populated state is not just a wish-list item – it is critical to the environmental future of New Jersey and essential for powering our economy for generations to come.”

“Anytime we can bring more people to Atlantic City, it’s a win-win,” said Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small. “This new express shuttle bus service from Vineland gives Cumberland County residents a faster, more efficient way to reach jobs in our casinos and across the city.”

“I am happy to support the governor’s pilot initiative to provide twice daily express bus service between Vineland and Atlantic City,” said Vineland Mayor Anthony Fanucci. “This long overdue program can be a positive step forward in connecting our residents to job opportunities in the gaming industry while also strengthening our regional economy. Reliable public transportation is key to empowering our workforce and ensuring that Vineland continues to thrive.”