COMMUTER AND TRANSIT BUS PRIVATE CARRIER RELIEF AND JOBS PROGRAM – PHASE 3
The NJEDA is currently accepting applications for this program. Please click the APPLY HERE button to begin.
The third phase of the Commuter and Transit Bus Private Carrier Relief and Jobs Program is now accepting applications until December 2, 2025. Please use the “Apply Here” link on this page to submit an application. Reach out to busrelief@njeda.gov with any questions or issues.
The objective of Phase 3, similar to Phase 1 and Phase 2, is to provide financial relief and support to private carrier companies facing continued reduced ridership. Helping the state’s private carrier industry will both benefit New Jerseyans who rely on the state’s commuter bus services as well as the residents employed by the private carrier companies. To receive funding, applicants must meet all eligibility criteria described below. The eligibility criteria are non-discretionary and program funds will be allocated on a predefined formula to ensure the program can be efficiently administered.
Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Are recognized as an active Private Carrier by NJ Transit at time of application, as demonstrated by NJ Transit program participation or other equivalent documentation. Ferry operators providing bus service that are designated as Private Carriers are also eligible.
- Are a for-profit business
- Ineligible entities include public agencies, authorities, or government entities
- Are registered to do business in and operating in the state of New Jersey, as evidenced by a valid New Jersey Tax Clearance Certificate;
- Provide active Fixed Route Services or Commuter Bus service. Proof of active service can be shown by providing route documentation (route map, schedules, etc.), proof of ridership (ticket sales, passenger counts, etc.), vehicle revenue miles, or other equivalent documentation. Other transportation services, including but not limited to those provided by charter buses, school buses, municipal shuttles, vanpool, and on-demand bus services, are not eligible.
- Satisfy the Authority’s debarment/disqualification review and not have any defaults or outstanding obligations to the Authority; and
- Are in good standing with the following agencies: New Jersey Department of Labor, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Division of Taxation, and New Jersey Transit.
Applicants will submit 2024 Vehicles Operated in Maximum Service (VOMS) data, which will be verified with the National Transit Database (NTD).
Grants will be allocated on a percentage based on eligible applicants 2024 VOMS data as published by NTD. Awards will be determined based on the percentage of 2024 VOMS each applicant has in relation to the total 2024 VOMS from all applicants. For example, if an applicant’s 2024 VOMS is 19% of the total VOMS from all applicants, then that applicant would receive 19% of the $2,850,000 available funding.
- The Program will be structured as a non-competitive grant. As such, the Program’s application will remain open for a fixed period of time (to be determined based on anticipated demand, but not less than two weeks), and all eligible applicants that apply within this period will receive a grant. Once the application period closes, staff will review all applications for completeness and eligibility.
- Applicants will be provided a 10-business day cure period to correct submission deficiencies identified by staff to be incomplete or incorrect. At the sole discretion of the Authority, staff may ask for additional information or clarification of the information included in the application, including, but not limited to, responses, documentation, and attachments. Applicants that are non-responsive to NJEDA requests for additional information will be notified by NJEDA staff via email that the application will be administratively withdrawn and not advance. If an Applicant responds but is unable to provide the requested additional information, the application will be declined with a right to appeal.
- Appeal process: Entities whose applications are denied will have the right to appeal. Appeals must be filed within the timeframe set in the declination letter (which must be at least 10 business days). The Hearing Officer will recommend an administrative decision. Delegated authority is requested to accept final administrative decisions prepared by a Hearing Officer for appeals based on solely non-discretionary reasons. Due to the proportional distribution of funds, all funds will be held from assignation until all appeals are resolved, after which funds will be disbursed.
Application fee: There is no fee to apply to the program. In lieu of a fee, the NJEDA will use 5% ($150,000) of the program’s funding to cover NJEDA Administrative costs.
QUESTIONS
If you have questions about Phase 3 of the Commuter & Transit Bus Private Carrier Relief & Jobs Program, please email busrelief@njeda.gov.