Free Hoboken HOP shuttle makes commuting around the city easier
The Hoboken HOP offers free rides throughout the Mile Square City, giving residents an easy and affordable way to get to work, transit hubs and other destinations.
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For many commuters, getting to work means sitting in traffic or waiting on trains and buses. But in Hoboken, one free transportation option is helping residents get around town with ease.
The Hoboken HOP is a free microtransit shuttle that allows riders to travel throughout the Mile Square City without paying a fare. The service connects neighborhoods with major destinations, including Hoboken Terminal, making it easier for residents to complete their daily commutes.
Hoboken resident Olivia Schueller started using the HOP after realizing it was available to her.
"It's the convenience of being able to get on and off right where I need to be," Schueller said.
Her ride to work takes about 10 minutes. Without the shuttle, she says she'd either have to walk in any kind of weather or pay to ride an NJ Transit bus.
"I don't have a car. I haven't had a car in almost two years now, and I strictly rely on my feet, public transit and the HOP to get me from point A to point B," Schueller said. "Having transportation like this is a huge game changer."
Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour says many residents still don't realize the service exists, which is why the city is working to spread the word.
"We're really trying to promote it as a free service," Jabbour said. "We're proud to offer it because we want to make public transit options available for everyone."
The HOP operates several routes throughout the city, with most centered around Hoboken Terminal to help riders connect with regional transit. A separate route is also designed specifically to serve senior residents.
For Schueller, the shuttle has become an essential part of her daily routine.
The trip across town may only take a few minutes, but it highlights that the toll of commuting isn't always about distance. Sometimes, it's simply about having an easy, reliable and free way to get where you need to go.
