DeCamp bus line commuter services to and from New York City ends Friday, April 7. The end of the service has left many bus riders seeking alternate routes.

NJ Transit announced it would step up to take over those routes. The transportation service will help roughly 85% of impacted commuters starting on Monday as the bus line will pick up routes 66, 33 and 44 through Bergen and Essex counties. The plan includes extending four existing NJ Transit bus routes.

Regardless, it's a tough day for those having to revamp their morning commutes on Monday.

“Now we wait for NJ Transit about the schedule, it’s hard for everybody,” said Raul Ruiz, a DeCamp bus commuter.

Ruiz has been a loyal rider the last five years with DeCamp bus services. His routine is simple: walk a few blocks from his home in Bloomfield to the corner of Franklin and Montgomery where he catches the 7:30 bus into Manhattan for work.

Commutes like Ruiz’s end on Friday for one of New Jersey's oldest bus companies. The mayor of Bloomfield was outspoken regarding the matter, stating the loss of a bus route would impact the lives of residents, especially those who depend on it for reliable transportation to work, school and other essential destinations.

It was just a few weeks back when DeCamp made the announcement saying the decision to stop commuter services came as a result of the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily commuting to New York City. The company says despite its best efforts, monthly ridership averages 20% or less of pre-COVID levels. Without further assistance from various federal and state financial programs, the economic losses became too much to bear, the company said.

“I was heartbroken, a little bit devastated, scared. What was our next step and what were we going to be doing?” said Rebecca Smith, a DeCamp bus driver.

“I had one guy last week he told me he has been riding this bus since he was 3 years old. He’s 83 now. He said I’m going to miss this,” Smith said.

The majority of riders will be covered through NJ Transit starting on Monday. But for those who won’t be covered, NJ Transit recommends seeking alternate routes through existing bus or train services, or local municipal bus shuttles.