The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is advancing their Liberty State Park Revitalization Plan with a free shuttle bus pilot program that will start tomorrow and run through the end of September.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The pilot shuttle service, starting Friday, July 19, will operate on weekends and select other days through September 29th. The shuttle service will include a stop at the Liberty Science Center, the DEP announced today.
“Liberty State Park is the most visited state park in New Jersey and an important recreational resource for area residents. Throughout DEP’s robust public engagement process, many have expressed the need for better connectivity between Liberty State Park’s amenities,” NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette said in a statement.
“This free shuttle service seeks to fulfill that need and better serve surrounding communities. Inclusivity has always been a priority of the revitalization program and we are thrilled to offer this service that will make getting around this iconic park more convenient for all.”
Two shuttle buses, one with a wheelchair lift, will transport visitors along a designated route on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and during specific times for special events. A shuttle will arrive at each stop approximately every 20 minutes.
Previously, a pay-to-ride NJ TRANSIT shuttle service operated at the park from 2000 until 2010.
Extensive stakeholder engagement through the Liberty State Park Revitalization Program revealed significant interest in resuming a shuttle service in the park to enhance access to park amenities.
The park-wide shuttle service has seven stops: the Liberty Science Center, Liberty Landing Marina & NYC Ferry, Statue of Liberty Ferry, North Picnic Area & Playground, the Nature Center, the South Picnic Area & Park Office, the Parking & Hudson River Waterfront Walk
A map showing the locations of the shuttle stops is available online.
“This pilot shuttle service is an exciting new amenity being introduced thanks to the Liberty State Park Revitalization Program,” added Assistant Commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites John Cecil.
“The shuttle will greatly enhance accessibility, allowing those with mobility disabilities to fully experience all that Liberty State Park has to offer. It will make travel easier and more convenient within the park.”
A ridership survey will be available in August and be conducted onboard at select times, and more widely released online. Rider satisfaction and feedback will inform adjustments for the pilot and future shuttle services.
“This is a significant step in our public engagement efforts to determine solutions for ensuring everyone can access and enjoy Liberty State Park,” noted Administrator for Urban State Parks & Initiatives Maggie McCann.
“We encourage shuttle users to take the brief survey to help us enhance the service during the pilot period and shape the long-term program.”
In addition to running on weekends from July 19 to September 29th, the pilot shuttle will operate for special events on the following dates and times:
Friday, July 19 – 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. for the Water Lantern Festival
Saturday, July 20 – 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the Water Lantern Festival
Tuesday, July 30 – 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the Outcrops Concert
Monday, Sept. 2 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Labor Day
Saturday, Sept. 21 – 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the Water Lantern Festival
Sunday, Sept. 22 – 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the Water Lantern Festival
One of the shuttles has 16 seats with room for one wheelchair, or 20 seats when a wheelchair is not being transported; the other shuttle has 25 seats and room for six standing passengers. The pilot shuttle service is funded by the American Rescue Plan economic stimulus package. Additional information and updates on the pilot shuttle service can be found on the Liberty State Park Revitalization Program microsite.
The Liberty State Park Revitalization Program will bring more than 100 acres of active recreation, arts, and cultural improvements to Liberty State Park’s perimeter, while also creating a central park at its heart.
In October 2023, the DEP broke ground on a major component of the LSP Revitalization Program—the cleanup and restoration of the long fenced-off interior area of the park.
Detailed information about each of the revitalization phases is included on DEP’s Liberty State Park Revitalization Program microsite.
