Bicycles on NJ TRANSIT Buses
NJ TRANSIT has a great way for you to see more of New Jersey by bike.
Bicycles are permitted at all times on buses with bike racks on the front or on buses with under-floor luggage compartments on a first-come, first-served basis.
Currently, about half of the NJ TRANSIT bus fleet is able to accommodate bicycles, including all buses in the Southern Division (generally the area from Princeton/Trenton to Atlantic City and south). There is no extra charge for bicycles brought aboard NJ TRANSIT vehicles, and no "permit" is required.
- Available at all times.
- No bike permit necessary.
- Two-wheel bikes only.
- Each rack holds two bikes.
- Cyclists must load and unload their own bikes.
- Only single-rider, non-motorized bikes are permitted on the bike racks.
- No child carrier seats or tandem bikes are permitted on a bus bike rack.
- Bikes cannot be locked while on the bike rack.
How to Load/Unload Your Bike
As the bus approaches, have your bike ready to load. All loose items should be removed from the bicycle before the bus arrives. If using a bike rack, you must notify the bus operator before loading or unloading the bicycle. For safety reasons, the bus operator cannot get off the bus to assist you, but will be able to give instructions.
Loading Your Bike
- Always load and unload your bike from the curb side.
- Pull down to release the folded bike rack. You only need one hand to pull the rack down, so you can hold your bike with the other hand.
- Lift you bike onto the rack, fitting the wheels into the slots.
- Raise and release the support arm over the top of the front tire. Make sure the support arm is resting on the tire and not on the fender or frame. Board the bus and sit as close to the front of the bus as possible, keeping your bike in view.
Unloading Your Bike
- Tell the bus operator you need to unload your bike before you approach your stop.
- Raise the support arm off the tire. Move the support arm down, out of your way.
- Lift your bike out of the rack.
- Fold up the bike rack if there is no other bike on it.
Because the use of bike locks on bus bike racks is prohibited, it is recommended the cyclist sit near the front of the bus to keep an eye on the bicycle. Bikes are not permitted on articulated buses (long buses that bend in the middle) since no accommodations are available.
Bike Rack Safety
Taking your bike with you while traveling by bus can be a safe, pleasant experience if you follow these safety tips:
- Never step onto the street side of the bus when loading or unloading your bike. The bus operator may not see you if you approach and load from the left side of the bus.
- Remember to let the bus operator know when you plan to load or unload your bike.
- Be ready at the bus stop. If you plan to remove anything from your bike, do so before the bus arrives.
- Load your bike and secure your bike as quickly as possible. Be considerate of your fellow passengers who may need to make a transfer down the line.
- Please do not attempt to bring your bike inside the bus. If the bike rack is full, you will have to wait for the next bus.