Jitneys do not work in the exact same way as regular transit buses. If you have never taken them before, here are a few pointers that you may find helpful:
- The fare will not always be the same if it is on a route operated by more than one company. While there may be minor fluctuations in the price, it will usually be around the same general area.
- Usually fares are structured similarly to NJ Transit fares on the corresponding route, increasing by zone. Expect a base fare of $1.50 for a short trip.
- Unlike transit buses, the driver will give change if he or she can. Don’t be afraid to break a $20. But it is a good idea to alert the driver in advance if you only have large bills.
- Most jitneys operate on a pay-as-you-leave basis, not pay-as-you-enter.
- There are no child discounts, senior discounts, or monthly passes.
- The bus will usually does not have a button or cord to request a stop. If there is no button or cord, saying “next stop,” “la parada,” or “la proxima” to the driver will do the trick.
- Jitneys do not run on an official schedule. Unless it is late at night, you can be reasonably sure that one will be along soon.
On board the jitney bus
- If you board at the terminal in New York, the bus will usually leave when the driver believes it is adequately full. There is usually no officially scheduled departure time
- Some routes board on the street outside of the Port Authority. See this map for boarding locations.
- If a jitney heading to New York is full, often the driver will not take any more passengers and run nonstop to New York, making the trip faster that it otherwise would have been.
- Conversely, If a jitney heading to New York is almost empty, passengers may be asked to transfer to another bus.
- Jitneys do not have an “out of service” or “no passengers” sign like a regular bus. If a bus passes by you without stopping, the driver may be heading home or on a break.
- If a driver is about to end his shift, he or she may ask you to transfer to another bus. Often they will call/radio to the other driver so that they know to wait for you.
