NewarkGo Pilot Launches for Dockless Bikeshare and E-Scooters, Newark, NJ 2021

The City of Newark has launched NewarkGo, a pilot for dockless bikeshare and e-scooters. In this pilot, Newark has contracted with Veo and Bird to provide a fleet of about 2,000 micromobility vehicles. Customers can borrow micromobility vehicles on a short-term basis at a cost of about $3.25 for a 15 minute ride. The City of Newark is requiring that Veo and Bird deploy at least 15% of their vehicles in Equity Zones, “areas of the city where 30 percent or more of residents earn less than the [area median income], face excessive commutes (60+ minutes, one-way), and fall outside a 10-minute walk radius to rapid rail transit”. This pilot is administered through Newark’s Department of Engineering and Department of Economic and Housing Development.

Notably, Newark is addressing numerous equity concerns with this pilot. Discounts are available to low-income individuals, adaptive vehicle designs are available for people with disabilities, and people without credit cards or smartphones will have the opportunity to borrow the e-scooters and bicycles as well. It is also estimated that 40% of Newark residents do not own a car, enhancing their mobility options alongside the city’s transit network. If done well, the NewarkGo pilot can serve as a template for how micromobility programs can promote transportation equity.

Last updated July 26, 2021