GOTrenton! Electric Shuttle Service Reaches 100,000 Passenger Milestone
New Jersey’s first all-electric shuttle service, GOTrenton!, is celebrating a major milestone today: 100,000 riders have been moved since its launch in October 2023.
The widely-used and award-winning program is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the local non-profit Isles, Inc., with support from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. GOTrenton! was designed through extensive planning with Trenton residents and community leaders to provide an affordable, zero-emissions transportation option in a city where nearly 30% of households are car-free.
“Isles launched GOTrenton! with a mission to connect the City through clean, accessible, and affordable transit, and hitting 100,000 passengers in barely two years is a powerful validation of that vision,” said Kep Short, GOTrenton!’s director. “This milestone isn’t just a number—it represents thousands of vital connections made across Trenton by our residents. We are deeply grateful to our community partners, our funders, our dedicated drivers, and our riders.”
Operated by Circuit and accessible via an on-demand app, the service has become core to enabling essential trips for the community. Now moving over 4,000 riders across the City each month, the service effectively expands the reach of fixed-route transportation and connects residents to vital needs, such as food and healthcare.
Data from the service highlights its role in connecting residents to necessary community destinations:
● Top Pick-Up/Drop-Off Locations:
○ Soup Kitchens: 10,000+ passenger trips.
○ Community Centers: 7,200+ passenger trips.
○ Pharmacies/Healthcare Facilities: 6,000+ passenger trips.
○ Grocery Stores: 5,500+ passenger trips.
○ Transit Station: 5,000+ passenger trips.
The service’s environmental impact has been significant, saving over 10,000 gallons of gas while traveling over 100,000 miles. The program also employs 15 locally hired, W2 drivers. In a rider feedback submission, one rider shared, “[My driver] was very patient and kind. I appreciated him helping with my groceries.”
To enhance program efficiency and reach, GOTrenton! recently added Sunday service, more than doubled its original coverage area, and diversified its fleet of electric vehicles. A $2.00 flat fare was implemented in October 2025 to better balance vehicle supply with ride requests, resulting in a 20% reduction in average wait times.
By marrying the needs of the community and the environment, supporters hope GOTrenton!‘s program will serve as a blueprint for operating similar electric microtransit programs across New Jersey.
