CRITICAL: SEPTA Trenton Line — Scheduled Elimination January 2026
If you commute to Philadelphia from New Jersey (Trenton, Hamilton, or along the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor), the SEPTA Trenton Line that connects NJ Transit to Philadelphia's Center City is scheduled for elimination in January 2026. This affects all NJ residents who relied on the Trenton Line to access Philadelphia jobs, courts, and services.
Alternative: Use PATCO Speedline. PATCO runs 24/7 between Lindenwold, NJ and Philadelphia (12th-13th Street Station in Center City). Catch NJ Transit to Trenton, then take PATCO from the PATCO station at the Trenton Transit Center. PATCO is your fallback for Philadelphia access — it is NOT affected by the SEPTA Trenton Line decision. Plan your commute accordingly.
Public Transit — NJ & PA
Rail and bus options serving Camden County, Philadelphia, Trenton, Newark, Atlantic City, and the wider NJ/PA corridor.
$1.60 — bus base fare
NJ Transit's bus and rail network covers all 21 NJ counties — including Camden, Trenton, Newark, and Atlantic City.
- River Line: Camden ↔ Trenton — $1.60, 65-minute ride, runs every 30-60 min
- Newark Light Rail: Penn Station ↔ Newark Broad St ↔ Warren St
- Bus routes: Serve Camden, Trenton, Newark, Atlantic City — check schedules for your route
- Northeast Corridor: Newark → Trenton → Philadelphia (transfer to PATCO)
NJTransit.com/schedules
$1.40–$3.00 per zone
PATCO is your reliable connection between South Jersey and Philadelphia. Runs 24/7 — no late-night shutdowns.
- Lindenwold ↔ Philadelphia — 24/7 service, 35 minutes from Lindenwold to Center City
- Key stops: Lindenwold, Ashland, Woodcrest, Collingswood, Camden, Philadelphia (12th-13th St)
- Transfer connection: NJ Transit Trenton → PATCO at PATCO Trenton station (near Trenton Transit Center)
- No scheduled service cuts — PATCO has NO plans to eliminate the Philadelphia connection
ridePATCO.org
$2.00 — subway/bus base
SEPTA serves Philadelphia and surrounding PA counties. Key lines for reentry clients:
- Market-Frankford El: 69th St Terminal (Upper Darby) ↔ Frankford Trans — serves West/NE Philadelphia
- Broad Street Line: Fern Rock ↔ Pattison — serves North/Central/South Philadelphia
- Trenton Line eliminated Jan 2026: NJ clients — use PATCO as fallback (see warning)
- SEPTA Senior Ride: Free transit for PA residents age 65+ (for clients with PA residency who are 65+)
septa.org
$15–$50 — regional tickets
Amtrak stops at key NJ/PA stations for clients traveling between cities for employment, court, or family.
- Newark Penn Station: NJ — NEC, Vermoner, regional service
- Trenton Transit Center: NJ — NEC only, connects to NJ Transit and PATCO
- Philadelphia 30th Street: PA — major hub with connections to all SEPTA services
- Discounts available for seniors, students, military, and NJ/PA residents — check amtrak.com/savings
amtrak.com
Medical & Disability Transport
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT/MAT) for Medicaid recipients in both states — free transport to medical, therapy, and treatment appointments.
FREE — for Medicaid recipients
NJ's Non-Emergency Medical Transportation program covers transport to all Medicaid-covered medical appointments. Available in every NJ county.
- Covered trips: Doctor visits, dialysis, physical therapy, mental health appointments, substance abuse treatment, pharmacy
- Who qualifies: Any NJ Medicaid recipient — no income test beyond Medicaid eligibility
- Book advance: At least 3 days before your appointment — same-day for urgent medical needs
- Service area: All 21 NJ counties, including Camden, Gloucester, Burlington, Atlantic
1-866-527-0093
FREE — for Medicaid recipients
PA's Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) covers non-emergency transport for all Medicaid recipients across all 67 counties.
- Covered trips: Medical appointments, dental, vision, therapy, mental health, MAT (medication-assisted treatment), pharmacy
- Who qualifies: Any PA Medicaid recipient in all 67 counties
- Philadelphia residents: Contact SEPTA's paratransit program or the county MATP coordinator
- Reentry clients: In-county and out-of-county transport available for treatment, court, and employment-related appointments
matp.pa.gov
FREE — for eligible veterans
If you are a veteran, the VA provides free transportation to VA medical centers for treatment, therapy, and substance abuse programs.
- VA New Jersey: Lyons VA (Morris County), East Orange VA, Philadelphia VA Medical Center
- VA Volunteer Transport: Volunteer drivers for eligible veterans — contact your VA social worker to apply
- Beneficiary Travel: VA pays for travel to VA appointments if you have a service-connected disability rating or income below VA thresholds
- Philadelphia VA: 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104 — serves all of PA and southern NJ veterans
Rideshare & Local Taxis
On-demand rides for areas well-served by Uber/Lyft and local taxi services in Camden County and the Philadelphia metro.
Rideshare is widely available in Camden, Trenton, Newark, Atlantic City, and the Philadelphia metro area. Cheapest for short trips and when you need to get somewhere fast.
- Service area: Available throughout Camden County, Trenton, Newark, Atlantic City, and Philadelphia metro
- Average cost: $8–$20 for trips within Camden County; $25–$45 to/from Philadelphia
- Discount programs: Uber Health and Lyft Medical for medical appointment transport (Medicaid accepted)
- If no smartphone: Ask a case manager, church member, or family to book on your behalf
Local taxi companies serve areas where rideshare may have limited coverage — especially in rural and semi-rural parts of Camden and Gloucester counties.
- Camden County Yellow Cab: (856) 541-4444 — serves Camden, Cherry Hill, Collingswood, and surrounding areas
- Gloucester County: Contact your county social services for local taxi vouchers (if you receive county assistance)
- Atlantic County: Atlantic City Yellow Cab — (609) 344-2000
- Fares: Metered — typically $3–$5 base + $2–$3 per mile
Discounted Transit for Unemployed & Disabled
Save 50% on NJ Transit, PATCO, and SEPTA
If you are unemployed, receiving public benefits, have a disability, or are a senior (62+), you qualify for reduced-fare programs that cut transit costs in half or more. These programs are designed specifically for people in your situation — apply today.
NJ Transit Reduced Fare ID
50% off all NJ Transit bus, rail, and light rail fares. Available to: seniors 62+, disabled (any age), and unemployed individuals with a DVOAES letter or county welfare unemployment verification. Apply at any NJ MVC office with required documentation.
- • NJ MVC office — bring your unemployment letter or disability certification
- • $2 fee for the Reduced Fare ID card
PATCO Freedom Card
50% off all PATCO rides with the PATCO Freedom Card for seniors (65+) and disabled riders. Apply at any PATCO station with a completed application + proof of eligibility (disability certification, SSA letter, or unemployment documentation).
- • Available at any PATCO station — free to apply
- • Good for unlimited trips at half price
How to Get Your Reduced Fare Letter
If you don't have disability certification, get a reduced fare letter from DVOAES (NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) or your county welfare office. This letter confirms your eligibility for the reduced fare program.
- • NJ DVOAES: Call (609) 292-4667 — they provide unemployment and disability verification letters
- • Camden County Welfare: (856) 966-2000 — can issue unemployment verification for reduced fare
- • PA County Assistance: Contact your local county board of assistance for PA reduced fare verification
Church & Community Ride Programs
Several Camden, Trenton, and Philadelphia churches and community organizations operate volunteer ride programs for reentry clients and people in recovery.
- • U.N.I.T.Y. Connector: Call (856) 450-0437 to inquire about transportation assistance
- • Trenton churches: Many Trenton-area churches run Sunday-to-service and weekday ride programs
- • Philadelphia recovery houses: Most halfway house and recovery programs offer transportation to AA/NA meetings, court, and employment
Need Help Getting Where You Need to Go?
Our team can help you figure out the best route, apply for reduced fares, and connect you with transportation resources in your area. Join the U.N.I.T.Y. Connector community for direct support.