Over two years ago, Balpreet Grewal-Virk, senior vice president of community health at RWJBarnabas Health, engaged with Newark nonprofits and residents to explore how the hospital network could address patient health issues beyond their facilities. The feedback revealed that transportation was a significant barrier for individuals needing to attend medical appointments, collect medication, or access nutritious food.
"Those who present for services, they don’t have a car, they don’t have access to transportation, and when they need to go see a doctor when they’re not feeling well, that just becomes a back burner," said Nemin Jaya, director of administration for the Salvation Army’s Newark Area Services.
Researchers highlight the critical role public transportation plays in health outcomes. Michael Smart, a professor at Rutgers Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, stated: "We know that the more often you go to the doctor, the more often you’re able to take care of things as they arise in a timely fashion, the better off your health is. Transit is a real lifesaver, a literal lifesaver."
Smart emphasized that those with cars have improved access to healthcare resources and cited Census data from 2023 showing that 11.3% of households in New Jersey lacked car access. He remarked on the importance of providing services akin to car ownership for low-income families: "Any type of services that we can provide for these very important trips that work like a car for low-income families and others is going to help tremendously."
