More Than 1,600 Free Rides to Healthcare and other Social Services Completed in First Six Months

Trenton, NJ – June 23, 2026 – The New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (NJMIHIA) today announced the early impacts and expansion of NJMIHIA Rides, powered by GOTrenton!. This community-centered transportation initiative in and around Trenton is designed to help remove accessibility barriers for pregnant and postpartum individuals and the perinatal workforce.

Launched on December 1, 2025, NJMIHIA Rides is a partnership between NJMIHIA, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), GOTrenton!, and Isles, a Trenton-based community development organization. The program provides free, zero-emission rides, helping improve access to healthcare, employment, social services, and other essential community resources. Under the current partnership, free rides for pregnant and postpartum individuals and members of the perinatal workforce will continue through December 30, 2026.

Transportation is a critical social driver of health and a well-documented barrier to accessing care. NJMIHIA Rides was developed as a special program within GOTrenton! to help ensure pregnant persons and the perinatal workforce can more easily reach medical appointments, workforce services, government offices, and other destinations that support health and wellbeing throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.

In May, GOTrenton! expanded its service capacity and coverage area by increasing the number of vehicles and drivers and adding new service zones, including West Hamilton and Southern Ewing. The expansion increases access to healthcare facilities, employment centers, and other critical community resources in Mercer County.

“Every family deserves the opportunity to access the care, services, and support they need to thrive. Programs like NJMIHIA Rides help remove practical barriers that too often stand between families and vital resources,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “By expanding access to healthcare, employment, and community services, we are strengthening support systems for mothers, babies, and families while advancing our commitment to healthier and more equitable outcomes across New Jersey.”

Since its launch in December 2025, NJMIHIA Rides has provided over 1,600 rides for over 2,100 passengers throughout Trenton. Awareness and utilization of the program have grown significantly in recent months, with over 900 rides servicing over 1,200 passengers occurring during April and May 2026 alone.

“Transportation should never be the reason someone misses a prenatal appointment, cannot access essential services, or faces barriers to providing care,” said NJMIHIA President and CEO Lisa Asare. “NJMIHIA Rides demonstrates how practical, community-centered solutions can help strengthen access to care, support family wellbeing, and improve health outcomes.”

Participants reported exceptionally high satisfaction rates, with average satisfaction scores of 4.93 out of 5 among pregnant and postpartum riders and 5 out of 5 among perinatal workforce participants.

Capital Health Regional Medical Center was among the top destinations used throughout the program. Riders’ use of the service to access healthcare resources reflects the initiative’s role in helping residents stay connected to essential services and opportunities throughout the community.

"When we have healthy mothers, we have a healthy workforce," said NJDOL Acting Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. "No one should miss a maternity appointment because they can't afford transportation. NJMIHIA Rides removes this barrier with free, reliable rides for mothers, babies, and the workers who care for our families. We're proud to be part of this partnership that improves access to critical healthcare and helps birth workers provide essential care and build sustainable careers."

“Ensuring our transportation system is addressing service deserts and increasing connections to healthcare, employment, education and community resources for traditionally underserved communities is especially important,” NJDOT Commissioner Priya Jain said. “The NJDOT is proud to be a partner for the NJMIHA Rides Program and its demonstration of how transportation investments can make a real difference in our communities."

“At GOTrenton!, we know that reliable transportation isn't just about moving people—it is a critical component of health,” said Kep Short, Director, GOTrenton! EV Rideshare. “By expanding our zero-emission fleet into parts of Ewing and Hamilton, this partnership ensures that expecting mothers and perinatal workers can seamlessly access critical healthcare, employment, and essential services. Isles and GOTrenton! are proud to continue our collaboration with NJMIHIA to break down transit barriers and drive healthier, more sustainable outcomes for our community.”

"We’re proud to partner with Isles and Governor Sherrill’s Administration to support innovative programs like GOTrenton!, and to build out an equitable transportation system,” said Mercer County Executive Dan Benson. “No pregnant mother should ever miss an appointment due to lack of transportation, and this ongoing partnership with NJMIHIA is just one example of how GoTrenton! can deliver for those in need."

Contact: Nicole Kirgan (Nicole.Kirgan@njmihia.gov)

About NJMIHIA Rides
NJMIHIA Rides, powered by GOTrenton!, provides free, zero-emission transportation for pregnant and postpartum individuals and members of the perinatal workforce in Trenton. The program helps remove barriers and improve access to healthcare, social services, employment, education, and other essential community resources that support maternal and infant health.

The program is supported by New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, New Jersey Department of Transportation, GOTrenton!, and Isles, Inc.

About GOTrenton!
GOTrenton! is a community-driven initiative led by Isles, Inc. that provides affordable, reliable electric vehicle transportation throughout Trenton. The program expands access to jobs, healthcare, food, and essential services while promoting workforce development, sustainability, and cleaner transportation options for residents.

About the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority
The New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority (NJMIHIA) empowers the village that supports the health and wellbeing of all mothers and babies through transformative partnerships and community-rooted innovation. As the first state authority of its kind in the nation, NJMIHIA works to strengthen the maternal and infant health ecosystem through cross-sector collaboration, workforce development, community engagement, innovation, and strategic investments designed to improve outcomes and advance equity for families across New Jersey.