Coach USA is launching a 60-day pilot program between Vernon in Sussex County and New York City.
A rural municipality whose residents endure some of the longest commutes in New Jersey is getting a big assist.
Starting next Monday, a 56-seat bus from Paramus-based Coach USA will be making a direct trip between Vernon and midtown Manhattan, about 48 miles apart, once per day in each direction on weekdays.
The bus will leave Vernon Valley Plaza on Route 515 at 6:45 a.m., with an estimated 8:25 a.m. arrival time at the first of four midtown stops. It will depart from 42nd Street and 1st Avenue for Vernon at 5:15 p.m.
Coach USA is offering the new route on a 60-day trial basis, said Sean Hughes, the company's director of corporate affairs. It will use four highways -- Routes 23, 94, 80 and 495 -- en route to and from Manhattan.
Asked about the origin of the pilot program, Hughes said Coach USA took an interest upon seeing a news report in which Vernon Mayor Harry Shortway lamented the township's commuting woes.
Residents of Vernon had the 5th-longest commutes in N.J., averaging 41.9 minutes each way, according to the most recent U.S. Census data from 2012 to 2016.
Hughes said the company reached out to U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-5th District, whose district includes Vernon, and asked him to coordinate a meeting with Shortway.
Shortway, a Republican, and Gottheimer are allies. The mayor crossed party lines in 2016 and endorsed Gottheimer during his successful challenge to former U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett.
Gottheimer, who is seeking a second term in November against Republican John McCann, sent out a press release Monday announcing the new bus route.
"The key now is to make sure folks know about the bus service and to get them on board. The more people riding it, the more likely this will be a long term option for Sussex residents," Gottheimer said.
No government funding is involved in the pilot program.
The statement from Gottheimer's office also included a supportive quote from Shortway.
"I hope Vernon commuters, or those wishing to visit Vernon, take advantage of this new transportation option," Shortway said.
Shortway is up for re-election in 2019.
Vernon, the largest municipality in Sussex County, is not alone in facing limited commuting options other than by car.
NJ Transit does not provide rail service in Sussex County, though construction is underway on a line extending to Andover Township.
Lakeland Bus Lines, which runs to and from Manhattan, makes commuter stops in Newton, Andover, Sparts, Byram and Stanhope.
As for Coach USA's new offering, ridership from the Vernon stop will not be limited to Vernon residents, Hughes said.
Weekly commuters will pay $150 for a 10-pack of tickets. The one-way fare will be $18, with tickets available at purchased at commuterwiz.com.
Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.