A shuttle service connecting Drew, FDU and the College of St. Elizabeth to downtown Madison hopes to entice new riders at the start of the school year by offering two weeks of free rides, the transportation agency that operates the shuttle announced.

The Madison Avenue Direct shuttle, which suspended service over the summer, has stops at the schools, on Lincoln Place, at the Madison Train Station, and at five places along Main Street.

Members of the public can ride the MAD shuttle for free through next Saturday, Sept. 15. Then, the normal fare is $1.50 per ride and discounted tickets also are made available in passbooks.

The shuttle—which has a new, more colorful look this year—is operated by TransOptions, a nonprofit transportation management association, through a federal grant administered by NJ Transit. The Madison Downtown Development Commission and the three colleges promote the shuttle.

"Allowing riders to take a free trip is important," TransOptions President John F. Ciaffone said in a news release. "Some people, such as new college students and staff, may be hesitant to pay for a service they are not familiar with. This fare-free period allows those individuals to try it out. I think they will be happy to find that the MAD Shuttle is a convenient and enjoyable way to navigate the Borough of Madison."

In July, Drew University was awarded a platinum rating for its "green" commuting options and counted the shuttle as one of the options available to the campus community.

For more information visit MadAveDirect.com.