Facility Overview
The Toms River Park & Ride, strategically located at 400 Highland Parkway South near Garden State Parkway Exit 81, serves as the primary transit hub for commuters in Ocean County. While sometimes associated with broader area identifiers, this official facility is a dedicated surface parking lot managed by the Toms River Parking Authority. It features approximately 524 standard parking spaces, including 10 ADA-accessible spots. The lot is designed to accommodate standard passenger vehicles, SUVs, and pickup trucks; however, as a surface lot, it does not have height restrictions typical of covered garages, though oversized commercial vehicles or trailers are not permitted.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
This facility is perfectly positioned for commuters and visitors alike. It is situated in the heart of Toms River, providing immediate access to the downtown business district. Key nearby attractions include:
- Toms River Municipal Government Complex and Courts: A hub for local employment and services.
- Community Medical Center (RWJBarnabas Health): Easily accessible via a short drive or local transit connections.
- Shopping & Dining: Proximity to the Ocean County Mall and various retail corridors along Hooper Avenue.
- Jersey Shore Accessibility: Ideal for those looking to park and commute toward New York City or connect to shore-point transit routes.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
The lot is designed for seamless ingress and egress, with its most significant advantage being its proximity to Garden State Parkway Exit 81, allowing for rapid highway access. For transit users, this is the anchor point for major regional bus service. It serves as a key stop for NJ Transit Route 137, which provides express service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, with a scheduled trip of approximately 95 minutes. Additionally, local Ocean Ride bus services provide connections throughout Ocean County, linking riders to Lakewood, Brick, and surrounding municipalities.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Surface Parking: 524 spaces with 10 dedicated ADA-accessible spots.
- Payment Options: Daily parking is $2.00 (cash using quarters or dollar coins at on-site machines) or via the MPay2Park mobile app.
- Security: Well-lit facility with an ATM located inside the adjacent bus terminal.
- Bicycle Amenities: Bike racks and lockers are available for multi-modal commuters.
- Overnight Parking: Permitted for those who pay for the required duration.
Ideal For
- Daily Commuters: Specifically those traveling to New York City via the NJ Transit 137 express route.
- Regional Travelers: Individuals needing affordable, secure parking for trips to Atlantic City or other NJ shore points.
- Business Visitors: Those visiting the Ocean County government complex or local business districts.
- Multi-modal Commuters: Residents utilizing bike-to-bus transit options.
Visitor & Driver Tips
- Payment Readiness: The on-site pay stations are cash-only (quarters/dollar coins) and do not provide change. It is highly recommended to use the MPay2Park mobile app for a frictionless experience.
- Peak Hours: The lot experiences heavy volume during weekday morning rush hours; arriving before 7:00 AM is recommended to ensure spot availability.
- Ticket Purchases: There are no ticket vending machines on-site for bus fare. Purchase tickets through the NJ Transit app or via a commissioned ticket agent before arriving at the terminal.
- Parking Proof: Always retain your payment receipt if paying at the kiosk, as it serves as your valid proof of parking.
