Newark’s downtown arts district is offering a new way to get to busy areas for free.

The city has launched “Via Newark,” a microtransit service running Friday nights and weekends.

Guests within city limits can book a ride to eight destinations, including the Prudential Center, Rutgers Newark and Newark-Penn Station.

They’ll be picked up in a “Via Newark” vehicle. There may be other riders on board headed in the same direction.

Officials are marketing it as a free way to get around the most popular parts of the city on weekends.

“It’s interesting that it’s happening now on the verge of New Jersey Transit having these kinds of impasses with the [contract negotiation] talks," said Mayor Ras Baraka. "Obviously, we were doing this before this, because we believe and understand that there are gaps in transportation throughout the city, and we want to get people in our community down to the incredible events that take place downtown Newark.”

The city has 12 vehicles in its fleet during this pilot program. Service begins Friday at 5 p.m.

More information about the program can be found HERE.