By Isabella Echevarría-Galarza
If you’re looking to visit The Independent Picture House (IPH) but find yourself worrying about the drive or how to get there, JUMP Transit has the perfect solution. NoDa’s newest shuttle service is adding IPH to one of their service spots, which makes it super convenient to get to the cinema without having to worry about parking or traffic! I got the chance to sit down and talk with Justin Nevill, founder and owner of JUMP Transit. We discussed how the service works, pricing, and all the ways it can make your trip to IPH more convenient and energy efficient.
Tell me a little bit about JUMP Transit and how it works. What was the inspiration behind the creation of this service?
I had a long and successful career in the tech industry, specifically in startups, but eventually, I burned out. I realized I wasn’t doing what I was truly meant to do. Over time, I discovered that I wanted to return to my entrepreneurial roots—where I could feel like I was making a meaningful impact, not just helping a company make money.
With JUMP Transit, I’ve been able to combine several of my passions. There’s a technology component, with the app and routing system. There’s an environmental aspect—since all of our vehicles are electric, we can replace up to 40% of short car trips (under three miles) that contribute to city pollution. And finally, there’s a community element. After years of spending over eight hours a day on Zoom, I wanted to reconnect with people in a tangible way.
JUMP Transit highlights key locations like Optimist Hall, Urban District Market, and 36th Street Station, and soon, we’ll add The Independent Picture House to the list. At these stops, you’ll find signs with QR codes you can scan to open the app. From there, you can select your destination, the number of passengers, and notify a driver to pick you up. Alternatively, you can visit JUMPTransit.com, tap the “Ride Now” button, and access the map to book your ride the same way.
Would you say you have to live in NoDa to take advantage of this service? Or can anyone use it as long as they’re within one of the designated pickup spots?
Anyone can use JUMP Transit. We don’t just serve designated pickup and drop-off spots—we’ll take you anywhere within our service area. Simply type in an address or search for a location name, and we’ll get you there.
Our current service area includes the Howie Acres neighborhood, just north of Sugar Creek, as well as all of NoDa, Villa Heights, Optimist Park, and a few nearby areas. These neighborhoods are our core focus for now, but we’re actively planning to expand. We’ve received many requests to add new neighborhoods, and those are definitely in the works.
As for who uses JUMP Transit, it’s a mix of residents and visitors. In just over three months of operation, we’ve seen about a 50/50 split. Many residents use the service to explore what their neighborhood has to offer, while visitors rely on it to travel between light rail stations and key locations within the area.
Does the service operate on weekdays? What does the transportation schedule look like?
Our operating hours are listed on both our website and app, so you’ll always know when we’re open or closing next. Currently, we operate on a weekend-focused schedule: Fridays from 4–11 PM, Saturdays from 12–11 PM, and Sundays from 12–8 PM.
While we’re starting as a weekend-centric service, we have plans to expand. Our goal is to eventually offer weekday operations, allowing people to use JUMP Transit for daily commutes and to connect with the light rail during morning and evening hours.
When you open the app, it automatically detects your location, making it easy to request a ride. If the geolocation isn’t quite right or you’re walking to a different pickup spot, you can update your location manually. You can also search for a specific address or place name, and the app will take you there. For now, we’re focused on serving a smaller, community-oriented geographic area, ensuring reliable service within the neighborhoods we operate in.
Why would you recommend JUMP Transit to people who are visiting the IPH? What advantages does it have over other transportation services like UBER or the light rail?
The biggest advantage of using JUMP Transit for a dinner-and-a-movie night out is the convenience of getting into NoDa without the hassle of parking. You won’t have to worry about circling around to find a spot, getting a ticket, or paying up to $15 just to park for a couple of hours.
Our flat-rate fare is just $3 per person per ride, with no surge pricing—making it an affordable and predictable option. We’re able to keep costs low thanks to our efficient electric vehicles, which also make the operation more sustainable. For just $3, you can avoid the stress of parking and traffic altogether.
While we don’t serve Uptown or UNCC, we complement the light rail system perfectly. Many of our users take JUMP Transit to get to light rail stations, whether they’re heading to games Uptown or other destinations. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to navigate the neighborhood and beyond.
What’s the most important thing you want readers to know about your service? What do you want readers to take away?
I want people to feel like JUMP Transit is their service. All of our drivers live within the service area, and they’re employees—not contractors. We’re focused on creating a unique and community-driven service that feels personal and accessible to both residents and visitors.
This approach is the opposite of what you’d get with big corporate companies like Uber. We’re building something different—something that truly belongs to the neighborhoods we serve.
We also offer flexible fare options. For example, our $7 day pass gives you unlimited rides for the day, whether you’re making two trips or ten. Plus, we’re about to launch monthly memberships, which will allow you to purchase a pack of rides or enjoy unlimited rides for a fixed monthly fee.
Are you interested in making your next trip to IPH worry-free? Check out JUMPTransit.com for more information!