American Dream, Lyft Partner To Help Get People To Megamall

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - American Dream has partnered with rideshare company Lyft to help get people to and from the soon-to-be-opened megamall in the Meadowlands.

On Wednesday, mall officials announced the partnership, which includes designated Lyft pick-up and drop-off areas that are easily accessible to drivers and gives them a dedicated space to meet their riders.

“American Dream will offer elite service experiences throughout our property,” said Don Ghermezian, American Dream’s chief executive officer.. “From American Dream exclusives to pre-booking capabilities, our partnership with Lyft will offer convenient, comprehensive on-demand transit for guests and employees.”

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"Lyft is excited to partner with American Dream to bring a new level of service to our riders," said Eric Plummer, Market Manager of Lyft New Jersey. "This partnership demonstrates our commitment to providing ease of transportation to New Jersey and New York residents, as well as our shared dedication to giving back to our local community.”

The partnership also includes a monthly program to give back to New Jersey-based non-profits. Each month, American Dream and Lyft will select one charity to receive up to $10,000 worth of complimentary tickets to an American Dream entertainment venue, along with transportation to and from the property by Lyft. The first organization selected is Big Brothers Big Sisters NJ, according to the mall.

The mall’s grand opening is scheduled for Oct. 25. According to American Dream’s developer, Triple Five, shopping, dining and attractions at the $5 billion mall will open in four phases.

During American Dream's official debut, Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and The Rink will be open.

The DreamWorks Water Park is set to open Nov. 27, followed by Big SNOW, the country’s only indoor real-snow park, on Dec. 5. y March 2020, the mall's 350 retail stores will be open for business, Triple Five said.

American Dream's more than 100 dining destinations – which include three food halls, a food court and nearly two dozen full-serve restaurants – will also open next spring, the developer said.Additionally, SEA LIFE Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, CMX Luxury Movie Theater, Kidzania and the mall's Observation Wheel will be open by March.

Between 30 and 40 million people are expected to visit American Dream within its first year of opening.

NJ Transit plans to launch new express bus services and expand several local routes to help people get to the soon-to-be-opened American Dream in the Meadowlands. For the mall's opening, NJ Transit will debut daily express service from Port Authority Bus Terminal to the new mall that will run every 30 minutes, the agency announced Thursday afternoon.

A second bus will run daily from Secaucus Junction to American Dream every half hour.

To help provide transportation options for workers at the mega-mall, NJ Transit will expand operating hours on three routes, No. 85, No. 703 and No. 772. The modified service will include stops at American Dream, but until a dedicated hub is completed at the mall, the buses will stop at the Racetrack at the Meadowlands

Besides NJ Transit, American Dream has said it is working with NY Waterway to provide New York City visitors and others from the surrounding area with alternative means of getting there. The mall's property will include 30,000 parking spaces and a ride-share hub.