Frequently Asked Questions
Parking FAQ
What is Boxcar Parking?
Boxcar is a platform designed to connect parkers with property owners who have excess available space (whether it’s a lot, driveway, or garage). We focus on finding parking spots in areas where current demand outstrips supply.
How does it work?
Start by downloading the Boxcar app. From there, you will have the ability to sign up and make reservations. All reservations are guaranteed, and we never overbook, so you can be confident that you’ll have a space when you need it.
What is the cost?
Parking spot costs vary by town and location. Each parking spot will have a price associated with it, and it will be clearly visible when viewing a location and before you confirm a reservation.
How do I reserve a space?
You reserve a space directly in the Boxcar app. Once you’ve selected a location, and the days you need, click on the Reserve button. If you haven’t already registered and provided your vehicle and billing information, you will be prompted to do so before you are able to Confirm.
How do I know I have a space reserved?
How will I know where to park?
Before booking, you’ll be able to see a general description of the location and parking spot(s). Once you’ve booked, you will see a full description of the parking spot, as well as instructions. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to park@boxcarapp.com.
How far in advance can I reserve?
You can reserve same day, and the standard setting gives users the ability to book out 14 days in advance.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation times vary by property. You can see the cancellation deadline when you are reserving a spot, and also in your reservation details. Parking reservations can be cancelled, for a credit, before that time. In order to do that, swipe left on the reservation in the Boxcar app and tap Cancel. Reservations cancelled after the designated time will not receive a credit.
What do I do if someone else is parked in my parking spot?
Mistakes do happen, and if someone is erroneously parked in your spot, please park in the next available spot, and let us know at park@boxcarapp.com. If there are no readily available spots, please find a suitable alternative, and send us an email with the full details. We will make sure that there is a satisfactory resolution.
What happens if I can’t access my space?
If you are unable to access your space, and there is no readily available alternative, please email park@boxcarapp.com, preferably including a photo of the problem. You will not be charged for that day. Boxcar will also compensate you for any additional reasonable out of pocket expense incurred.
Who do I contact if I need support?
Please email support@boxcarapp.com. In the event of an emergency, please call 908-485-PARK (7275).
Can I park overnight?
Many of our locations offer overnight parking for an additional fee. For more information, email support@boxcarapp.com.
I have more than one car. How do I let you know which car I am parking?
If you have more than one car, you can specify which you are parking each day by tapping the three dots in the top right corner of your reservation and choosing the correct vehicle from the drop-down menu.
Each of my reservations is only a few dollars. Why do large charges show up on my credit card bill?
Our billing is done every feew days, so multiple reservations are often charged together. If you ever have a question about a specific charge, email support@boxcarapp.com. Any correct charges that are disputed through your credit card company will incur a $15 fee, so please check with us first.
Don't see your question here?
Email us at support@boxcarapp.com and we'll answer your question right away.
Do Boxcar credits expire?
Welcome credits expire after 30 days. Most other credits expire after 1 year.
Can I use a commuter benefits account to pay for my Boxcar services?
Yes, you can! We are currently able to direct bill to a number of commuter benefits providers. If you would like to inquire about your specific provider, please email us at support@boxcarapp.com.
How do I delete a credit card, or change my default card?
From the Boxcar app home screen swipe left, then tap Cards. You can then slide the card that you would like to edit to the left. Set the card as your default by tapping the Bus Symbol (Transportation), Car Symbol (Parking), or Briefcase Symbol (Workspace). You can also tap DELETE to delete a card from your account.
How do I cancel a reservation?
You can cancel a reservation by going into the “View My Reservations” tab, sliding the reservation to the left, and clicking on the “CANCEL” option that appears.
Bus FAQ
How do I purchase my ticket?
Tickets are booked and displayed through the Boxcar app. You’ll notice that if you select a future bus reservation, the ticket will have a white background and colored outline. On the day the ticket is active, the background will change to the same color as the outline. All bus routes have distinct colors. Please have your smartphone at the ready and the Boxcar app open to your ticket when boarding the bus.
Are these buses able to use the commuter bus lanes heading into the Lincoln Tunnel?
Yes, they are.
Where do the buses pick up?
Madison: The bus picks up on Kings Road in front of the municipal building.
Chatham: The bus picks up on Railroad Plaza in front of the Chatham Train Station. This is on the westbound (or Main Street) side.
Westfield: The bus picks up at the Westfield Train Station (north side of the station in Public Parking Lot #2).
Cranford: The bus picks up at the Cranford Train Station (North Ave station parking lot).
Can I use my bus ticket for Chatham, or just Madison? Just Westfield, or Cranford?
If you book a ticket on any of the Madison & Chatham buses, you can use it to board at either location.
What is the WiFi password on the bus?
The WiFi password is “betterwithboxcar”, in all lowercase letters.
What type of buses does Boxcar use?
All buses are at least 2016 models or later and are equipped with Wi-Fi, power outlets, restrooms, and air conditioning.
Who do I contact if I need support?
Please email support@boxcarapp.com. In the event of an emergency, please call 908-485-PARK (7275).
What is Boxcar’s cancellation policy?
Bus tickets can be cancelled, for a credit, until 10 minutes before the bus leaves its first stop on the day of the reservation. To do that, just swipe left on the reservation in the Boxcar app and tap Cancel. Tickets cancelled after that time will not receive a credit.
Why do charges larger than the per-ticket cost show up on my credit card bill?
Our billing is done on a weekly basis, so multiple reservations are often charged together. If you ever have a question about a specific charge, please email support@boxcarapp.com. Any correct charges that are disputed through your credit card company will incur a $15 fee, so please check with us first.
Don't see your question here?
Email us at support@boxcarapp.com and we'll answer your question right away.
Do Boxcar credits expire?
Welcome credits expire after 30 days. Most other credits expire after 1 year.
How do I cancel a reservation?
You can cancel a reservation by going into the “View My Reservations” tab, sliding the reservation to the left, and clicking on the “CANCEL” option that appears.
How do I delete or “make default” a credit card?
From the Boxcar app home screen swipe left, then tap Cards. You can then slide the card that you would like to edit to the left. Set the card as your default by tapping the Bus Symbol (Transportation), Car Symbol (Parking), or Briefcase Symbol (Workspace). You can also tap DELETE to delete a card from your account.
Can I use a commuter benefits account to pay for my Boxcar services?
Yes, you can! We are currently able to direct bill to a number of commuter benefits providers. If you would like to inquire about your specific provider, please email us at support@boxcarapp.com.
How do I apply a coupon code?
From the right-hand menu in the Boxcar home screen, tap Redeem Coupon. Enter your code, and it will be automatically applied to your next charge.
What safety measures have been put in place due to COVID-19?
Drivers and riders must wear masks, hand sanitizer will be available upon boarding, and full contract tracing will be implemented by Boxcar’s software. Air will not recirculate—fresh air will be constantly brought in from outside. Capacity has also been limited to 38/58 seats, to provide space between passengers.
Grocery FAQ
How will you know I have a reservation? Will I get a physical ticket?
You need a reservation to attend, but you don’t need a physical ticket – we’ll check your license plate number as you enter the event, so please make sure your vehicle info is correct in your Boxcar account.
Does everyone need a separate ticket?
No - your reservation is good for as many people as you can (legally) fit in your car.
Can we bring blankets, lawn chairs, etc?
You can bring lawn chairs, but to ensure proper social distancing, each family will need to stay in the immediate area of their car.
What time do the movies start?
Gates generally open at 7:15, and the movie starts as soon as it is dark enough - usually around 8:30. Gate times may vary, though, and will be included in each movie listing.
Will concessions be available?
In many towns we work with local restaurants to provide carside delivery, which can be ordered ahead of time through our website or app.
What if I decide to bring a different car?
What happens if it rains?
We watch the weather very carefully on the day of a drive-in movie. If it looks like the storm risk is too high, we will cancel the event and notify customers as early as possible. Tickets will either be rebooked for a rain date or refunded, depending on the venue.
Have another question?
Email support@boxcarapp.com or call (908) 485-7275.
Movie FAQ
How will you know I have a reservation? Will I get a physical ticket?
You need a reservation to attend, but you don’t need a physical ticket – we’ll check your license plate number as you enter the event, so please make sure your vehicle info is correct in your Boxcar account.
Does everyone need a separate ticket?
No - your reservation is good for as many people as you can (legally) fit in your car.
Can we bring blankets, lawn chairs, etc?
You can bring lawn chairs, but to ensure proper social distancing, each family will need to stay in the immediate area of their car.
What time do the movies start?
Gates generally open at 7:15, and the movie starts as soon as it is dark enough - usually around 8:30. Gate times may vary, though, and will be included in each movie listing.
Will concessions be available?
In many towns we work with local restaurants to provide carside delivery, which can be ordered ahead of time through our website or app.
What if I decide to bring a different car?
What happens if it rains?
We watch the weather very carefully on the day of a drive-in movie. If it looks like the storm risk is too high, we will cancel the event and notify customers as early as possible. Tickets will either be rebooked for a rain date or refunded, depending on the venue.
Have another question?
Email support@boxcarapp.com or call (908) 485-7275.
Membership FAQ
How will you know I have a reservation? Will I get a physical ticket?
You need a reservation to attend, but you don’t need a physical ticket – we’ll check your license plate number as you enter the event, so please make sure your vehicle info is correct in your Boxcar account.
Does everyone need a separate ticket?
No - your reservation is good for as many people as you can (legally) fit in your car.
Can we bring blankets, lawn chairs, etc?
You can bring lawn chairs, but to ensure proper social distancing, each family will need to stay in the immediate area of their car.
What time do the movies start?
Gates generally open at 7:15, and the movie starts as soon as it is dark enough - usually around 8:30. Gate times may vary, though, and will be included in each movie listing.
Will concessions be available?
In many towns we work with local restaurants to provide carside delivery, which can be ordered ahead of time through our website or app.
What if I decide to bring a different car?
What happens if it rains?
We watch the weather very carefully on the day of a drive-in movie. If it looks like the storm risk is too high, we will cancel the event and notify customers as early as possible. Tickets will either be rebooked for a rain date or refunded, depending on the venue.
Have another question?
Email support@boxcarapp.com or call (908) 485-7275.