As many of our commuting residents know, Glen Ridge runs a Jitney service that shuttles commuters back and forth to the train station.
What many people don’t know is that, while originally New Jersey Transit footed the bill for the Jitney service, starting this year the Borough must begin to pick up the tab. Because Glen Ridge will continue to run the Jitney program, the DOT will be giving the Borough two new buses in 2010 (other towns that gave up their Jitney service are not eligible for the bus replacement program). But operating costs are now the Borough’s responsibility, including paying for gas, maintenance and drivers. No one knows right now how much continuing the service will cost or who will pay for it – the details are still being worked out.
There are also questions about exactly who is allowed to ride the Glen Ridge Jitney. The service gets its fair share of Bloomfield residents. It also serves as a school bus for many children. The kids know the “rule;” -- if there are not enough seats for commuters, the kids have to stand. Which means we are transporting children in a less than safe manner.
So, what do you think? Should Glen Ridge continue its Jitney service? If so, should the service be paid for by the town, should it be paid for by the riders, or should it be paid by a combination of the two? Should Bloomfield residents and Glen Ridge Students be allowed to ride the Jitney?
We would like to know what you think.
What many people don’t know is that, while originally New Jersey Transit footed the bill for the Jitney service, starting this year the Borough must begin to pick up the tab. Because Glen Ridge will continue to run the Jitney program, the DOT will be giving the Borough two new buses in 2010 (other towns that gave up their Jitney service are not eligible for the bus replacement program). But operating costs are now the Borough’s responsibility, including paying for gas, maintenance and drivers. No one knows right now how much continuing the service will cost or who will pay for it – the details are still being worked out.
There are also questions about exactly who is allowed to ride the Glen Ridge Jitney. The service gets its fair share of Bloomfield residents. It also serves as a school bus for many children. The kids know the “rule;” -- if there are not enough seats for commuters, the kids have to stand. Which means we are transporting children in a less than safe manner.
So, what do you think? Should Glen Ridge continue its Jitney service? If so, should the service be paid for by the town, should it be paid for by the riders, or should it be paid by a combination of the two? Should Bloomfield residents and Glen Ridge Students be allowed to ride the Jitney?
We would like to know what you think.