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SOUTH BRUNSWICK MAKES TRANSPORTATION HISTORY

This month history was made in South Brunswick, when the first M1 County shuttle bus opened its doors to make its inaugural trip from the Stop & Shop Shopping Center on Route 522 in Dayton to New Brunswick-Jamesburg.   Boarding at that site were Steve Fittante, Director of Middlesex County Department of Transportation, and Aging in Place PARTNERSHIP representatives Art Lee and Betzaida Feliciano both of Dayton, Jacque Rubel of Kendall Park and Pat Kaye of Monmouth Junction. The group joined others who had embarked at various sites beginning in Jamesburg, and travelled the entire route first north, to New Brunswick, returning to the Rte 522 stop to continue south to Jamesburg. Along the way regular passengers familiar with the route flagged the bus to get on others got off including families with babies who were assisted by fellow passengers.

The bus was comfortable with cushioned seats which and seat belts; an extraordinary, compassionate and helpful bilingual driver; and even bike racks for those who choose to ride their bicycle upon departing. With the shuttle running six days a week, (Monday through Saturday),  except on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s easy to see what an asset this newest addition is for South Brunswick residents of all ages. Summer time jobs can be more accessible to teen-agers, saving gas is an obvious choice, shopping in so many first class stores, or meeting friends for lunch in a variety of ethnic restaurants. The fare cannot be beat.

The suggested fare is $1 each way for the general public, or 50 cents for senior citizens or people with disabilities. Passengers boarding and disembarking beyond Wal-Mart will be charged $2, or $1 for seniors or people with disabilities. Exact change is required, because drivers will not make change.

The M1 Shuttle schedule is available at the Stop & Shop customer service desk along with schedules for the other six routes which can be accessed through a transfer system. They are also available at the Senior Center and the Public Library. The schedules are well written and available on line at www.co.middlesex.nj.us or by calling 1- 800-221-3520. Large print is available for the visually impaired. Passengers can request a route deviation within two blocks of the route, or curb-to-curb service for senior citizens and people with disabilities, which needs to be requested by 3 p.m. the day prior by calling 1-800-221-3520.

This newest South Brunswick transportation asset is just the beginning.  Beginning in August, the South Brunswick Senior center will be providing a variety of programs. The first is a session entitled, “CarFit.” This free workshop sponsored by the Mobility Mall in North Brunswick, is designed to review you and your car’s safety levels and demonstrate how to correct the flaws.  Also free, August 31, “How to Travel Public Transportation and Feel Safe). will be featured.  See attached Flyer. In September Oakwoods and Charleston Place will also host these workshops.

Between now and their annual Outreach FORUM on Saturday, October 29 at the South Brunswick Senior center, the Aging in Place PARTNERSHIP in collaboration with the County Department of Transportation and the Township’s Transportation Advisory Council, will be introducing a variety of additional resources created to enhance a “seamless mobility plan,” for our residents.  Watch for dates and listings. AIPP invites the public to get involved.      Contact AgingInPlaceADVOCATE@yahoo.com or 732.305.7079.