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ESSEX COUNTY SPECIAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
(973) 673-1300

ESSEX COUNTY DIVISION ON AGING
50 SOUTH CLINTON STREET
EAST ORANGE, NJ 07018
(973) 395-8375

I.   HISTORY

II.  DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION

III. TRIP RESERVATIONS

IV. SERVICE AREAS

V.  SERVICES PROVIDED

VI. ELIGIBILITY

VII. GROUP TRIPS, EVENING TRIPS, WEEKEND TRIPS AND SPECIAL REQUESTS

VIII. DONATION POLICY

HISTORY

The Essex County Special Transportation System as it exists today began in 1985 with the inception of Casino Revenue funds.  Prior to 1985, a smaller transportation system was in operation utilizing Title IIIB funds - which today continues to partially fund the System.  In November 1981, New Jersey voters approved a constitutional amendment permitting casino tax revenues to be used for transportation services for senior citizens and disabled residents.

On January 17, 1984, Governor Thomas Kean signed the Senior Citizens and Disabled Residents Transportation Assistance Act (Casino Revenue).  Under this law, 7.5 percent of the casino tax fund was appropriated for transportation services for senior citizens and disabled persons.  Casino Revenue funding is distributed by New Jersey Transit to each county based upon current census figures for elderly populations.

The purpose of the Essex County Special Transportation System is to make available and accessible transportation services for senior citizens age 60 years and older and all persons with physical or mental disabilities.

The Essex County Division on Aging is responsible for the administration of the Essex County Special Transportation System.  A Road operator provider is contracted with Essex County to provide the day to day operation of the transportation program such as scheduling appointments, providing drivers, and maintaining and insuring the fleet of county owned vehicles.

DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION

The Essex County Special Transportation System operates Monday through Friday between the hours of 4:00 am to 7:00 pm.  All non-emergency medical appointments are scheduled between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm.  Evening transportation services for dialysis and mall shopping operate until 11:00 pm weekdays.  Saturday dialysis transportation is also available.

TRIP RESERVATIONS

The Essex County Special Transportation System accepts rider reservations Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 4:00 pm.  Trips must be scheduled at least 4 (four) working days in advance.  All riders are requested to be ready on (1) hour prior to the appointment time.

Due to liability issues, the Essex County Special Transportation System will not carry any person or wheelchair up or down stairs.

The Essex County Special Transportation System is a fare-free service.  Trip reservations are booked quickly resulting in some waiting lists.

Riders may occasionally need to change appointment times or days to be accommodated.

SERVICE AREAS

The Essex County Special Transportation System provides door-to-door services for Essex County residents.  Towns included are: Belleville, Bloomfield, Caldwell, Cedar Grove, East Orange, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair, Newark, North Caldwell, Nutley, Orange, Roseland, South Orange, Verona, West Caldwell, and West Orange.

SERVICES PROVIDED

Services provided by the Essex County Special Transportation System include: non-emergency medical appointments, dialysis (limited), radiation, physical and mental therapies (limited), competitive and non-competitive employment, workshops, nutrition, food shopping, education (limited), evening mall shopping and social and recreational activities.

ELIGIBILITY

The Essex County Special Transportation System provides services to senior citizens age 60 yeas or older and persons with physical, mental or temporary disabilities.  There is no income eligibility requirements for transportation services.

All new riders must complete a Personal Identification Form by telephone prior to receiving transportation services.

If a rider receives Medicaid and requests transportation services to a medical destination site, the Essex County Special Transportation System will refer the rider to a Medicaid transportation system.

GROUP TRIPS, EVENING TRIPS, WEEKEND TRIPS AND SPECIAL REQUESTS

The Essex County Special Transportation System offers services for group trips, evening trips, weekend trips and special requests.  These trips must receive prior approval by the Transportation Administrator.  There is a service fee for weekend trips and evening trips (except for evening mall shopping and dialysis).  Weekday group trips not returned by 4:00 pm will be charged an overtime fee.  To obtain a Trip Request Application Form, you may contact th Essex County Special Transportation System.

DONATION POLICY

The Essex County Special Transportation System provides fare free services for Essex County residents.  Monetary contributions to the transportation system is voluntary.  All donations and contributions made to the Essex County Special Transportation System support the continuation of the transportation services.  If you would like to contribute, please send your check (no cash) to:

Essex County Special Transportation System
c/o Essex County Division on Aging
50 South Clinton Street
East Orange, NJ 07018

Riders are always encourage to use mass transportation whenever possible.  For information on New Jersey Transit Bus Schedules, call 1-800-772-2222.

For information on the New Jersey Transit Reduced Fare Identification Card for senior citizens and disabled persons, call the Essex County Division on Aging at (973) 395-8375.