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Disability Services & Advocacy, LLC "Lifetime Planning and Services for People with Disabilities and their Families"
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SOMERSET COUNTY
INTRODUCTION This guide was written to enable you, the passenger, to understand how to use the various services offered through the Somerset County Division of Transportation. Also, eligibility requirements of Somerset County Transportation services are discussed. Please keep this guide handy. Somerset County Transportation is the outgrowth of efforts by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders to provide coordinated transportation services to persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Somerset County initiated the transportation through the Office on Aging and since that time has expanded the service to include many different programs and services. Somerset County Transportation has maximized the resources of its various funding sources in order to provide an effective, cost efficient service to all programs and their participants. The Somerset County Casino Tax Advisory Committee is responsible for the planning and monitoring of the Casino-funded services. The county also holds public information meetings periodically to allow for public input in the planning and operations of the Division of Transportation. The most recent meetings were held in the winter of 1998. The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders are responsible for the total operation of the Division of Transportation. It is through their efforts and generosity that the majority of the transportation services are provided to the citizens of Somerset County. You may request a complete packet of information by calling 908-231-7116 or 1-800-246-0547. The mission of the Division of transportation is to provide quality transportation services to senior citizens and person with disabilities in a safe, courteous, responsible and professional manner. ELIGIBILITY AND EXPECTATIONS Age Senior Citizen - 60 years and older. Persons with Disabilities - 21 years and older. (In all cases people must be without other means of transportation). Agency Referrals Senior Citizens The Somerset County Office on Aging may refer you to Somerset County Transportation for service to nutrition sites, medical appointments, and other essential services. Senior Center Telephone Numbers are:
Person with Disabilities A number of local and state agencies make referrals to the Division of Transportation. Some agencies are the Association of Retarded Citizens, Division of Developmental Disabilities, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Richard Hall Community Mental health Center, Center for Educational Advancement, Raritan Valley Workshop, Alternatives, Project Hire, Association for the Blind, Veterans Affairs, Somerset County Office for the Disabled and Board of Social Services clients - Medicaid or Title XX Certification. All who are referred through an agency must provide either age verification (if an older adult) or disability certification from their physician (if a person with a disability). DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION The Division of Transportation operates Monday to Friday for regular transportation from Mon. - Fri. 6:00 am - 5:30 pm. Weekend and Evening hour transportation can be arranged for groups to variety of destinations. Please call the Division of Transportation at 908-231-7116 or 1-800-246-0527 to make arrangements for evening or weekend transportation service. TYPE OF SERVICE The Division of Transportation provides curb to curb service to our passengers (driver will wait at the curb and will beep the horn to notify you of their presence). Passengers requiring special assistance must notify the Division of Transportation of their special need. All mobility impaired persons requiring the use of wheelchair or other mobility device must have ramp access to the ground level in order for the Division of Transportation to provide service. Drivers are not permitted to enter the homes unless delivering Home Delivered Meals. GEOGRAPHIC AREA: The Division of Transportation provides service to Somerset County residents to destination within Somerset County and to some surrounding areas. SERVICE CANCELLATION The Division of Transportation may find it necessary to cancel all transportation during periods of inclement weather (for example severe snow or ice). Please listen to the following radio stations to determine if we are operating: WMGQ 98.3 FM, WCTC 1450 AM, and WERA 1590 AM. Please do not call the office to determine if we are open, as our telephones will be very busy. Occasionally we find it necessary to cancel individual routes. Each passenger on that route is then notified by our staff. FARES AND DONATIONS: Fares and Donations apply to some transportation services offered through the Division of Transportation. Donations are accepted for all trip purposes not covered by a required fare. A separate Fare and Donation Card has been developed and is available for your information. In the event that you can not afford the fare, waivers based on the passenger's income are possible. All information is confidential. The fare and donation schedule was updated through the full participation of the public during the winter of 1998. A series of four meetings were held to allow full discussion of the transportation service provided by the County of Somerset. One of the key products of these meetings was a priority list of transportation services. The services contained in this document are the ones which were identified as needing to be provided. Transportation service needs which are not provided by the Division were also identified. The funds raised through the fare and donation program are reserved for use by the Division of Transportation for provision of transportation services identified as needed, but which we were not able to provide. Donations are collected on the vehicle. Donations may also be mailed to the Division of Transportation at P.O. Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876-1262. Fares are billed to passengers in all cases except Saturday shopping. Saturday shopping fare collection is done at the end of the day. The exact fare should be placed in an envelope with the passenger's name and address clearly printed an handed to the driver of the vehicle. DONATION SUGGESTED RATE SCHEDULE Donations are requested for the following services, but you do not have to pay for them if you do not wish or cannot afford to: Effective 8-1-99
*If you cannot afford to pay the fares listed, you may request a full or partial waiver by calling the Transportation Division at (908) 231-7116. PASSENGER COURTESIES In
consideration of the may passengers who use our service, we ask that certain
courtesies by observed:
Drivers have been instructed to wait no more than 5 minutes beyond your scheduled pickup time. Tipping of Driver or Bus Aides is not permitted. Compliments and Complaints should be directed to the Division of Transportation at 908-231-7116 or 1-800-246-0527. DRIVER COURTESIES Drivers are always in charge of the vehicle and are expected to be polite and helpful to each passenger.
PASSENGER REGISTRATION New passengers are encouraged to call the Division of Transportation at 908-231-7115 or 1-800-246-0527 prior to scheduling any trips on the system. The initial intake information requires approximately 5 to 10 minutes and is taken only once from each passenger. Please remember to notify us if you require an aide to accompany you on a trip. It is your responsibility to arrange for an aide to accompany you. TRIP REQUEST RULES Advance Notification A minimum of forty-eight (48) hours notice is required for all trips. It is important to realize that trips are reserved on a first call, first served basis and it may be necessary to reschedule certain trips to allow us to provide the service requested. Please be ready at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup time in order to allow us to maintain our schedule and provide service to all passengers. Group Trips Evenings and Weekends only Recreational and Shopping A minimum of 10 passengers are required to schedule transportation service. Trips must be reserved at least two (2) weeks in advance and are provided on a driver available basis. The group must contact the Division of Transportation at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled trip with the list of names and addresses of all participants. If the minimum number of participants is not enrolled, the transportation will be cancelled unless the trip can be combined with another group. Support Group Activities A minimum of 3 passengers are required to schedule transportation service. Trips must be reserved at least two (2) weeks in advance and whenever possible yearly calendars of meetings should be provided. The group must contact the Division of Transportation at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled trip with the list of names and addresses of all participants. If the minimum number of participants is not enrolled, the transportation will be cancelled unless the trip can be combined with another group. Individual Trips: (Weekday Only) Medical Trips A minimum of 48 hours notice required for medical trips. You should contact the office as soon as you have schedule your medical appointment, we schedule trips up to one year in advance. For routine, repetitive trips to physical therapy, radiation, etc. we will schedule you for up to two months at a time. It is your responsibility to contact the Division of Transportation sufficiently in advance of your last scheduled transportation appointment to request additional trips. Shorter notice service may be provided on a time and space available basis. Senior Center/Nutrition Trips If you are a new senior center participant, you must register with the Senior Center and request that they schedule you for transportation. All others must notify the Division of Transportation only when requesting additional dates or to cancel service. Employment Trips A minimum of one week notice is required for all employment transportation. In some cases we may need to compromise with you to arrange for pickup and destination hours which may allow us to provide the employment transportation. All other trips A minimum of 48 hours notice is required. Trip Cancellation (No Shows) if you will not need your scheduled transportation service it is IMPORTANT THAT YOU NOTIFY THE DIVISION OF TRANSPORTATION SO THAT OTHER RESIDENTS CAN BE SERVED. Trip cancellation can be made up to 2 hours prior to your scheduled pickup time. If your pickup time is very early in the morning, you may call as early as 6:00 am to cancel your transportation. If fares are applicable to your trip and if it was not cancelled the fare will be charges. Two (2) no show occurrences in a thirty day period may result in your loss of transportation services for a period of 14 days. Please call 908-231-7115 or 1-800-246-0527 to let us know when you will not be needing our service. During evening and weekend hours you may leave your cancellation; name, telephone number and trip information, on the answering machine. POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION Transportation for persons with disabilities attending local colleges and universities may be arranged. Transportation may be arranged to Raritan Valley Community College and Rutgers University. Who? This service may be used by persons with disabilities and senior citizens who contact the Division of Transportation or are referred by the school. Where? Raritan Valley Community College is located in Branchburg Township. Rutgers University is located in New Brunswick and Piscataway. Wherever possible students are transferred to New Jersey Transit routes. Transportation is provided on a space and time available basis. How? Passengers should contact the Somerset County Division of Transportation to discuss their transportation needs. The telephone number is 908-231-7116 or 1-800-246-0257. It is the individual passenger's responsibility to notify the division of transportation when you will not be needing our service. A fare is required for educational transportation. If you can not afford the fare, you may request a waiver. COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT Competitive employment transportation is provided on an individual and group basis for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. This service attempts to meet the demands of each of the individuals and at times requires a modification of start and end work hours. Who? Transportation to competitive employment sites is provided to senior citizens and persons with disabilities. (In all cases eligible persons must be without other means of transportation). Where? Transportation is currently provided to a number of employment sites in Somerset County. In some instances, depending on existing routes, transportation can be arranged to locations immediately adjacent to Somerset County. How? Individuals are either referred by a sponsoring agency such as the ARC, Somerset County Unit, Alternatives, Project Hire, Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center or may contact this office individually. Each trip is designed to meet the individual's needs therefore a minimum of one week advance notice is required for this transportation to be arranged. There are occasions when it is impossible to accommodate the transportation requested an the individual is placed on a waiting list. It is the individual passenger's responsibility to notify the Division of Transportation when they will not be needing service. Failing to notify us of service cancellations, may result in billing for the scheduled trip. A fare is required for competitive
employment transportation. NON-COMPETITIVE EMPLOYMENT Non-competitive employment transportation is provided under contract to ARC, Somerset County, and through the Division of vocational Rehabilitation to a variety of job training and sheltered workshop facilities within Somerset County, the Center for Educational Advancement (Hunterdon County), Raritan Valley Workshop (Middlesex County), and Midland Advanced Program (MAP). All service provided through these programs is on a subscription basis with transportation services arranged by the ARC, Somerset County Unit, Midland Advanced Program or the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Who? People with disabilities under the sponsorship of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Midland Advanced Program, Easter Seals, or the ARC, Somerset County Unit. Where? Transportation is currently available to work activity centers located in Somerset County, the Raritan Valley Workshop (Middlesex County) and Center for Educational Advancement (Hunterdon County). How? The staff at the ARC, Somerset County Unit, Midland Advanced Program, Easter Seals, or the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation make all initial contact with the Division of Transportation to arrange for transportation services. There are occasions when it is impossible to accommodate the transportation requested and the individual is placed on a waiting list. Following the initial contact for transportation service, it is the individual passenger's, sponsor's or group home staff's responsibility to notify the Division of Transportation of trip cancellations, vacations, or time adjustments. PERSONAL BUSINESS Transportation is available to older adults, via a contract with the Office on Aging, on a pre-arranged basis through the services of In-Home Service Workers. This service may either be provided on an individual basis or grouped with another passenger going to the same or similar locations. Who? Older adults may request this transportation which is provided through funding under Title IIID of older Americans Act. What? Individuals may request transportation for a variety of needs, social security office, grocery shopping (for persons unable to use the scheduled grocery shopping bus) and other critical needs located within Somerset County. When? Transportation is available on a first come, first served basis with the days and hours of service varying depending on location within the county. It is your responsibility to notify the Division of Transportation when you will not be needing your scheduled transportation service. How? Only senior citizens who have been identified y the Office on Aging as eligible for this service. Following the Office on Aging assessment you request a personal business ride by contacting the Division of Transportation at 908-231-7116 or 1-800-246-0527 between the hours of 9:00 and 5:00, Monday to Friday at least 48 hours prior to your requested transportation date. Donations are accepted for service provided
under this program. NON-EMERGENCY MEDICAL Non-emergency medical transportation is provided to senior citizens; persons with disabilities, and eligible social service agency clients, on a first come, first served basis. Transportation is provided to medical offices, hospitals, mental health agencies and other medical facilities. Who? This service is available to residents of Somerset County who are aged 60 or older, medicaid recipients or who are permanently or temporarily disabled (subject to a certificate of disability signed by a physician). (In all cases eligible people must be without other means of transportation). Where? Non-emergency medical rides are currently available throughout Somerset County and to limited areas in adjoining counties. Wherever possible residents are encouraged to use physicians which are closest to their home to permit maximum use of our service by all eligible residents. How? Eligible passengers needing this service should contact the Division of Transportation at 908-231-7152 or 1-800-246-0527 at least 48 hours in advance of their appointment date. Appointments for transportation should be made s soon as the medical appointment is scheduled. Appointments can be arranged up to 1 year prior to the medical appointment date. It should be noted that when we are unable to schedule transportation for your medical appointment we may request that you reschedule the medical appointment date and time. If it is absolutely impossible for you o reschedule the medical appointment you may eligible for private ride medical reimbursement - please ask the medical scheduler for more information of this topic. It is your responsibility to notify the Division of Transportation when you will not be needing your scheduled transportation service. Donations are requested for transportation provided under this program. Please refer to the separate Fare and Donation Card for additional information. SOMERSET MEDICAL CENTER Transportation is available to Somerset Medical Center/Family Practice located on Rehill Ave., Somerville to Somerset County residents and residents of the surrounding counties, using the Good Health Bus. Who? Persons age 50 and older and persons with a disability who are residents of Somerset, Middlesex, Union, Morris, Hunterdon or Mercer Counties and are destined to Somerset Medical Center or Family Practice. When? Service is available 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. How? Passengers should contact the Somerset County Division of Transportation to schedule an appointment. Service is provided on a time and space available basis. ADULT DAY CARE The Somerset County Division of Transportation provides daily service to the Adult Day Care of Somerset County Inc., 120 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ, and under contract to Somerset Hills Adult Day Center, 510 Mt. Airy Rd., Basking Ridge. The oprtors of the day care facility refers passengers to the Division of Transportation. Who? his service may be utilized by clients referred through the Adult Day Care of Somerset County, Inc., and Somerset Hills Adult Day Center. (In all cases eligible persons must be without other means of transportation). How? Call the Adult Day Care Center to inquire regarding their eligibility requirements, availability of space and transportation need. It is your responsibility to notify the Division of Transportation when you will not be needing your scheduled transportation service. Adult Day Care of Somerset County, Inc.
908-725-0068 Donations are accepted for transportation provided under this program to Adult Day Care of Somerset County Inc. SENIOR CENTER / NUTRITION SITE Weekday transportation is provided to clients living within close geographical proximity to senior center/nutrition sites in Somerset County. Who? Contact the Office on Aging at 908-704-6346 for eligibility information. (In all cases eligible persons must be without other means of transportation). How? Clients needing transportation should contact the mangers of the senior center/nutrition site to register for a meal and a ride. You must contact the senior center to inquire about eligibility and related matters. Telephone numbers for the Senior Center/Nutrition Center are listed below:
When? Service is available Monday to Friday to the above centers. If you will not be attending the senior center / nutrition site due to illness, vacation or other, you must contact both the senior center / nutrition site and the Division of Transportation to cancel your reservation. Donations are suggested for transportation provided to senior centers/nutrition sites. Please refer to the separate Fare and Donation section for additional information. VETERANS TRANSPORTATION Non emergency medical transportation is available to veterans in need of transportation on a first come, first served basis under contract with the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Who? All clients are referred through the Somerset County Office of Veterans Affairs. Where? Veterans hospitals both within and outside the county and other medical facilities both within and to limited destination outside Somerset County. What? Non-emergency medical. How? Client eligibility and certification is determined by the Somerset County Office of Veterans Affairs. Inquiries for certification should be made at the Office of Veterans Affairs, County of Somerset, Washington School, First Avenue, Raritan, NJ (908) 704-6328. It is the individual passenger's responsibility to cancel scheduled transportation services when the service is not required. GROCERY SHOPPING Group grocery shopping is provided on an advance reservation basis to senior citizens and people with disabilities on a weekly basis. The driver or aide will assist you with your packages, but you are asked to limit your purchases to what you can reasonably carry due to space limitations on the bus. Who? Residents of Somerset County age 60 plus and people with disabilities. (In all cases eligible persons must be without other means of transportation). Where? Service is provided to the nearest grocery store. How? Passengers requesting transportation for grocery shopping should contact the Division of Transportation at 908-231-7115 or 1-800-246-0547. It is the individual passenger's responsibility to notify the Division of Transportation when they will not be needing our service. Areas receiving grocery shopping transportation are listed below with the days that service is available:
In addition service is provided from Hillsborough, Bernardsville and Warrenbrook Senior Center / Nutrition sites. Please check with Senior center manager for details. Donations are accepted for transportation services provided under this program. RECREATION TRIPS / MALL SHOPPING Transportation is provided to senior citizens (age 60 plus) and persons with disabilities on a group basis for recreation and mall shopping trips. Who? Persons aged 60 plus and persons with disabilities who are residents of Somerset County. (In all cases eligible persons must be without other means of transportation). Where? Transportation is provided to a variety of locations both inside and outside the County o Somerset. Service is provided on Saturdays and during some evening hours. How? All trips are arranged by a sponsor who contacts the Division of Transportation. Minimum group sizes as explained previously apply to these trips. For further information please contact the Division of Transportation at 908-231-7151 or 1-800-246-0547. It is the individual passenger's responsibility to notify the Division of Transportation when they will not be using the scheduled transportation. A fare for no-shows may apply if you fail to cancel your reservation. There is a fare require for recreation and mall shopping transportation. If you can not afford the fare associated with his transportation you can request a waiver. SUPPORT GROUPS Transportation is available to persons with disabilities to attend support group meetings. Who? Persons with disabilities who are Somerset County residents. (A certificate of disability may be required). In all cases eligible persons must be without means of transportation. Where? Transportation is provided to meeting locations both inside and outside the County of Somerset. All transportation is provided during evening hours by special arrangement through the Division of Transportation. Group may, by special arrangement also request Saturday or Sunday transportation for special support group functions. How? Group leaders of support groups should contact the Division of Transportation with meeting schedules to arrange for transportation. An annual calendar of meeting dates is most helpful. There is a minimum group size required for this transportation per support group meeting, transportation will be cancelled should fewer than 3 persons require transportation for a meeting. Is is the individual passenger's responsibility to notify the Division of Transportation when you will not be needing your scheduled transportation service. Donations are accepted for transportation provided under this program. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP Transportation is available to Franklin Township senior citizens to the Franklin Township Community Center under contract with Franklin Township. Who? Senior citizens residing in Franklin Township. When? Service is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. How? Franklin Township senior citizens should call the Somerset County Division of Transportation at 908-231-7152 or 1-800-246-0527 to request service. Service is provided on a time and space available basis. RICHARD HALL COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER Transportation is provided to the Partial Care and MICA, IOS Programs of the Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center (RHCMHC) operated by the County of Somerset. Who? Persons with disabilities who are referred through the Richard Hall Community Mental Health Center. Eligibility for this transportation is determined by the RHCMHC staff. (In all cases persons must be without other means of transportation). When? Transportation is available Monday to Friday during our normal working hours. Evening hour group programs by special arrangement. How? Transportation is arranged by the Richard Hall Community Mental Health enter. Clients are transported only as pre-arranged by the RHCMHC and are dropped off only at pre-arranged destinations. Clients are responsible for notifying the Division of Transportation when they will not be attending the program on a scheduled day. RURAL TRANSPORTATION Transportation is provided to all residents of the rural areas of our county on a demand / response space available basis, under contract with New Jersey Transit. Who? Any individual living in a rural section of Somerset County. When? Transportation is available Monday to Friday during our normal working hours. How? Individuals must call the Division of Transportation at 908-231-7116 to schedule service. Service is provided on a time and space available basis. A FARE IS REQUIRED FOR THIS SERVICE.
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