Conference to Address Needs of Mercer County's Residents Who are 'Transportation Disadvantaged'

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the Mercer County administration.

Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes will open a conference [today] Oct. 6 for local organizations and transportation customers to announce new projects to improve transportation services for Mercer County residents.  The Mercer County Coalition for Coordinated Transportation has been meeting for several years to streamline and improve services for seniors, people with disabilities and people with low incomes facing transportation barriers. 

Two members of the coalition, the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association and the ARC Mercer, have each been awarded New Freedom grants through the Federal Transit Administration and New Jersey Transit to plan projects to enhance transportation options available in Mercer County. 

A primary goal of the coalition is to increase the efficiency of transportation services provided to seniors, people with disabilities and people with low incomes. 

Hughes offered enthusiastic support for the new grant funded projects. 

“We need to provide these services to our most vulnerable populations, while containing costs for our taxpayers,” said Hughes. “These efforts fit with my administration’s strong emphasis on coordinating, developing partnerships and sharing local services. I truly appreciate the work of the Coalition members as they collaborate with Mercer County to advance transportation options for our residents,” he added.

At the conference the coalition will provide updated information on achievements in collaboration, and will present the New Freedom Grant projects.  This forum seeks to gather professionals, organizations and customers that will assist the grant recipients in making informed coordination decisions in addressing the continuing needs of the community. 

The conference will take place on Oct. 6 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Project Freedom, 715 Kuser Rd., Hamilton.

Note on Parking: There is more than adequate parking for people with parking placards for people with disabilities at the Project Freedom site.  A shuttle has been arranged for overflow parking, which will be located in the parking lot behind the Colonial Volunteer Fire Co. located at 801 Kuser Rd. in Hamilton. 

Member agencies of the Coalition for Coordinated Transportation include:  ARC Mercer, Greater Mercer TMA, United Way of Greater Mercer County, Mercer County TRADE, Mercer County Office on Planning, Mercer County Board of Social Services, Mercer County Human Services, Progressive Center for Independent Living, Mercer County Workforce Investment Board, and NJ Transit.