Forrestal Center link to Princeton Junction train station loses sponsors
By: Molly Petrilla
PLAINSBORO Come May, the TrainLink shuttle that has connected employees in the Forrestal Center campus with the Princeton Junction train station for 17 years could go out of service.
The shuttle’s primary source of funding, Princeton Forrestal Center, has announced plans to withdraw its support for the service. Forrestal Center now provides 40 percent of the money necessary to keep the shuttle running.
Forrestal Center has helped fund the shuttle since its inception in 1990 and according to Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association officials, which manages the shuttle, the three remaining sponsors Merrill Lynch & Co., Munich Re America and NEC Laboratories cannot make up the extra cost.
The TMA is now asking employers on or near the route for their support to help save the shuttle service.
"With a few more sponsors, the daily cost of providing this service to their employees, clients and visitors would be not much different than the cost of a round trip taxi ride for one person," TMA Executive Director Sandra Brillhart said.
TrainLink serves about 125 passengers daily during peak commuter hours and makes multiple stops along Scudders Mill Road and College Road East.
Rides are free for employees with valid identification who work in the Forrestal Center campus. The service runs between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
According to the TMA, the service not only helps people get to work, but also curbs traffic congestion and reduces the demand for parking in the train station area and office park.
TMA officials plan to hold a meeting in early March with the three remaining sponsors to discuss ways for TrainLink to continue.
For further information or to attend the meeting next month, contact the TMA at (609) 452-1491.

