Crosstown 62 service to continue with Greater Princeton Transportation Management Association
By: Courtney Gross
Princeton seniors can expect to continue to travel around town with Crosstown 62 via Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association at least for the next year.
It is likely the Township Committee will approve a contract with the West Windsor-based Greater Mercer TMA to continue its operation of the township-borough senior transportation service at its meeting Monday after the association has successfully run the operation for the last two months, township officials said.
After a bout of bad rides and dissatisfied seniors, the joint Human Services Commission, which oversees the senior transportation service, solicited Greater Mercer TMA to take over the service last year from A Princeton Taxi. Now, officials said, seniors have been nothing but satisfied with the service.
"This will inspire models for good senior transportation in other communities," said commission member Pam Hersh, who is also affiliated with Greater Mercer TMA, at its meeting Wednesday.
Officials said under A Princeton Taxi some seniors were left stranded or were forgotten by drivers.
The commission has recommended the Township Committee grant the bid to Greater Mercer TMA, although another service provider submitted a less costly contract proposal. But, because that company, Stout’s Charter Service, did not follow the bid specifications, the commission is suggesting rejection.
Under state statute, a municipality is required to award a public contract to the lowest bidder.
Cynthia Mendez, director of the Human Services Department, said Stout’s had submitted a contract bid of $12.90 per ride, based upon 3,000 rides per year. The bid required the contract be based on 4,400 rides, Ms. Mendez said.
Other commission members said Stout’s vehicles were not accessible to the Crosstown 62 population. Its fleet would comprise minivans, which, members said, are often difficult to get in and out of for an elderly or disabled person.
Greater Mercer TMA’s bid was $13 per ride, Ms. Mendez said, and uses sedans.
Sandra Brillhart, executive director of Greater Mercer TMA, said she was pleased her nonprofit organization was poised to receive the contract, and hopes to continue successfully operating the service.
The program is similar to other senior transportation services the association provides, such as its Greater Mercer Ride Provide that partners volunteers with seniors who routinely need rides to medical or other appointments throughout the county.
"We’re very pleased that we are being considered again," Ms. Brillhart said. "Our experience has been very positive and we’re looking to continue to provide greater service to Princeton."
So far, the two cars circulating Princeton offering subsidized rides have given 112 rides to seniors in April, Ms. Brillhart said.
In addition to the Greater Mercer TMA recommendation, the Human Services Commission also determined that all medically-related transportation for Crosstown 62 which comprises a majority of the service should be given precedent over rides to church or the hair dresser, for example. The commission is making the distinction to comply with a previously received grant that contributes to the service’s funding.
Only those 65 years old or older or the disabled may use Crosstown 62. Coupons must be purchased in advance, and cost $2 for a one-way fare. They are available at the Human Services Department at 380 Witherspoon St., the Borough Housing Authority at 2 Clay St., the Senior Resource Center at Spruce Circle or the Suzanne Patterson Center behind Borough Hall.
Reservations are taken two to seven days in advance and can be made at (609) 452-5144 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

