Mercer County continues to connect employees to work through its Route 130 Connection bus service.
The bus route, which is funded through an annual New Jersey Transit grant and Mercer County funds, has undergone the following improvements and changes to the program:
- New additional service in East Windsor
- Starr Tours named the new service provider
- Route 130 Connection now on Google Maps
- A new schedule available at www.mercercounty.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=19852&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
Specifically, four new bus stops were added in East Windsor: Princeton-Hightstown Road (by bank), Lanning Boulevard (after first drive), East Windsor Village (Target) and Princeton-Hightstown Road bus shelter.
The new stops will increase access to shops, restaurants and employment opportunities.
The fare has remained the same in 2021 at $1 each way.
“As we navigate our way through the pandemic, a good-paying job is difficult to find in this economic climate,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said in a prepared statement. “It is essential that the county promote any and all job opportunities; offer business assistance; and ensure low-cost transportation options for our county residents. The 130 Connection assists us with this last point – providing inexpensive bus service to employment.
“Mercer County is excited to offer this new and improved transportation initiative and we look forward to our partnership with New Jersey Transit, Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association and Starr Tours,” Hughes said in the statement.
As required, Mercer County issued a request for proposal (RFP) to secure a service provider for this Route 130 route. Starr Tours was selected as the new provider and began service on Jan. 2 with two buses that operate from 4:30 a.m. to 7:40 p.m. weekdays, and from 7:20 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. on Saturdays, according to the statement.
The Mercer County bus route provides service between Trenton, Hamilton, MCCC-West Windsor, East Windsor, Hightstown, and businesses and warehouses near Turnpike Exit 8A.
The Starr buses are equipped with GPS tracking, giving customer service representatives the ability to communicate the exact location of the buses along the route to passengers.
In partnership with the Greater Mercer TMA, Mercer County has now added all Route 130 Connection stops and times on Google Maps, according to the statement. This allows passengers to plan their transit trips and connections on the 130 bus service.