Bus service eyed for residents
of proposed adult community
By dave benjamin
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN — Municipal officials are continuing to pursue a goal of bringing bus service to the Route 33 corridor.
Representatives of the township’s transportation committee are hoping to work out an agreement for exclusive bus service for the proposed Hovnanian Four Seasons community.
That development is planned for the area of Route 33 between Millhurst and Woodward roads.
Steve Goldwasser, chairman of the transportation committee, addressed the issue at a recent meeting of the Planning Board.
"The purpose of my meeting with the board and the developers of Four Seasons this evening is to express the urgent need for bus service along Route 33," Goldwasser said.
He said the transportation committee is looking for space to be allocated in the Four Seasons development for bus service.
Goldwasser said he had met with Academy Lines Inc.’s operation manager Jeff Carty, who gave him support for the project. He said he also received support for the idea from Jeff Vernick, supervisor and transportation planner, and Ron Tindall of the state Department of Transportation, Monmouth County office.
Goldwasser described the bus service envisioned as a charter-type service exclusively for Four Seasons residents only.
"No other individuals would be able to use this service, nor would they be allowed to park in the development," Goldwasser said. "The advantages are enormous."
The transportation chairman said that by providing space, the developer of Four Seasons would be helping to alleviate congestion on Route 9 and be able to provide residents of the development with exclusive service to New York City.
During the discussion it was noted that if this project is successful, then funds may be available from the state for other areas along Route 33 to have park and ride facilities.
Planning Board Chairman Stephen Pine asked how many older adults would be commuting into New York City on a daily basis.
He was told that a survey has not been completed which would answer that question.
Pine asked for more information regarding the number of people who would use the service.
Board member Michelle Roth said she believes there is a need for the transportation.
It was suggested that a representative from the bus company attend the next meeting of the transportation committee to discuss the matter. A representative of the developer may also attend that meeting.