Hunterdon County marks 40 years of Link transit; opioid-settlement RFP and senior transportation allocation announced

Hunterdon County commissioners recognized the 40th anniversary of the Hunterdon County Link transit system and heard related program announcements at their July 15 meeting.

Susan Nicola, Link representative, described the 1985 start with borrowed vans and said the system pioneered consolidated service models and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. County officials thanked New Jersey Transit and Eastern Coach representatives for their partnership in operating the service.

Deputy Director Van Doren, who serves as liaison to the Department of Human Services, told the board that the county released a request for proposals for use of local opioid-settlement funds. "Based on the recommendations of the Hunterdon opioid settlement task force, the county has identified 4 key priority areas: community education, transportation, supportive housing, and Medicaid medication-assisted treatment," Van Doren said. Proposals must be submitted by Tuesday, July 30, at 3 p.m.; contact Greg Rule at rrule@co.hunterdon.nj.us to request the RFP.

Van Doren also announced a proposed FY26 allocation of $856,452 in casino-revenue funding administered by New Jersey Transit to support transportation services for seniors and disabled residents through the Link. The county will hold a public hearing on the FY26 plan for the senior/disabled transportation assistance program on Friday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. via Microsoft Teams.

Why it matters: The Link provides critical mobility for residents who rely on public transit for medical appointments, shopping and employment; the opioid RFP and the FY26 allocation both target services that affect vulnerable populations.

Ending: Commissioners passed a proclamation recognizing the Link’s anniversary and scheduled the public hearing on the FY26 plan for Aug. 22.