Council hears demand constraints for senior transportation; county contract keeps costs lower than in‑house service

Council members discussed Franklin Township’s senior transportation contract during the March 9 budget hearing, focusing on whether current service meets demand and what it would take to expand rides for grocery, medical, and senior‑club trips.

Manager Bob Bornlocker and Recreation Director Steven Dahl said the township owns the bus but the service is run, maintained and staffed by Somerset County under a contract that increases 2% annually. "This service has been an annual contract... This year is proposed at $96,157.27," Bornlocker said, adding that the county provides the driver and manages operations. Director Dahl said the program provides three days per week service for senior club activities and additional days for reservations.

Council members asked whether the township tracks unmet demand; Dahl said the program provides monthly ridership reports and can share them with council. Bornlocker and other members cautioned that expanding service would require capital to buy an additional bus, a larger annual contract cost (roughly double for a second bus), and reliable CDL drivers with passenger endorsements — a staff constraint that the county also faces.

Bornlocker estimated the capital and operating cost to run a second bus at roughly $202,000 annually, and noted county staffing and capital limits are the primary implementation barriers. Council members suggested referring demand and service‑quality questions to a committee for further study rather than acting in the current budget cycle.

No formal action was taken; managers said usage reports and detailed ridership data can be provided for committee review.