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Residents urge action after Saddle Brook discontinues town senior bus; officials cite aging vehicle and county alternative
Summary
Multiple residents told the council the town's decision to discontinue the local senior bus has left seniors without reliable transportation. Officials said low local ridership, vehicle maintenance and liability concerns prompted the change and that Bergen County service, which includes an aide on each bus, will serve most riders.
Residents described significant personal reliance on the town's senior bus during the public comment period and urged the council to ensure adequate alternatives after the town discontinued the service.
"The senior bus provided an answer to our questions and was a huge relief for our household," said a resident who identified herself as Denise Monastery, recounting how the town transport had helped her mother attend medical appointments and shopping after a sudden illness. Other speakers said county service hours are restricted and the county system can be difficult to access by phone.
Business Administrator Mr. Holsey and staff explained the decision to stop the town‑run bus: the municipal vehicle was aging and required repairs (staff cited a nonfunctional handicap ramp and general maintenance needs), local ride volume had declined, and the county now offers a broader fleet with an aide on every bus to assist riders. Town staff noted costs to maintain or replace a municipal bus could be in the six‑figure range and that the town reduced a part‑time staffing cost earlier in the year as it monitored ride volume.
Officials pledged to reach out to Bergen County transportation staff to report the issues residents raised about hours and access and to seek better county responsiveness where needed. The council suggested staff would report back with what the county offers and options the town could pursue to support residents who need more flexible or frequent service.
The council did not immediately reinstate the town bus during the meeting; staff asked residents with specific difficulties to contact the mayor's office or the business administrator's office for individualized follow‑up.
