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Asbury Park council authorizes funded pilot for free seasonal paratransit shuttle
Summary
The council approved an agreement with NJ Transit to fund a free, ADA-accessible seasonal circulator shuttle to run weekends and select weekdays through September; staff said the start date depends on staffing and the grant transfer.
The Asbury Park City Council voted to authorize an agreement with New Jersey Transit that will fund a free, ADA‑accessible seasonal circulator shuttle intended to operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between roughly noon and 8 p.m. through the end of September. Director of Transportation James Bonanno presented the plan and council approved the funding authorization under resolution 20-26-3-30.
Bonanno said the pilot will use a 24‑seat vehicle currently assigned to senior trips and operate one directional loops from the train station east on Cookman Avenue to the ocean, north on Ocean Avenue, west along the Lehigh Drive and Main Street corridors, and back through Springwood Park to the station. He told the council the route will include stops at Asbury Towers, Phillips Seaview Towers, the senior center, the train station and waterfront destinations such as the carousel and Convention Hall. “This is a free shuttle,” Bonanno said, noting the vehicle is ADA compliant and equipped with a wheelchair lift.
Why it matters: the shuttle is intended to reduce short car trips and parking demand, connect seniors and mobility‑limited residents to businesses and services, and boost local tourism during summer events. Bonanno said the service is meant for residents and visitors and that no fares or tips will be accepted.
Council members pressed staff on outreach and logistics. Deputy Mayor Quinn and others asked how riders will find stops and how the city will publicize the new service. Bonanno said the city will install 30‑by‑30 signs at stops, create a dedicated page on the city’s website, distribute flyers to business owners and senior buildings, coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce and use local media and APTV to spread the word. He also described a plan to buy bright magnets to cover the vehicle’s senior‑shuttle livery so the bus is clearly marked as a free circulator.
Staff cautioned that the pilot’s launch depends on staffing and receipt of funds from NJ Transit. When asked for a firm start date, Bonanno said none was set: “It is a little hinged upon staffing and receiving the funding from NJ Transit,” and added that staffing remains the biggest hurdle.
The council approved the NJ Transit funding authorization by roll call vote under resolution 20-26-3-30. The resolution directs city staff to finalize the agreement and proceed with the pilot as funding and staffing allow. The city manager and transportation director said they will provide additional implementation details to the council as they become available.
