Freehold Borough Seniors Travel in Style with New Bus

The new Freehold Borough Senior Bus has officially arrived in town.

On Tuesday, Freehold Borough Senior Citizen Housing Corporation (FBSCH) President Ron Griffiths, met with Mayor Nolan Higgins and Council President Sharon Shutzer to hand over the keys to the new Freehold Borough Bus.

The bus is a product of a new agreement between the housing corporation and the Borough. The agreement was announced earlier this month at a Council meeting. The new bus was paid for by the housing corporation and given to the Borough. Through the agreement, the bus driver’s salary and benefits are paid through the housing corporation while the Borough takes care of the bus’ insurance, fuel and repairs.

“This bus is a lifeline for our residents,” said Shutzer. “It takes them to so many great places and the residents know it is safe.”

The bus is for all Freehold Borough seniors and disabled persons. Trips on the bus include local stops like grocery stores and Wal Mart, as well as fun trips to Show Boat Casino in Atlantic City and shopping at Premium Outlets. The first official trip on the new bus was out to lunch and a fall foliage ride. 

Although the bus is used daily for local trips, any senior or disabled person can use the bus to get to a doctor’s appointment as long as they call 24-hours in advance. The bus travels in a five-mile radius.

While the Monmouth County SCAT buses have always been an option for residents, the new Freehold Borough Bus caters more to local residents needs and is free where SCAT rides start at $3. 

“We are happy to be able to continue our free joint service with the town. I believe our program should be a model for other towns to assist their residents,” said Griffiths.

The bus is equipped with a lift to accommodate wheel chairs. At capacity, the bus can fit 20 riders and a wheel chair. Residents interested in using the bus can call 732-431-4880 or 732-431-7599.