SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ – The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners announced that two new buses have just been added to the current Skylands Ride fleet.
As an ongoing commitment to county transportation, the Commissioner Board authorized the utilization of $750,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding at the end of 2022 to purchase seven new buses for Skylands Ride.
The first two buses from this award have recently arrived and will be on the road this week transporting Sussex County residents.
Skylands Ride continues to be a lifeline for many passengers, making it possible for them to get to essential medical appointments, dialysis and other life-saving treatments, employment and job training. Dedicated drivers provide nearly 113,000 rides and drive more than 750,000 miles on the road each year to provide these essential services to county residents. The need for this critical service continues to increase, especially for the county’s senior population.
“Investing in our transportation system supports all of our residents in need of this service but especially our seniors who value their self-sufficiency and independence,” said Commissioner Jill Space. “Access to transportation simultaneously supports access to other vital services such as healthcare. Lack of transportation can mean a missed doctor appointment or an unfilled prescription.”
The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Skylands Ride thanked the Commissioner Board for investing in its system and the community it proudly serves.
Sussex County Skylands Ride provides deviated fixed route services through Public Connect on weekdays and Saturdays, as well as demand-response transportation service to access employment, medical appointments and equipment, prescriptions, food and other essential services.
The new buses will replace two of the oldest buses in the current fleet and are vital to provide safe, quality, accessible transportation services for Sussex County residents.
To receive a Public Connect schedule, reserve your ride through the demand-response service or for more information about Skylands Ride, call 973-579-0480.
