New Fare-Free Shuttle Takes Veterans From Train Station To Medical Center In Somerset Co.

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Veterans traveling to the Lyons VA Medical Center in Bernards Township from the Lyons Train Station will be able to catch a fare-free ride thanks to a cooperative partnership between Somerset County, the Lyons VA Medical Center, NJ TRANSIT, and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA).

"Finding ways to support my fellow Veterans is always top of mind for me," said Somerset County Commissioner Director and Air Force Veteran Shanel Y. Robinson. "I have long recognized the excellent medical and rehabilitation services that our Lyons VA Medical Center provides, and I’m pleased that through this transportation partnership, our Veterans will no longer face barriers to accessing this vital care."

The new Veterans Lyons Shuttle, which launched on Friday, will run 5 days a week, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.

The shuttle will run from the Lyons Train Station to the Lyons VA Medical Center and back, in a loop, approximately 8 times daily, supporting and coordinating with the preexisting Morris & Essex Line rail schedule.

"We are pleased to support this shuttle connection, which will make it easier for veterans to access the care they need at the Lyons VA Medical Center," said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “This partnership helps us close another gap in first- and last-mile service that will directly improve the travel experience for those who depend on public transit for their healthcare needs."

In addition to Veterans, employees from the Lyons VA Medical Center as well as friends and family will be able to use the shuttle for greater ease of travel.

"The State of New Jersey is investing more, doing more, and achieving more for veterans than at any time in our history," said Vincent Solomeno, Commissioner-Designate of Veterans Affairs. "The shuttle is a reflection of our commitment to Garden State heroes and what can be achieved when we work together."

"For too long, New Jersey veterans with disabilities have faced challenges accessing reliable transportation to the Lyons VA Medical Center. That changes with the launch of the Lyons VA Shuttle Service," said Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07). "This milestone demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together across all levels of government. On the federal level, I am also pleased to build on this progress by introducing legislation to ensure this service remains a sustained, long-term solution. With Veterans Day just around the corner, this launch could not be more timely — it will improve lives, ease burdens, and honor those who have served our nation."

The ADA accessible shuttle, which was funded under the Casino Revenue Program (SCDRTAP) through the FTA Section 5310 program administered by NJ TRANSIT, will seat 16 passengers and additionally has 2 wheelchair securement locations. Somerset County will operate the shuttle as well as maintain the vehicle for use.

— Somerset County