Free Transportation Service For Passaic County Seniors, Disabled Residents Gets A Boost

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — Four more buses will be rolling out to transport seniors and disabled residents through the Passaic County Paratransit Program, for everything from doctor's appointments to community events. And, new safety steps have already been in use to help customers get on and off the bus.

That's thanks to the Passaic County Technical Institute, which recently donated two 16-passenger buses and two 44-passenger school buses to the program. This will add capacity for another 120 people.

With these four additional buses, Passaic County Paratransit can provide better services to those 60+ and any disabled residents who rely on the program for rides to medical appointments, shopping centers, group work programs, and other non-emergency trips. A county spokesperson said that purchasing all-new buses would have cost about $700,000, depending on various factors.

The larger buses will be key to providing shuttle services for group trips and for community events, like the Passaic County Fair. Officials said they will undergo minor bodywork before joining the fleet, and are "particularly valuable" given the long wait times for new vehicle orders.

Students and teachers from PCTI's School of Construction Technology also provided 31 sets of wooden steps to help passengers get on and off vehicles safely. They add improved slip resistance and greater durability and are easier for drivers to handle, the county said.

“This partnership with PCTI is a perfect example of how we can come together as a community to improve services for our residents,” said Commissioner Rodney De Vore. “With these new buses and safety enhancements, we’re making transportation more accessible and reliable for those who depend on us.”

Passaic County Paratransit is available for residents across the county, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lift-equipped vans are available, and the program can accommodate service animals and portable oxygen tanks. Trips can be one-way, round-trip, or recurring. Rides are scheduled on a first come, first served basis.

There is no fee for the program, though a donation of $2 per trip is suggested to help support Passaic County Paratransit.

The new steps were designed and built in collaboration with Mark Cacace, Supervisor of Instruction at the School of Construction Technology.

“We’re thrilled to support Passaic County’s Paratransit program with these contributions,” said Cacace. “Our students had the opportunity to apply their skills in a hands-on project that directly benefits the community, and that’s an experience they’ll carry with them long after graduation.”

Click here to learn more about the county paratransit program, or call the following numbers based on where you live. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Clifton City: Clifton Outreach, 973-470-2235
• Passaic City: Senior Affairs, 973-365-5754
• All other Passaic County communities: 973-305-5756