MONMOUTH COUNTY – A new era of transportation services has arrived in Monmouth County.
The Board of County Commissioners launched the county-wide initiative “Ride in Monmouth,” which offers a new and improved transportation service replacing the longstanding Special Citizens Area Transportation (SCAT) system.
“Today, we are here to share our latest venture to make transportation in Monmouth County more efficient, cost-effective and enjoyable for our residents,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Division of Transportation.
SCAT was established over 55 years ago and supplied transportation for certain qualified Monmouth County residents. The new service “Ride in Monmouth” has expanded the program to accommodate even more residents.
Ride in Monmouth is a demand response shared ride transportation service and is designed to be easily accessible for Monmouth County residents. All services are first come, first served, by availability and curb to curb. The service will run Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Residents can book their trip as far as six months in advance or as little as 48 hours. County Commissioners strongly encourage residents to book as far in advance as possible to secure a ride.
Residents qualify for Ride in Monmouth if they are:
60 years of age or older
Temporarily or permanently disabled
Veterans
Or 18 years of age and traveling from or going to one of the County’s 11 rural communities, including Allentown, Colts Neck, Freehold Twp, Holmdel, Howell, Manalapan, Millstone, Roosevelt, Tinton Falls, Upper Freehold, and Wall.
The program provides essential transportation to numerous locations, including:
Life-sustaining treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and dialysis,
Doctors and medical appointments, physical and occupational therapies,
Grocery stores,
Hair and nail salons,
Barber shops,
The mall,
Pharmacies,
Transit centers,
Senior and community centers,
Food pantries,
Employment training, and much more.
County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Division of Transportation, and Commissioner Ross F. Licitra, announce the latest transportation initiative on March 11. (Photo courtesy Monmouth County)
Ride in Monmouth also extends transportation services for other County programs and activities such as Made in Monmouth and the Suburban and Urban School Health Initiative (SUSHI) program.
Commissioner Director Arnone noted that in 2023, the county was averaging roughly 20,000 rides annually. The new service is expected to surpass that number with over 30,000 this year.
The cost for a one-way trip is $2. However, there is no charge for medical-related trips, including life-sustaining treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and dialysis, or for veterans to travel to the various VA clinics and hospitals in New Jersey.
Anyone interested in learning more about Ride in Monmouth can call 732-431-6480 or email RideInMonmouth@visitmonmouth.com. More information can also be found on the Monmouth County Division of Transportation’s website at visitmonmouth.com.
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