NJ TRANSIT BEGINS PROCESS FOR AWARDING ACCESSIBLE VEHICLES TO ORGANIZATIONS SERVING SENIORS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITES

NJT-15-030
March 27, 2015

NEWARK, NJ — NJ TRANSIT has announced that the annual application process to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for funds to enhance mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by providing financial support, through programs planned, designed, and carried out to meet the special transportation needs of these populations through the FTA Section 5310 Grant Program is underway.  NJ TRANSIT is designated to coordinate and review all organization applications and submit a consolidated statewide application to the federal government.

The grant process is comprised of four steps.  In the first step, an agency and/or organization complete an application.  Second, NJ TRANSIT reviews the applications received.  Based upon established criteria a number of the applications are selected for inclusion in the federal grant.  The third step is the federal review and grant approval process. In phase four, NJ TRANSIT enters into an agreement with the approved applicants to carry out the project. 

The process is open to eligible private and non-profit agencies as well as public bodies. If your organization is interested in applying or finding out more about the program please visit http://s-rides.njtransit.com. The application will be available online, as of Monday, March 30, 2015.

Applications must be submitted by 1:00 p.m. on May 1, 2015.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.  

If applying for vehicles, prospective applicants should be aware in most cases a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) will be required to operate vehicles for services funded under this program. All vehicles purchased are lift-equipped in order to accommodate people using mobility devices.  The federal government also requires that operators with a CDL participate in a certified drug and alcohol-testing program.

Since 1981 NJ TRANSIT has purchased over 1,900 vehicles for organizations serving seniors and people with disabilities throughout the State of New Jersey.

About NJ TRANSIT

NJ TRANSIT is the nation's largest statewide public transportation system providing more than 915,900 weekday trips on 261 bus routes, three light rail lines, 12 commuter rail lines and through Access Link paratransit service. It is the third largest transit system in the country with 165 rail stations, 62 light rail stations and more than 19,000 bus stops linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia.