City Takes Over Operation of Senior Connections Bus

Common Council approved a short-term agreement Tuesday night to take over the operation of the Senior Connections Bus.

The bus, which runs several routes to take seniors where they need to go, was at risk of shutting down when the current manager, Mary Kull, informed the city she could not continue the operation for personal reasons.

"It’s time for the city step in and take over this program," said Councilman Michael Vernotico.

Judith Josephs, director of the Department of Community Programs, explained the city already maintains the bus and insures it through the Joint Insurance Fund.

"We really don’t want to see the bus interrupted even for a day," Josephs said.

The two bus drivers will continue to be employed by the Senior Connections 5013c but will report to the DCP as their managers.

Josephs said she is excited to take over this operation because she feels the city can re-energize the program by exploring new routes and increasing ridership.

The Senior Connections Bus currently runs an on demand service based on a route. Seniors who need a ride within Summit can call the phone service at 908-273-0088 and leave a message each day that they would like to be picked up. They are asked to call before 8:15 a.m.  Trips to the Shop Rite are held each Monday and Thursday. There is no charge for the service. Due to the changing demands on the bus from day to day, Seniors are asked to be patient and pick up times are approximate. At this time, schedules are available by calling 908-273-0088.