U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced that the U.S. Federal Transit Administration has awarded more than a million dollars in funds to make buses in New Jersey more handicap accessible.  

Specifically, the funding will be used to cover the cost of adding wheelchair lifts in 26 buses that travel throughout the state.  These projects were selected on a competitive basis from the U.S. Department of Transportation Over the Road Bus Program.

“For people with disabilities, it can be difficult to get from place to place,” said Menendez.  “But, no one should have to worry about whether taking public transportation will only make a commute even harder.  With this funding, we are helping ensure every person has access to an easy-to-use public transportation system that will get them to their destination safely and on time.”

“This federal grant will help increase bus access for disabled New Jerseyans,” said Senator Lautenberg, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, which funds the FTA.  “We will continue fighting for federal funds  to ensure that our transit systems are modernized to accommodate  more commuters and improve New Jersey’s transportation system.”

 A total of  $1,006,535 in funding will be distributed as follows:

  •  $245,506 for the Suburban Transit Corporation to upgrade six buses in New Brunswick.
  • $761,029 for Academy Express  to upgrade twenty buses in Hoboken.

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