Politics & Government

Bus Takes Ridgewood Seniors To and Fro

Ridgewood program runs Tuesdays and Thursdays, making roughly 2,500 trips per year.

Sure, you could spend $7 on a one-way cab ride. Maybe you could even ask a relative to drop you off and pick you up later. Or if you still have wheels, you could brave the Ridgewood traffic and hopefully find a parking spot.

But village seniors looking for a convenient, cheap and safe way to get around might want to consider another option – the senior bus.

If you need to head to the bank, grocery store, grab lunch or even make your appointment at the salon, the bus makes all the stops – and all without the hassle of driving or parking. 

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"The senior bus continues to be a popular program," said Assistant to the Village Manager Janet Fricke. "We provide about 50 trips a week in approximately ten hours over two days."

On Tuesday, the bus roams around the Central Business District beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 2:30 p.m. It makes stops around the apartment buildings and senior housing facilities in town.

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Thursdays are quite different – the bus travels by appointment, taking residents to doctor offices, the malls or even relatives. It also runs from 9:30 to 2:30 p.m.

There is a suggested donation of $1 per trip on the senior bus.

"The service has greatly enhanced many individuals lives in getting out and about!" an excited Fricke said. "We feel after the past few years that our program and schedule is sensitive to the Ridgewood population who are in need of local transportation."

There are no plans to increase the days or hours of service, she told Patch.

For those who haven't taken the bus in a while, Harry Shortway is no longer commandeering the bus. He now works as an undersheriff but Billy Flynn is an "outstanding" replacement, Fricke said.

To make an appointment for Thursdays, call 201-670-5500 X200.


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