The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Somerset County Division of Transportation recently held a ribbon cutting to launch a new shuttle service known as DASH 853.

“Somerset County implemented DASH 853 to offer reliable and affordable bus service to individuals with disabilities and the general public,” said Freeholder Patrick Scaglione, transportation services liaison. “The route selected for the new shuttle provides more transportation options for people who work in Franklin Township.”

DASH 853 travels through residential and employment areas of Franklin Township that are not currently served by the county’s two other DASH buses. The new bus holds 29 passengers and two wheelchair positions. Transfer opportunities are available between the three DASH shuttles.

The cost to ride DASH is a flat fee of $2 per one-way trip, exact change is required. For a limited time, RideWise of Raritan Valley will offer two free tickets (one round trip) for the new shuttle. Free passes also will be distributed to businesses in Franklin Township.

The new route includes stops at New Brunswick Rail Station, Easton Avenue, Hamilton Street, John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Davidson Avenue, Elizabeth Avenue, Cottontail Lane and Pierce Street.

Schedules for Somerset County Transportation services can be found at: http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/scootdash.html.

Residents also can contact RideWise for a schedule.

DASH 853 is partially funded by a Federal Transportation Authority New Freedom Funding grant, which is administered by NJ Transit. The purpose of the federal grant is to “afford economic opportunities for people with disabilities and the general public.”

For more information about Somerset County transportation services, contact RideWise of Raritan Valley at 908-704-1011.

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