Saddle Brook shifts senior bus service to Bergen County; residents press for records and clarity

Saddle Brook council members told residents that the township ended its full-time senior-bus operations and is relying on the Bergen County Transportation Program for most rides, saying the change reduces town costs and offers accessible vehicles and aides.

Why it matters: Seniors and other frequent users raised concerns at the meeting about missing bus records and about losing a locally managed service. An OPRA request submitted by a resident showed a gap in the township's produced records, a transparency issue the council said it will investigate.

Town officials said the former full-time bus driver position carried a salary of about $55,000, plus maintenance and operations. Business Administrator Dan (identified in the meeting packet and responding to residents) said the county reports 285 Saddle Brook residents registered in its system and that Bergen County serves at least 500 rides per year for Saddle Brook users, and that county vehicles include mechanical ramps and on-board aides to carry groceries and secure wheelchairs.

"The county has an aide on the bus. They're able to carry the bags for them for groceries," the business administrator said. "We felt it was a good business decision to continue with that service and assist in our financial operations." (Business administrator, first referenced SEG 499)

Residents urged a different balance. Denise Monastery said she had filed an OPRA request for bus records from Jan. 1, 2024, through May 22, 2026, and the township provided records only from Aug. 6, 2025, through May 14, 2026. "When records needed to evaluate a public service are unavailable, there is a ripple effect because public trust can be eroded," Monastery said. (Denise Monastery, SEG 405–478)

Longtime riders and other public commenters—Juanita Hickman and John Vitovic—praised the former driver and recounted differing personal experiences: some said the local service was good and will be missed, while others and town officials said ridership patterns, limited medical-trip use and an aging vehicle made the county arrangement preferable.

Mayor (addressing the public) said the decision was not abrupt: the position had already been reduced to part-time to test viability. He said the town arranged for shuttles for big events and would continue to try to provide access for major community gatherings, while the county service will handle routine medical and mobility needs.

What comes next: The mayor and administrator said they will review the missing records and follow up. Several council members said they want better outreach so homebound seniors know about available services.

Sources: Public-comment period and staff answers at the Saddle Brook Township Council meeting (see timeline entries on senior transportation and OPRA records).