BAYONNE BRIEFS

Smith, O’Donnell work to stop the end of 99S Midtown Bus Service

Mayor Mark A. Smith recently called upon Red and Tan Lines and Coach USA to continue to operate Bayonne to Midtown Manhattan service via the 99S bus route. The mayor received a letter on Tuesday from the attorney for the bus company that they intended to terminate the route, effective Nov. 6. The letter claims that the route was suffering from the economic downturn and increased competition from what they termed “illegal minibus operators.”
Mayor Smith contacted the attorney and asked that the company continue to provide service while the city and the company explored the issue and considered ways to improve the route’s viability or developed alternatives. Smith felt the short notice was unfair to the commuting citizens of Bayonne.
“Many people use this bus on a daily basis to get to and from work. To eliminate the route with only a month’s notice is unacceptable,” said Smith.
The mayor also joined Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell in calling upon New Jersey Transit to assume the route that Red and Tan is abandoning.
“Efficient mass transit is an absolute necessity in and urban environment,” said O’Donnell, “and this route is unique in that it services midtown directly.”
The assemblyman pointed out that the alternatives involve taking several different busses or a combination of trains, making the daily commute unaffordable and time-consuming. O’Donnell joined Smith in calling for a meeting with the operator.
The 99S bus route begins at West Third Street in Bayonne and travels to Journal Square, down Central Avenue in Jersey City, and ultimately through the Lincoln Tunnel to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. Alternatives would involve switching busses at Journal Square or taking a combination of the Light Rail and various subways.

Down Syndrome awareness event planned

Bayonne resident Martha Harney, the mother of a child with Down Syndrome, announced that she will have an event to promote Down Syndrome Awareness Month at City Hall on Monday, Oct. 17; Tuesday, Oct. 18; and Wednesday, Oct. 19; from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. She will have a literature table that will also feature stuffed animals for sale. Proceeds of the sales will go to the National Down Syndrome Society.
Members of the public will have the option of buying stuffed animals that will be donated to local children with special needs.

Circolo Italiano host dinner after parade

Circolo Italiano at 1253 Broadway in Bayonne is holding an “After the Columbus Parade Dinner” fundraiser from 2:45 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 16. Donation is $5 a plate, which includes pasta, meatball, sausage, salad, and soda. For info, call (201) 437-8150 or (201) 538-1981, or Tony Campano at (201) 779-6797.

Head Start celebrates anniversary; seeks memories from participants

The Bayonne Head Start is celebrating its 46th anniversary, and – to commemorate the event – is seeking the participation of former parents, students, and teachers in sharing their memories of and the success stories that arose from attending this iconic institution. Email anaquintela@beof.org to share and include your story.

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