Long Branch Shuttle Service to Return in 2013

After enjoying a successful first summer, the Long Branch shuttle service will return next year.

Long Branch Director of Community & Economic Development Jacob Jones made the announcement during Thursday night's Long Branch Council meeting and added that the service was the most successful of the Jersey Shore towns that utilize it. Other participating towns are Asbury Park, Ocean Grove and Bradley Beach.

The shuttle's route takes riders from the Long Branch Train Station on Third Avenue to several areas around the city including West End, the North Bath Avenue Beach area, Beachfront North and Pier Village.

The shuttle costs $1 per ride and will ran every Friday to Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The service is made possible by a grant from the Federal Transit Authority (FTA), which is supplying 75 percent of the funds and the participating towns are paying the remaining 25 percent.

Jones said shuttle ridership increased as the summer continued and that it was well received by the community.

"We got many positive comments and it proved to be a very viable tool," Jones said.

Jones said the the city will received the FTA grant again next year and that it should begin again next May, "with the possibility of running past September."

"We want to expand the service, make it year-round and adjust the route where needed," Jones said.

Jones said he is hoping that the city will partner with Monmouth University for a service that can run throughout the year from the university and train station to several destinations throughout Long Branch.