Newark residents voice concerns about Coach USA cutting bus services
Coach USA has announced that it is cutting down on some of its services. It is a decision that heavily affects residents in Newark’s South Ward.
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Coach USA has announced that it is cutting down on some of its services. It is a decision that heavily affects residents in Newark’s South Ward.
Some members of the community came together Monday evening to voice their concerns. A Coach USA representative was on hand to hear those concerns, along with city officials.
News 12 New Jersey was not allowed into the meeting because it was closed to the media.
Members of the community tell News 12 that even with the sometimes sluggish and inconsistent service and rude bus drivers, this is their only means of transportation to and from work.
The community was told that the service cuts would impact the 44 and 31 bus routes. Service will be suspended on Sundays and service Monday through Saturday will be suspended from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m.
Residents say that this will impact many employees of the Jersey Gardens mall.
“People do have to work. How are they going to get home from work? Or how are they going to go to work? A lot of people work at the mall, so therefore, they’re gonna lose their jobs,” says Newark resident Joseph Rodriguez.
Coach USA general manager Jim Rutherford tells News 12 the company will work with the community to “come to a solution.”
That solution was not clear at the moment.
Residents say the closest alternate route would be the 59 bus route, but that's over a mile-long walk for some. Many of the residents affected by this are seniors or have mobility issues and they say they can't do the walk. Others are concerned for their safety doing the walk at night.
