Critical transportation projects for Mercer County could see significant improvements through federal funding secured by Representative Chris Smith (NJ-4). Federal dollars will be dedicated for the Mercer County TRADE bus service as well as roadway safety improvements. 

Under the Mercer County bus purchase initiative, new buses and equipment will be purchased for transportation service programs in Mercer County in Fiscal Year 2022. The $915,000 appropriation also will cover the cost of replacing three small cutaway buses, five standard cutaway buses, and three extended cutaway standard floor buses.

The County’s Transportation Resources to Aid the Disadvantaged and Elderly (TRADE) program provides non-emergency transportation to residents of Mercer County who are elderly and those with disabilities. It is the mission of TRADE to provide a safe, efficient and economical paratransit service to all eligible Mercer County residents by trained staff dedicated to the passengers' special needs. 

“The 11 new buses for the TRADE program—which primarily services seniors and the disabled—will help those with no other means of transportation get to their doctor appointments, grocery stores and other important destinations,” said Smith, who successfully secured funding for the project in the House-passed bill (HR 3684). “The federal infusion of $732,000 will help enhance access to transportation assistance and go a long way towards improving the lives of senior citizens and those with disabilities living in Mercer County.”

The Mercer County Roadway Safety Improvements uses tax dollars to help fund several necessary roadway improvements around the county.  For example, the project may include the installation of safety reflective pavement markings (both striping and raised reflective markers), reflective object markers, reflective roadway delineators, guide rail and other treatments that improve the overall safety and visibility of various roadways in the county according to Smith.

For more information about the TRADE program and accessibility, visit the County website HERE.