Warren Park & Ride Now Open to Watchung Residents
The Township Committee of the Township of Warren and the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Watchung are excited to announce an agreement allowing residents of Watchung Borough to utilize the Warren Township Park & Ride located at the Warren Corporate Center.
The Warren Township Park & Ride opened on September 4, 2018, providing bus service to Warren residents with an express bus to New York Port Authority at 6:45 a.m., Monday through Friday, with four return buses at 5:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
In 2018, preliminary discussions commenced between Watchung Borough Officials and Warren Township to provide an opportunity for Watchung residents to use the Park & Ride. Watchung residents formerly had access to a Park & Ride on Route 22 at the former Sears site, which was eliminated as the site was reconstructed.
Warren Township Committeeman and Park & Ride liaison, George Lazo, stated, “It has been a pleasure working with Watchung Council President, Robert Gibbs, to offer this opportunity to Watchung residents.” Lazo further commented, “Recent letters to Warren permit holders, along with press coverage, has increased ridership. With the addition of Watchung residents, the ridership will have an opportunity to continue to grow.”
In order to utilize the Park & Ride, Watchung residents must obtain a permit from the Warren Township Clerk’s office at 46 Mountain Boulevard, Warren, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, beginning August 19, 2019. Those requesting permits must show proof of residency in either Warren Township or Watchung Borough and complete the appropriate application.
Bus service for the Park & Ride is provided by Lakeland Bus Company, Dover, New Jersey, through an agreement with the Township of Warren. The Township has also entered into an agreement with Warren Corporate Center to provide parking for the Park & Ride. This agreement with Warren Corporate Center is in effect through February 29, 2020.
Borough Council President Rob Gibbs, on behalf of the Watchung Mayor and Council, thanked Committeeman Lazo and the other members of the Warren governing body for working with Watchung to find a solution to our residents’ desire for a commuting option. “Having explored several options over the last several years, Watchung’s past and present officials are proud that we could work with our neighbor to identify a solution that was good for not only Watchung’s residents but also the Township of Warren.
Deputy Mayor Mick Marion commented that, “Over the next several months, the Township Committee will be evaluating the Park & Ride in order to determine if a permanent location will be established.
For questions regarding how to obtain a parking permit, please contact the Warren Township Clerk’s office at 908-753-8000, Ext. 223 or through email at creese@warrennj.org. For general information regarding the Park & Ride, please contact Mark Krane, Township Administrator, at 908-753-8000, Ext. 250 or by emailing mkrane@warrennj.org.
