TOMS RIVER – Two sectors of Ocean County's most vulnerable residents will benefit from renewed agreements with the Ocean County Department of Transportation, Commissioner Robert S. Arace said.

Arace announced that the state Department of Military Affairs awarded the county $30,000 for the transportation of veterans to various VA hospitals and clinics in 2025.

"I am very pleased to announce that our free veterans' transportation program will continue," Arace said. "Our veterans have made great sacrifices to keep our families and our nation free. It is my privilege to assist these brave men and women in any way that I can."

The state grant will help provide free Monday thru Friday transportation to the new VA clinic in Toms River.

To reserve a ride to the Toms River Clinic, contact Ocean Ride at (732) 736-8989, ext. 1.
Reservations may be made up to four weeks in advance.

Free Transportation to other VA clinics is available on the following schedule:
• Veterans Medical Center, East Orange. Monday morning and Thursday afternoon service.
• Lyons Veterans Medical Center. Tuesdays only.
• Veterans Administration Hospital, Philadelphia. Wednesdays only, alternating morning and afternoon service.
• Burlington County Veterans Clinic, Marlton. Fridays only.

To arrange free transportation to any of the above out-of-county facilities, contact the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau at 732-929-2096.

Arace, who is liaison to the Ocean County Department of Transportation and the Veterans Service Bureau, also announced a renewed agreement with 21 Plus, Inc., a non-profit that assists adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The partnership will provide transportation for clients attending the 21 Plus Main Street Adult Training Center in Manchester Township.

"This contract will help ease the transportation burden for caregivers and clients alike," Arace said. "This had been a very successful program and I am pleased to announce that it will continue in 2025.

Last year 10,952 clients were transported by the county for a total of 56,570 miles, he said.