The Hunterdon County Commissioners recognized the 40th anniversary of the Hunterdon County LINK Transportation System at their July 15 meeting.
The LINK, which began in 1985 with 10 borrowed vans and a breadbox truck, was established to serve the transportation needs of senior citizens and individuals with disabilities in Hunterdon County. The service travels to Stockton Borough and the City of Lambertville.
Over 40 years, the system has grown to connect residents with employment, healthcare, social services, shopping and recreation, officials said.
Commissioner Director John Lanza highlighted the LINK’s milestone birthday.
“For 40 years, the LINK has been more than a transportation service — it’s been a lifeline for thousands of Hunterdon County residents. What began as a grassroots effort with borrowed vehicles has grown into a nationally recognized model for community transportation. This success is a testament to the dedication of our drivers, staff, community partners, and county leadership who have made accessibility and innovation a top priority. We are proud to celebrate this extraordinary legacy,” he said.
The LINK has achieved several pioneering accomplishments in public transportation, including being the first fully consolidated transportation system in the county, the first paratransit system to incorporate a public rider component, the first system in New Jersey to utilize wheelchair lift-equipped vehicles, and the first in the nation to operate with 100 percent radio and later 100 percent cellular communication.
LINK operates seven weekday routes, including one out-of-county route, and one Saturday route.
During the same meeting, the commissioners honored Amanda Meyerhofer, a driver for Easton Coach Company, which operates the LINK system, for her exceptional service and recent statewide achievement.
Meyerhofer earned first place at the 36th Annual New Jersey Community Transportation Roadeo in April when she received a perfect score on the pre-trip inspection.
Since joining the LINK Transportation System on December 2021, Meyerhofer has been recognized for her professionalism, dependability, and commitment to safety by both passengers and peers, officials said.
The driver currently operates Route 15 in the county.
Meyerhofer’s performance at the statewide competition earned her the opportunity to represent New Jersey at the National Community Transportation Roadeo in San Diego on June 1.
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