The Bus Stops Here — For Better Or Worse

Max Giunta, Staff Writer

Every day at the Brookdale Lincroft campus, students can be seen using their phones, having snacks and talking to each other at the bus stop in Lot 3. They do this as they wait for one of two NJ Transit buses that come to the campus every half hour to take them back to their homes throughout Monmouth County and beyond. These buses are the only public transportation option available at the campus, which can be challenging for Brookdale students who don’t drive.
Two bus lines serve the Lincroft campus. Bus 832 travels to destinations such as the Monmouth Mall and Asbury Park, while Bus 838 travels between Freehold and Sea Bright. Both stop in Red Bank, where trains are also available.
Some students are disgruntled about both the limited number of bus routes available, and the length of time that it takes for them to get home.
“I take the bus system because I don’t have a car. I take the bus to Freehold, which is very far,” said Irma Rodriguez, an 18-year-old culinary arts major from Jackson. “I don’t like the current system because of the distance. Even if I had a 1:30 p.m. class, I would need to wake up at 9 a.m. to catch the bus.”
“Maybe more routes would be better,” Rodriguez said.
The bus system does work better for some students, however, particularly those who live closer to campus.
“I like it. I haven’t had any problems,” said Colleen McVeety, a 19-year-old political science major from Red Bank.
“I like the fact that two buses come every half-hour. If you miss one bus, you can get the next one,” said Belinda Asamoah, a 22-year-old pre-nursing and creative writing major from Ocean Township.