[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee
of the Township of Mantua 3-22-2005 by Ord. No. O-1-2005 (Ch. 141 of the 1978
Code). Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
It is the intent of the Township of Mantua ("Township")
to provide transportation services to Township residents who are in
need of same. This is a curb-to-curb service. Persons using the service
must be able to meet the vehicle at street level. Drivers are instructed
and permitted to provide minimal assistance only to persons utilizing
said service. Those who cannot step into vehicles and/or vans or who
have severe mobility problems must provide their own aide and/or their
own wheelchair, walker, etc., as necessary.
B.
Passengers are not permitted to ride in the front
seat(s) of vehicles unless a passenger's disability makes it necessary
to ride in the front seat(s), or passenger capacity requires use of
the front seat(s). Permission for passengers to ride in the front
seat(s) must be approved by the Mantua Township Recreation Committee
("MTRC"), not the drivers.
C.
Passengers riding in the front seat(s) are required
to wear seat belts at all times. Passengers riding in the rear seat(s)
are urged to wear belts but are not required by state law to do so.
D.
Additional passengers may not accompany approved riders
unless the MTRC gives prior approval.
E.
Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied
by a responsible adult. Children under 18 months of age must be properly
buckled into a federally approved child care seat regardless of where
they ride in the vehicle. All children under five years of age must
be in a car seat if they ride in the front seat, and seat belt if
riding in the rear seat. Safety seat(s) are to be supplied by the
person(s) utilizing the service.
F.
Person(s) utilizing the service will be picked up
and dropped off at the same location unless other arrangements have
been approved by the MTRC (not the driver) in advance.
G.
Drivers are instructed not to tolerate abusive behavior
on the part of any person(s) utilizing the service. Unbecoming behavior
will result in the person(s) being denied further service. Person(s)
utilizing this service should direct any service problems and complaints
to the Mantua Township Recreation Committee, 401 Main Street, Mantua,
New Jersey 08051 (856-468-1500). Passengers should not direct their
frustrations and/or complaints to drivers.
H.
Drivers are instructed to not deviate from the scheduled
trip. A driver may not stop at a bank, pharmacy, etc., unless arrangements
have been made through the MTRC prior to the scheduled and planned
trip.
I.
To the greatest extent possible the drivers try to
get each person(s) utilizing the service to their appointments on
time. Many factors beyond the control of drivers can cause delays.
The Township requests that person(s) utilizing the service practice
courtesy at all times and, when necessary, exercise patience.
A.
The Township may be unable to provide transportation
services for each and every request for transportation. The policies
developed herein are intended to serve as many people as possible
in a fair and equitable manner.
B.
Residents who believe that services have been unfairly
denied, reduced, or terminated may request a fair hearing by forwarding
a request to: Township of Mantua Recreation Committee, 401 Main Street,
Mantua, New Jersey 08051.
C.
Fair hearing decisions must he implemented within
90 days from the date a hearing is requested.
D.
If a fair hearing is scheduled, the person(s) so requesting
the hearing will receive more information about how the hearing will
be conducted.
There are other ways in which a person's (or
persons') complaints may be resolved besides asking for a fair hearing.
A person so affected can ask to meet with a representative of the
MTRC. Said complaints will be given prompt and courteous attention
and, if the matter is not settled, a fair hearing may still be requested.
If a person who has a complaint wishes services to be continued until
the hearing, a request for a hearing must be made within 10 days of
the mailing date of the notice for said hearing. Also, after 90 days
have elapsed from the date of the action or inaction, the right to
a fair hearing is terminated.
