40:48-4.1.Ā  Legislative findings The Legislature hereby finds and declares that:

a.Ā  Because of their economic situation, many senior citizens' basic local transportation needs are unmet.

b.Ā  By the enactment of P.L.1969, c. 275, the Legislature declared it to beĀ  in the public interest that transportation services be made available to seniorĀ  citizens at reduced fares.

c.Ā  Because of the financial difficulties experienced by public transportation carriers, the program authorized by the 1969 legislation has notĀ  been implemented.

d.Ā  Since a reduced fare program will greatly enhance the ability of seniorĀ  citizens to travel about economically, safely and efficiently, and the resulting increased utilization of transportation facilities will permit carriers to maintain and upgrade their services, such a program must be encouraged and supported with public assistance.

e.Ā  In view of the local nature of such a program its administration and financing can be most effectively handled on the municipal level.

L.1973, c. 67, s. 1, March 22, 1973.
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