Fare Free Transportation Accredited; Hollenback Earns Coveted Award

CREST HAVEN – Cape May County Fare Free Transportation traveled some bumpy roads two years ago. There was one supervisor for 50 employees. “That’s too much for one person,” Director Daniel Mulraney told freeholders Sept. 27. 
That department, which provides daily mobility for hundreds of senior citizens, as well as others in wheelchairs, and residents who need rides, did a U-turn and has been cruising a smooth stretch since a departmental overhaul.
Mulraney, a retired Stone Harbor police captain, took the driver’s seat, realized there were serious problems that needed correction, and has overseen the new direction of the department.
Once given the approval to hire an assistant director, Mulraney selected Katie Hollenback. The sticking point was Hollenbeck was the account clerk who did, among other tasks, payroll, purchasing and overseeing nine grants to keep the department’s wheels rolling.
She did that multi-faceted job for the past 18 months and was rewarded for her efforts by being named the 2016 Administrative Employee of the Year by the New Jersey Council on Special Transportation.
Mulraney had more news to impart to the board. He rehearsed the department’s past state and gave an update on how it had changed.
“Fare Free Transportation was struggling,” Mulraney said. “Righting the ship was immediately necessary. We were in dire need of many things.”
There was no written policy to guide employees, little staff training, union issues and lack of safety and security officers, he continued.
“We found ourselves on the radar in a negative way,” Mulraney said.
“As a group, we pulled ourself up; we sought a more positive environment. We set out to make a complete turnaround,” he said.
The department had no safety and security officers; now there are three. It had no certified transit supervisors; there are now three.
In the past there were only two passenger safety and security trainers, there are six at present.
Mulraney cited the installation of new radios in all Fare Free Transportation vehicles, which reinforces the safety of drivers and passengers.
Additionally, every bus is equipped with three video cameras.
“We needed to protect our drivers, our organization and the county from frivolous accusations, lawsuits, and complaints.”
The cameras provide a way to review all complaints or accidents, he said. The system “Has already shown its value in the short time they have been installed,” Mulraney said.
Mulraney said after its revamping, the department was anxious to know how it rated among on the national level with similar transit agencies.
A review was done July 20-21 of every departmental policy and procedure by a representative from the Community Transportation Association.
As a result, Mulraney displayed a plaque that chronicled the department’s Award of Accreditation for safety and security. That certification is valid until 2019.
“We are the first in the state to get this award,” said Mulraney. The criteria were to meet or exceed national standards for transportation agencies.
“We are ahead of the curve on upcoming safety regulations,” Mulraney said. “Morale improved, and we’ve improved our relationship with the county government. It’s a great honor,” said Mulraney.