Fact Sheet

 

 

What is the New Jersey Council on Special Transportation (C.O.S.T.)?

The New Jersey Council on Special Transportation is an organization dedicated to the special transportation needs of senior citizens and all persons with disabilities.  COST was founded in 1981 by a small group of dedicated transportation professionals.  Today, COST's membership represents the majority of special and community transit operations in New Jersey.

 

What is the purpose of COST?

The purpose of COST is to provide a forum for the exchange of transportation knowledge and experience throughout the transportation community in New Jersey.  COST seeks information and advice from qualified experts to share with our membership.  COST promotes activities to enhance the coordination of transportation services provided by local, regional, county and state entities.

 

Who should join COST?

Any person, organization or business interested in or operating a special transportation system.

 

Are businesses that sell transportation equipment invited to join COST?

Yes.  COST invites all business to join as Corporate members.  Corporate members are given opportunities to present their products at the end of each regular business meeting.  Additionally, one Corporate member is provided the opportunity to make a presentation during the regular meetings.  Corporate members also receive a copy of the COST membership directory.

 

When does the COST membership meet?

The COST membership meets the third Friday of each month.  COST has annually held a summer meeting/luncheon in July and an Annual Reorganization/ holiday meeting luncheon in December.  The COST meeting location is centrally located at the Monmouth County Library, Manalapan, a fully accessible facility.

 

Who chairs the COST meetings and how is this person selected?

Each December, COST conducts an election of officers and directors at large.  The person selected as the President will chair all meetings.  The COST Executive Committee meets each month to discuss any new ideas, topics of interest and future agendas.  The COST Executive Committee consists of the President, Vice-President, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Past President, Northern Regional Director, Central Regional Director and Southern Regional Director.  The President conducts all meetings in accordance with the COST by-laws.

 

Does COST interact with New Jersey Transit?

Most definitely.  When the New Jersey Legislature appropriated Casino Revenue tax funds for transportation services, the task of administering the program became the responsibility of New Jersey Transit.  NJ Transit took the lead in developing policies and procedure, assisting county recipients in implementing programs and monitoring casino revenue operated transportation systems.  New Jersey Transit is an ex-officio member of COST.

 

Does COST share information with other groups?

In the past, COST has held joint meetings with the NJ Offices on the Handicapped, NJ Offices on the Aging/NJ4A and the County Transportation Association of New Jersey.  Additionally, COST arranges for guest speakers such as state legislators, transportation professionals, etc.

 

What events or activities does COST sponsor?

COST is a co-sponsor of the TransAction Conference as well as the sponsor of the annual New Jersey State Paratransit Roadeo. The Vendor Exposition is also sponsored by COST and is held each September.  In addition, COST presents yearly recognition awards for driver of the year, volunteer of the year, dispatcher of the year, and outstanding system of the year.  COST also publishes a quarterly newsletter that is distributed to all members. 

 

How may I join COST?

COST has membership applications available on this Website. Annual dues are as follows:  (1)  Active Membership ($50), Associate Membership ($25) and Corporate Membership ($200).  Only Active members who have paid their annual dues may have the right to vote during COST meetings.  Associate, Corporate, Ex-officio and Honorary members have no voting privileges.

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