To the Editor:

I was delighted to learn about New Jersey Transit’s new bus service from Princeton to our new hospital in Plainsboro. As a 13-year former member of the Princeton Regional Health Commission during the planning period for the new hospital, I recall that the Commission gave input to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services on issues the Commission considered important in this move. Two issues were paramount:

1. That Witherspoon neighborhood residents (who have walked to the old hospital) and others have easy access to the clinic and other new hospital services;

2. That there be improved access via Harrison Street to the new hospital.

Congratulations to hospital officials for their persistent efforts in both of these goals and to Princeton University for sharing the transit costs with the hospital.

I noted with concern, however, that five diesel buses are scheduled to be used. Diesel is not as clean burning as natural gas with which some New Jersey Transit and other buses are already equipped. Knowing that service will run every 40 to 75 minutes daily (and with air pollution from existing heavy traffic), I urge that, as soon as possible, the switch be made to cleaner fuel technology such as currently available natural gas (or hybrid) — or electric vehicles — which are well suited for relatively short run repeat routes. This is especially important since we are transporting people to a facility for the promotion of health.

Grace Sinden

Ridgeview Circle