As buses continue to arrive throughout the state with migrants who are seeking asylum, New Providence has not been a frequent pass-through. On January 8, 2024, Governor Murphy issued a letter to 24 bus companies that were identified as transporting migrants to New Jersey, that outlined a set of rules the companies need to abide by if they are transporting migrants. Since that letter, the State has received 16 buses with no pre-arrival notification.
As of January 25, 2024, as reported by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, the State of NJ has received 63 buses, in total, with a total of 2,704 migrants. Three of these buses arrived in New Providence with 132 total passengers who took the train into New York City. Six other buses have arrived at stations in Union County, specifically Linden, Fanwood, Westfield, and Union. As previously stated, these buses drop off migrants with their chaperones, who help them get on the train headed for NYC, where they can receive services and shelter.
There has been speculation on social media that buses used for this purpose have been seen at the Murray Hill Inn. We have been directly informed by the hotel management that these buses belong to Yankee Bus Service. The company has a national contract with Best Western to provide lodging for their bus drivers. New Providence is one of many locations where a bus driver will spend the night. This has been ongoing since September and is unrelated to any migrant bussing.
My next “Chat With The Mayor” will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Municipal Center. Please feel free to stop in and ask questions.