The Borough Council unanimously passed a resolution on Nov. 22 approving an application for a New Jersey Transit (NJT) community shuttle program.
If the application is approved by the department, NJT will provide a shuttle to run a "jitney" service — slang for a small bus — throughout Princeton. However, the shuttle will not be in operation until at least 2007.
According to the resolution, a shuttle would improve transportation to the Dinky station during busy commuter hours and various other stops throughout the Borough during non-commuter hours.
Borough Administrator Robert Bruschi has been leading the effort to get a shuttle.
"A jitney system would be very convenient for Princeton if we want to use it," he said.
Bruschi said he also believes the shuttle as an opportunity to increase train ridership for NJT because it will make local trains more accessible for commuters in the area.
He said the system would be especially beneficial for commuters who currently drive to Princeton Junction Station to take the train.
"We see a lot of benefits," he said.
The Borough will be notified in January whether the state approved the application. If approved, funding from the federal government would be transferred to the state to help pay for the cost of operating the shuttle for three years.
After three years, the Borough would take responsibility for funding the system.
The intervening years between approval of the plan and arrival of the shuttle will allow the Borough to secure the funds it will need to handle the operating expenses.
"The other sources have not been identified yet," Bruschi said. "We may have to look within our own budget."

Hours of operation for the new shuttle would be Monday through Friday, 5:45 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tentative stops for what Bruschi described at the council meeting as a "loop system" include Borough Hall, the YMCA, Princeton Library, St. Paul's Church, Palmer Square, the Dinky and various street intersections along the way.
Bruschi said he believes Princeton fits every characteristic NJT looks for when planning a shuttle program, including a dense population and a train station.
"I am very hopeful," he said.