Sparta. The Sparta Recreation Department offers free transportation service on weekdays for any Sparta residents over the age of 60. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. To make a reservation, call 973-729-8542 weekdays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and a volunteer will schedule the pickup. There are regularly scheduled trips on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings to Newton for doctor's appointments, the hospital, and shopping at local stores. The van leaves Sparta at 9:15 a.. and returns to Sparta by noon. Local shopping, hair appointments, etc. are accommodated in the afternoon. On Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings there are trips to the Sparta ShopRite and the North Village shopping center. Monthly, there are trips to Rockaway Mall. Transportation is equipped with wheelchair lift.