March 2026,

Did you know that even the safest drivers, older adults, face a higher risk of serious injury in a crash? While they are less likely to speed, drink and drive, or skip seat belts, their increased physical vulnerability makes even minor collisions far more dangerous.

The good news: many of these risks can be reduced quickly and easily.

With just a few simple adjustments, drivers can significantly improve their safety, comfort, and control behind the wheel. EZ Ride’s trained CarFit technicians are ready to help drivers make these critical changes, often in just minutes.

Developed by AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, CarFit is a fast, 20-minute educational program, not a driving test, that can make a life-saving difference. Using a 12-point checklist, technicians guide participants through essential adjustments to seat position, steering wheel placement, and mirror alignment to ensure the best possible “fit” between driver and vehicle.

The goal is clear: safer driving today and preserved independence for years to come.

“We all experience physical changes as we age. Making simple CarFit adjustments can provide more years of safe driving and greater confidence behind the wheel. I strongly encourage every driver age 50+ to take advantage of this program,” said Janice Dorman, The Bright Side Family, Age Friendly Teaneck Project Coordinator

Don’t wait to improve your safety.

EZ Ride’s next CarFit event will be held on May 13 from 1:00–3:00 PM at the Rodda Center in Teaneck. Appointments are required – call Michael Johnson at 201-939-4242, Ext. 130 or email [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Bring CarFit to your community before it’s too late. Contact EZ Ride at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, Option 3

March 2026,

In October 2025, Mr. Allen McGinley, librarian at the Westfield Memorial Library proposed an innovative idea: an electric bookmobile for the library. With a referral from the Westfield Green Team, and guidance from EZ Ride, that vision quickly evolved into a plan to deliver books directly to residents with limited mobility, while supporting the community’s sustainability goals.

EZ Ride provided technical assistance to help the library navigate key decisions, from vehicle selection to design and accessibility. Drawing on successful models from communities like Montclair, Newark, and Sacramento, the team helped Westfield identify practical, proven solutions.

The library ultimately selected a Ford eTransit electric vehicle, customized with interior shelving, a retractable awning for weather protection, and a rear lift gate to ensure accessibility for all users. Careful consideration was also given to vehicle weight and operational requirements.

“EZ Ride provided invaluable technical assistance, helping us choose the right electric vehicle to meet our needs,” said Library Director Allen McGinley.

The project gained momentum through the generous support of the Women’s Club of Westfield, which contributed $200,000 to help bring the electric bookmobile to life.

This collaboration demonstrates how strong local partnerships can turn forward-thinking ideas into sustainable, community-centered solutions.

EZ Ride’s EV Accelerator program offers free technical assistance to help communities deploy electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. To learn more, contact [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 6.

Upcoming Event:

March 2026,

EZ Ride is proud to announce a new partnership with The Center in Asbury Park to launch a pilot transportation program through our EZ Ryde4Life initiative, helping clients access critical healthcare and support services safely and reliably.

This collaboration was made possible through a grant from Impact 100 Jersey Coast and the efforts of Pat Bohse, President and CEO of Bohse and Associates, whose ongoing commitment to community impact helped bring both organizations together.

The Center in Asbury Park serves at-risk and HIV-positive individuals by providing comprehensive healthcare, supportive housing, and wellness services. With a bold vision to eradicate HIV and AIDS by 2030, The Center focuses on reaching underserved populations, including individuals facing behavioral health and addiction challenges.

Through EZ Ryde4Life, clients can access affordable, on-demand transportation removing a major barrier to care. The program leverages rideshare services while offering a simple scheduling process and reliable service tailored to the needs of vulnerable populations.

“Reliable transportation is essential to the health and stability of the people we serve,” said Michael Roland, CEO of The Center in Asbury Park. “Partnering with EZ Ride allows us to remove one of the most significant barriers our clients face. This program ensures they can consistently access medical care, social services, and essential resources while maintaining dignity and independence.”

By integrating transportation into its service model, The Center can focus on delivering life-changing housing, healthcare, and behavioral support, while EZ Ride ensures clients can get where they need to go.

Partnerships like this highlight the critical role transportation plays in improving health outcomes, reducing isolation, and strengthening communities across New Jersey.

Interested in bringing EZ Ryde4Life to your community?
Contact Kinga Skora at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 131 to learn how to launch a customized transportation program.

 

March 2026,

EZ Ride is proud to present four engaging sessions at this year’s TransAction Conference, highlighting innovative solutions in mobility, safety, and sustainability.

Whether you’re a municipal leader, transportation professional, or community partner, these sessions offer practical strategies and real-world insights you can bring back to your organization.

Tuesday, April 14 | 11:15 AM | Room: Wildwood 1-2
What the World Cup Brings to Your Community
Explore how the 2026 FIFA World Cup can drive community engagement using creative strategies, such as cultural pop-ups and watch parties, along with tools like the Community Engagement Toolkit and World Cup Placemaking Guidebook to help you activate your community. Register to attend

Tuesday, April 14 | 5:00 PM | Room: Wildwood 1-2
More E-Scooters, More E-Bikes, More Safety Concerns: Street Safety in the Era of Micromobility
As micromobility rapidly expands, so do safety challenges. Join this timely discussion on policies, infrastructure, and education initiatives that can help communities balance innovation with safety for all road users. Register to attend

Wednesday, April 15 | 9:15 AM | Room: Wildwood 18-19
Data, Dollars, and Outcomes: How TNC’s Strengthen County Transportation Services
Learn how partnerships with Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) are transforming access to mobility. Featuring Bergen County’s EZ Ryde4Life program, this session will highlight proven strategies to improve service delivery for underserved populations. Register to attend

Thursday, April 16 | 8:45 AM | Room: Wildwood 6
Certified to Win: How to Leverage EV Adoption Leadership Certification for Sustainable Jersey & Grants  
Explore how municipalities can accelerate electric vehicle adoption and secure Sustainable Jersey funding through the Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certification program. Register to attend

Join us to gain practical insights and connect with leaders, shaping the future of transportation.

March 2026,

Since 2019, BNE Real Estate Group has partnered with EZ Ride to provide a dedicated shuttle service connecting residents of One Harrison, Water’s Edge, and Dey & Bergen, to the Harrison PATH Station.

This service is a key amenity and a major contributor to the success of these communities. By offering reliable, convenient access to regional transit, the shuttle has made commuting easier and more appealing, helping to drive strong occupancy and attract new residents.

BNE Real Estate Group, a family-owned company with more than 70 years of experience, manages nearly 8,000 apartments and has developed thousands of luxury homes along with more than one million square feet of commercial space. The addition of a complimentary shuttle service further enhances the lifestyle offerings within these communities.

Ridership has rebounded strongly since the pandemic, doubling since 2022 and now exceeding 50,000 annual trips. Operating during peak commuting hours, the shuttle offers seamless connections to frequent PATH service, eliminating parking challenges and reducing reliance on personal vehicles.

For residents, it means a more convenient, cost-effective commute. For property owners, it delivers increased marketability, stronger occupancy, and higher resident satisfaction.

“The shuttle service has been a major draw for residents who rely on the PATH train in Harrison,” said Seth Cohen, Executive Vice President and Head of Operations at BNE Real Estate Group. “Providing a direct connection to a major transit hub has helped drive strong occupancy by making commuting easier and more convenient, while reducing the costs and hassles associated with car ownership.”

In addition to these BNE communities at Harrison, EZ Ride operates shuttle services for residential properties across the region, including The Monarch, Sofi Lyndhurst, Vermella Lyndhurst, The Station at Lyndhurst, The Winston at Lyndhurst, Osprey Cove, and The Harper.

Interested in bringing a shuttle to your community? Contact Kinga Skora at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 131.

 

February 2026,

On Thursday, January 15, the Emerson Fire Department, in partnership with EZ Ride and the New Jersey Electric Vehicle Association (NJEVA), hosted a First Responder EV Awareness Program to help local emergency personnel prepare for the rapid growth of electric vehicles. Eighty two first responders from Bergen County communities attended, including Bergenfield, Bogota, Closter, Cresskill, Demarest, Emerson, Hackensack, Hillsdale, Northvale, Oradell, Paramus, Park Ridge, South Hackensack, Saddle Brook, River Edge, River Vale, Tenafly, and Westwood.

NJEVA volunteers and local auto dealers provided 11 electric vehicles for hands on assessment, including the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevy Bolt, Chevy Equinox EV, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Hyundai Kona EV, Tesla Model X, 3, S, Y, and Smart for Two EV. By encouraging regional participation and cross-department collaboration, EZ Ride expanded the program’s reach and strengthened coordination among neighboring agencies.

Although electric vehicles are generally considered safe, their advanced systems present unique challenges for emergency response. EVs involved in a collisions or fires may pose chemical, electrical, and thermal hazards. Awareness and hands-on familiarity are essential to ensure first responder safety, operational confidence, and effective incidence management.

The two-hour EV Awareness Program combines one hour of classroom instruction with hands-on interaction across multiple electric vehicles. Participants learn to identify electric and hybrid vehicles, locate and disengage high-voltage components, stabilize incident scenes and procced safely with extrication.  Participating municipalities could earn up to 15 Sustainable Jersey certification points.

“The EV First Responder event held by EZ Ride was an outstanding training experience,” said Joseph D. Mara, Chief, Emerson Fire Department. “It covered critical topics including how to locate and disengage high-voltage battery cables, how long an EV system takes to discharge after being disabled, and safe extinguishment methods for EV fires. Being able to walk around and physically interact with the newest EV vehicles truly brought the training full circle. The training was especially timely, as an Amazon Delivery EV crashed into a power pole in River Vale just the week prior, requiring multiple Bergen County fire departments to respond. I would recommend this training to any department looking to broaden their knowledge about EVs.”

Program sessions are led by EZ Ride’s EV Accelerator staff and Mike Hornsby, a retired firefighter and electric vehicle specialist with experience in emergency response, utilities, academia, and public service. His expertise ensures the program remains practical, credible, and grounded on real-world responder needs.

One session is offered each month. To request the First Responder EV Awareness course at your facility, complete the application here. Space is limited and a waitlist is in place, so early registration is strongly recommended.

EZ Ride’s EV Accelerator program also provides free technical assistance to local governments, transportation providers, and multi-unit dwellings to install EV charging or transition their fleet to electric vehicles. Participants could earn national recognition through the Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certification. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 6.

Upcoming Events:

February 2026,

Lack of transportation should never stand in the way of a job or an education.

If you need a reliable way to get to work or school and can ride a bike, EZ Ride is ready to help. Through our bike donation program, eligible individuals receive a free refurbished bicycle to power their daily commute and move their lives forward.

Every bike comes fully equipped with a helmet, reflective safety vest, front and rear lights, a bell, and hands-on safety training. We don’t just provide a bike; we provide the tools and confidence needed to ride safely and independently.

This program is available to residents of Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Passaic, and Union Counties. Adults must be currently employed or actively seeking employment, demonstrate financial and transportation need, and be referred by a nonprofit or human services organization. Youth participants must use their bike to travel to and from school.

“Transportation is a basic need. EZ Ride provides bicycles, safety training, and essential safety equipment to help students get to Passaic County Community College. This program directly benefits our students by providing an affordable way to get to and from school and to after-school jobs. Riding a bicycle is also a great way for them to be independent and stay physically well. We greatly appreciate this program and EZ Ride for providing our students with bike-riding and safety training, so they can get around Passaic County.”

— Shannon De La Cruz
Coordinator of Wellness and Basic Needs Passaic County Community College

For many, a bicycle is more than transportation—it is access to employment, education, health, and independence. It is the difference between missing an opportunity and reaching it.

If you or someone you know urgently needs transportation to work or school, contact EZ Ride today at 201-939-4242 (option 3) or [email protected]. Opportunity shouldn’t have to wait.

February 2026

At EZ Ride, every program, partnership, and mile traveled centers on one purpose: improving quality of life through access to transportation. Our newly released 2025 Impact Report brings that mission to life through the stories, data, and community impact behind every ride.

Every ride makes a difference.

In 2025, EZ Ride’s shuttle program delivered more than 200,000 rides. A highlight of the year is our 20-year partnership with Essex County, which continues to connect residents to employment opportunities. By helping workers get to their jobs reliably, we strengthen local businesses, support workforce participation, and contribute to long-term economic stability in the region.

Our statewide EZ Ryde4Life program, in partnership with Lyft and Uber, served more than 5,000 older adults and riders with mobility challenges. Ridership nearly doubled over two years—from 74,000 rides in 2023 to 140,000 rides in 2025. Beyond the numbers, these rides empower older adults to be independent, reduce isolation, and remain active participants in their communities.

Our Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program engaged thousands of students across hundreds of schools and municipalities. Through bike skills classes, Walk & Bike to School Days, and community-based safety initiatives, students and parents became advocates for safer streets. The impact extends beyond school grounds, as families carry these lessons into their neighborhoods to promote safer, more walkable communities.

At the same time, our Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) program highlighted workplaces and first responders leading the transition to cleaner transportation. By expanding EV charging access, supporting grant funding, and increasing electric vehicle safety awareness, these partners are helping shape a healthier, more sustainable future for New Jersey.

As we look ahead, the need for accessible, safe, and reliable transportation remains as critical as ever. With your continued support, EZ Ride will build on this momentum, removing mobility barriers, expanding opportunity, and strengthening communities across New Jersey.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

Download 2025 EZ Ride Impact Report

 

February 2026

EZ Ride is pleased to announce the release of the Essex County Transportation Resource Guide, a comprehensive, easy-to-use online tool designed to help residents navigate local transportation options. Developed in collaboration with Essex County, the guide offers clear, up-to-date information about transportation programs and services throughout the county.

The guide brings together essential resources in one convenient location, from local shuttle routes and senior transportation programs to paratransit services and innovative mobility partnerships. Whether traveling to work, medical appointments, grocery stores, or community events, residents can quickly identify the services that meet their needs.

“Providing safe and reliable transportation options is essential to supporting the well-being and independence of all of our residents, especially seniors and those with limited mobility. The Essex County Mobility Resource Guide is a valuable tool that will increase awareness of the transportation services readily available in our county.” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.

In addition to assisting residents and caregivers, the guide is also a planning resource for local officials, transit planners, and service providers. It offers valuable data and insights to evaluate current services, identify gaps, and shape future improvements that strengthen mobility across the entire community.

At EZ Ride, we believe mobility creates opportunity. The Essex County Transportation Resource Guide represents an important step in our ongoing commitment to making Essex County more connected, accessible, and equitable.

Visit our website to explore the guide and us in building a stronger, healthier, and more mobile community.

Download The Guide Today

 

January 2026,

The Township of Rochelle Park has officially adopted an updated Complete & Green Streets (C&GS) policy, becoming the fifth municipality in Bergen County and one of only 28 statewide to do so. The adoption builds on Rochelle Park’s recent achievement of the 2025 Silver Safe Routes to School Recognition Award and moves the Township closer to Gold-level status.

Following a policy work session with support from EZ Ride staff, the Township Council voted to adopt the policy. EZ Ride provided guidance on demonstration projects and speed studies to support implementation. A recording of the meeting is available online.

To advance the policy, Rochelle Park has formed a seven-member C&GS Advisory Subcommittee that will work with the Township Engineer to develop checklists for all new roadway projects. The checklists will be made publicly available online to ensure transparency and accountability. These tools will help address local challenges such as flooding and traffic congestion, particularly as nearly one-third of the Township lies within FEMA-mapped floodplains.

“Ultimately, this is about our future. Complete & Green Streets ensures all new road projects must consider both flood mitigation issues and cost-effective road safety improvements as needed. More importantly, it unlocks grant opportunities that were previously unavailable to us, such as our recent application for the NJTPA’s Complete Streets Technical Assistance program. We are excited for what comes next, and look forward to collaborating with EZ Ride for future Gold SRTS Recognition and Sustainable Jersey assistance”. Tommy Miller, Deputy Mayor

For more information on Complete & Green Streets policies or demonstration projects, contact EZ Ride at [email protected] or 201-939-4242, option 3.