In December 2023, the City of Asbury Park decided to improve mobility for older adults and income-eligible residents by partnering with EZ Ride to launch the EZ Ryde4Life@ Asbury Park transportation program. This initiative, powered by Lyft and Uber, demonstrates how a community-driven approach can break down transportation barriers and foster a culture of health and independence.

How the Program Works

• Target Audience: Older adults (65+) and income-eligible residents.
• Essential Destinations: Grocery stores, banks, medical appointments, and more within Asbury Park and neighboring towns.
• Convenient Rides: Participants use Lyft and Uber, coordinated by EZ Ride, for safe, reliable transportation.

Program Evolution: Listening and Adapting

Initially, the program offered up to six subsidized rides per month with a $15 subsidy per trip and a $50 deposit to join. While the concept was strong, participation was limited, with only a handful of residents enrolling and low utilization. The city sought feedback from the residents and in April 2025, made several changes:

• Increased the number of subsidized rides from 6 to 10 per month.
• Raised the per-trip subsidy from $15 to $25.
• Reduced the initial deposit from $50 to just $10.

Immediate Results: A Model for Success

The response was remarkable: within a month, 30 new residents enrolled and took over 70 trips, signaling strong demand and validating the changes. These results show that with the right adjustments, communities can quickly see increased engagement and improved quality of life for their residents.

“By listening to our residents and making thoughtful changes—like increasing the number of subsidized rides, raising the trip subsidy, and lowering the deposit—we saw participation in the program surge almost overnight. Thanks to these adjustments by our Director of Transportation, James Bonanno, we’ve shown that when we respond directly to community needs, we can truly make a difference in people’s lives.” – Mayor John Moor

Why Your Community Should Consider EZ Ryde4Life

• Customizable: The program can be tailored to fit your community’s unique needs and budget, thanks to flexible, user-friendly software.
• Scalable: Start with a pilot, gather feedback, and refine the program for maximum impact—just as Asbury Park did.
• Proven Impact: Increased participation and ride usage demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in addressing transportation gaps for vulnerable populations.

Next Steps: Bring EZ Ryde4Life to Your Town

Don’t let transportation barriers hold your residents back. Join the growing number of communities empowering older adults and income-eligible residents with affordable, flexible mobility solutions.

For more information on how to launch a pilot or customize the program for your municipality, contact EZ Ride at [email protected] or 201-939-4242 ext. 131.