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.

January 2026,

EZ Ride congratulates RideWise on receiving a Bronze EV Adoption Leadership recognition award for its efforts to encourage sustainable travel. Like EZ Ride, RideWise is one of New Jersey’s eight Transportation Management Associations (TMAs).

RideWise’s mission is to connect people and businesses to safe and sustainable travel information that enhances quality of life and creates a vibrant economy. Its strategic priorities serve Somerset County by:

As an employer that values sustainability, RideWise encourages employees to commute via public transit or active transportation, such as walking and biking. Employees who bike to work can park their bicycles safely indoors and use a 120-volt outlet on site to charge e-mobility devices.

RideWise also promotes sustainable travel when multiple employees attend an event by encouraging them to use electric vehicles or carpooling. Although they lease space in a building without EV charging, they have partnered with Somerset County so staff can use free public EV chargers for their vehicles. RideWise has compiled a list of all public county charger locations on its website, available to both staff and county residents.

“RideWise provides information about electric vehicle charging stations in Somerset County and resources to support environmentally friendly transportation. We are thrilled to receive recognition as a national EV Adoption Leader (EVAL) and look forward to collaborating with EZ Ride and other regional partners on activities that support sustainable transportation.”

— Donna Allison, Executive Director

RideWise is partnering with EZ Ride to host a Wheels and Watts webinar on February 17 at 2 pm for local government agencies. Register here. RideWise will also co-host a First Responder EV Awareness program with EZ Ride and the NJEVA on February 17, 2026, at 7 pm to educate firefighters, police, and EMS personnel about EVs, safe rescue, battery disconnect, and charging guidelines.

For more information about EVAL certification and its benefits, please contact [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 and select option 6 for assistance with your award nomination. EZ Ride is also available to provide free technical assistance to local governments interested in transitioning their fleets to EVs, including workplace or multi-unit dwelling charging, as well as information on EV grants and vehicles for your municipality. for your municipality.

January 2026,

Congratulations to New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority (NJSEA) on receiving federal funding for the Meadowlands Supplemental Plans and Demonstration Safety Projects, awarded through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).

The grant will support, among other initiatives, Safe Routes to School programs in two school districts within underserved Meadowlands communities. These efforts include safety training for elementary school students and the establishment of “walking and/or biking bus” events to promote safe travel to and from school. In addition, NJSEA and EZ Ride will conduct interviews and surveys with schools and community members to better understand local challenges and develop actionable policies to address them.

“This SS4A funding allows us to move from planning to action by directly addressing safety challenges faced by children and families in the Meadowlands,” said Nadereh Moini, Chief of Transportation, NJSEA. “By working closely with schools and communities, we can develop solutions that are both data-driven and locally informed. The lessons learned from this work will be incorporated into the next iteration of NJSEA’s safety plan, MAP4S, and will serve as a blueprint for future initiatives undertaken by NJSEA and its municipal partners.”

Schools and municipal leaders interested in supporting Safe Routes to School initiatives are encouraged to contact Mike Johnson, Manager of Bike & Pedestrian Program at EZ Ride, at [email protected] or (201) 939-4242 Ext. 130

January, 2026

EZ Ride is pleased to partner with Monmouth County to announce the release of the Monmouth County Transportation Resource Guide—a comprehensive, user-friendly tool designed to help residents, older adults, caregivers, and community organizations find safe, dependable, and convenient transportation options.

From senior ride programs to paratransit services and new mobility partnerships, the guide makes it easier to plan trips throughout the county. Whether you’re commuting to work, a medical appointment, grocery shopping, or a community center, you can quickly find the options available to you.

The guide brings together information from a wide range of transportation providers, including county and municipal programs, non-profit providers, private companies, and NJ TRANSIT services- into one accessible resource.

Beyond serving riders, the guide is also a valuable tool for local leaders, transportation professionals, and service providers. It helps identify community transportation needs, highlight service gaps, and inform future improvements that promote access and inclusion for all.

“On behalf of my fellow Commissioners, we are proud to partner with EZ Ride to offer the Monmouth County Transportation Resource Guide,” said Monmouth County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “This Guide connects residents to a range of transportation options, including ‘Ride in Monmouth’, the County’s on-demand, curb-to-curb service that helps ensure safe, accessible travel throughout the county. We encourage residents to explore these resources and learn more at visitmonmouth.com.”

“Transportation can be a significant barrier for residents who do not drive or own a vehicle, which is why the importance of this Guide cannot be overstated,” said Monmouth County Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services. “By highlighting a variety of transportation options, this Guide helps residents better navigate available services and make informed choices about their transportation needs.”

At EZ Ride, we believe that mobility creates opportunity. The Monmouth County Transportation Resource Guide is more than just a directory – it’s a connection – linking people to places, services, and opportunities. Together with Monmouth County, our shared mission is to build a more accessible, connected, and equitable transportation system that enhances communities and improves quality of life for everyone.

Download the Guide Today

 

December 2025,

Keeping our most vulnerable road users safe – children, older adults, pedestrians, and bicyclists, remains a challenge for communities everywhere. The Township of Teaneck has faced similar concerns after experiencing multiple crashes, and their proactive response offers a clear road map that other towns can follow.

Community Engagement: Listening First

With support from EZ Ride, Teaneck hosted a community engagement meeting on June 18, 2025, to gather input from residents on ways to improve pedestrian safety. Participants identified several high-risk intersections near Palisade Avenue, Ayers Court and Queen Anne Road, an area with both heavy traffic and active local businesses.

The municipality collaborated on potential safety strategies and agreed to test a temporary demonstration project. The goals were simple but powerful: slow vehicle speeds, improve pedestrian visibility, and shorten crossing distances at key intersections.

Demonstration Project: Testing Solutions on the Ground

On September 28, 2025, Teaneck installed temporary pedestrian-safety upgrades, including delineators and painted curb extensions, at the selected intersections. The installation team included Lt. Antinori and Sgt. Brittingham of the Teaneck Police Traffic Unit, Councilwoman Hillary Goldberg, volunteers from the Safe Streets Teaneck coalition, Bergen County Complete Streets, and EZ Ride staff. All materials, such as delineators, reflective traffic tape, and acrylic traffic paint for the curb extensions, were provided at no cost by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA).

The demonstration ran for two months, concluding in early December. EZ Ride partnered with the township to conduct pre- and post-project surveys, and 325 residents offered detailed feedback to help inform next steps. One key recommendation, from both the Fire Department and township engineers, was to adjust designs so large vehicles, including fire engines, could turn safely into parking areas and onto Queen Anne Road.

Lieutenant Charles Antinori noted, “The temporary demonstration project provided a quick, valuable, and low-cost method of evaluating next steps for future infrastructure improvements. The community feedback gathered was invaluable, and the support of community volunteers and EZ Ride helped make the installation a smooth process.”

A Model for Other Communities

Teaneck’s experience shows how meaningful community engagement and short-term demonstration projects can help towns identify safety priorities, test potential solutions, and build public support. These efforts also strengthen future applications for grants that fund permanent infrastructure improvements.

Congratulations, Teaneck

EZ Ride congratulates the Township of Teaneck for taking concrete steps to make walking and biking safer for everyone. Their leadership and commitment to community-driven planning serve as a model for other municipalities seeking to build safer and more vibrant streets.

For guidance on hosting community engagement sessions or implementing your own demonstration projects, please call (201) 939-4242, option 3 or email [email protected].

December 2025,

New Jersey’s shift to electric vehicles is accelerating. The state has over 250,000 EV registrations as of late 2025, a 15% jump from late 2024. But, while EV adoption is rising statewide, access to reliable charging is not growing evenly and disadvantaged communities continue to have fewer public chargers.

For many apartment residents in these neighborhoods, this gap is especially frustrating. Unlike homeowners, renters depend on public charging, which is often far from where they live. At the same time, owners of older apartment complexes may be reluctant to install charging stations, simply because they do not know that grants are available to cover costs.

A Community Based Partnership

To meet this challenge, EZ Ride provided an EV 101 presentation for Paterson community leaders from NJ GreenFaith and the NJ Black Issues Convention, two statewide advocacy organizations, made up of religious and Black community leaders who address issues affecting Black communities such as community health and air pollution.

Local leaders, Rev. Randall Lassiter, Rev. Ronald Tuff, and Jeffery Jones, former Mayor of Paterson attended and helped to ground the dialogue in community priorities and trust.

Raising Awareness

The discussions covered the “why” and the “how” of electrification:

Participants were candid about real barriers: limited access, unreliable chargers, electrical safety, complicated grant processes, choosing the right technology, and installation costs.

From Education to Action

These sessions quickly produced concrete next steps:

  1. GreenFaith and the Black Issues Convention members will work with EZ Ride to connect apartment owners who are ready to explore EV charging for their properties.
  2. Calvary Baptist Church is moving forward with plans to install EV chargers on church property, serving both congregation members and the wider Paterson community.

To support both efforts, EZ Ride will provide hands-on technical assistance, including:

“This partnership with EZ Ride turns our values into action. Reliable EV charging means healthier air and more choices for families in Paterson, especially those who’ve been left out of past investments.” – Jeffery Jones, NJ Black Issues Convention and former Mayor of Paterson

Why This Work Matters

Apartment residents in disadvantaged communities represent roughly a third of New Jersey’s population, yet they have the least access to affordable, convenient EV charging. Closing this gap is essential if the transition to electric transportation is going to be fair and if every family is going to share in cleaner air, healthier streets, and lower transportation costs.

By pairing trusted community leadership with practical resources and grant awareness, this partnership is helping ensure that every neighborhood can participate in and benefit from the electric future.

Want to learn more or partner with us? Email [email protected] or 201-939-4242 (option 6).

Upcoming Event: