July, 2026

Congratulations to the Township of West Orange for achieving Platinum Level EV Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Certification for two locations – Township Hall and the West Orange Dog Park.

At Township Hall, two Level 3 ChargePoint fast chargers support the transition of the Township’s fleet from fossil-fueled vehicles to electric. At the West Orange Dog Park, two dual-port Tesla charging stations provide four public charging spaces, offering convenient and affordable access at $0.25 per kWh for residents and visitors while encouraging broader EV adoption.

West Orange launched its clean transportation program in 2024 with the installation of EV charging infrastructure and the introduction of its electric Jitney service. These initiatives support the Township’s broader vision of environmental and economic sustainability, including expanded transportation options such as Complete Streets, diverse land uses, varied housing choices, and accessible community amenities, parks, and open spaces.

“The Township of West Orange is proud to be EV Adoption Leadership-certified,” said Mayor Susan McCartney. “This recognition reflects our commitment to reducing fossil fuel use, improving community health, expanding EV charging access for residents and employees, and providing electric commuter shuttles that connect residents to transit and rail service.”

EVAL certification also enables communities to earn valuable Sustainable Jersey points, strengthening grant applications and access to future funding opportunities. West Orange joins a growing network of communities advancing EV adoption, with EZ Ride assisting with the certification of more than 100 sites across New Jersey.

The future is electric. While EVs currently represent about 4% of light-duty vehicles on the road, New Jersey recorded approximately 72,000 EV registrations last year, accounting for more than 13% of all new vehicle registrations.

Considering EV charging for your business or fleet? Contact Lisa Lee at [email protected], or call 201-939-4242, ext. 123 to learn about available funding opportunities, technical assistance, and recognition programs that can help accelerate your transition to electric vehicles.

 

July, 2026

EZ Ride has been awarded a $15,000 AARP Community Challenge Grant to partner with the Borough of Hawthorne on a pedestrian safety demonstration project. The project was selected from more than 5,1000 applications submitted nationwide, with only 750 projects receiving funding this year.

The project will focus on the intersection of Diamond Bridge Avenue and Lafayette Avenue, a high-traffic location identified as a priority for pedestrian improvements. Between 2019 and 2025, there were 97 reported crashes in the project area, with nearly 19 percent involving older adults. With approximately 41 percent of Hawthorne residents age 50 or older, investing in safer pedestrian infrastructure is an important step toward creating a more accessible and age-friendly downtown.

Working in partnership with the Borough of Hawthorne, the Hawthorne Police Department, the Department of Public Works, and other local stakeholders, EZ Ride will implement several proven safety improvements, including painted curb extensions, ADA-compliant curb ramps, push-button Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), advance warning pavement legends for drivers, and newly repainted high-visibility crosswalks.

“This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when local government, law enforcement, and community partners work together toward a common goal,” said Mayor John Lane of the Borough of Hawthorne. “By combining crash data with community input and proven safety strategies, we are creating a safer downtown for older adults, families, children, and everyone who walks through Hawthorne every day.”

Construction is expected to begin in September and be completed by December. To complement the physical improvements, EZ Ride will also conduct a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety campaign, to educate motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists about safe roadway behaviors and the shared responsibility of keeping everyone safe.

“This grant allows us to demonstrate how relatively low-cost improvements can make a significant difference in pedestrian safety,” said Mike Johnson, Manager of Bike & Pedestrian programs at EZ Ride. “By partnering with Hawthorne, we’re helping create a safer, more welcoming downtown while providing a model that other communities can replicate.”

Interested in bringing a demonstration project to your community?

Temporary demonstration projects allow municipalities to address local safety concerns, engage residents, and test improvements before investing in permanent infrastructure. EZ Ride has successfully partnered with communities including Garwood, Passaic, Red Bank, Roselle Park, and Teaneck to implement projects that make walking and biking safer.

If your municipality is interested in improving pedestrian safety, EZ Ride’s Bike & Pedestrian Team can help you plan, implement, and evaluate a demonstration project tailored to your community’s needs. Contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 3 to get started.

July 2026

What began as a pilot initiative in 2024 has become one of the most popular amenities at Liberty State Park. Now in its third consecutive summer, the Liberty State Park Weekend Shuttle continues to provide visitors with a free, convenient, and environmentally friendly way to explore one of New Jersey’s premier destinations.

Operated by EZ Ride and funded by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), the shuttle enhances mobility throughout the park while reducing traffic congestion and parking demand. Visitors can leave their vehicles parked—or arrive by public transit – and enjoy easy access to the park’s many attractions without the hassle of driving between destinations.

The shuttle serves many of Liberty State Park’s most popular destinations, including the Statue of Liberty and New York City ferry terminals, Liberty Landing Marina, Liberty Science Center, the Nature Center, picnic areas, scenic waterfront walkways, and connections to the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. Operating Saturdays, Sundays, and select holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. between May and September, the service also expands during special events to accommodate increased visitor demand.

Since its launch, ridership has continued to grow, with more than 1,300 passengers each month during the peak summer season. The shuttle has become an important part of the visitor experience, making it easier for families, older adults, and visitors of all abilities to enjoy everything the park has to offer while supporting sustainable transportation and greater access to public recreation.

One rider summed up the experience:

“The shuttle makes visiting Liberty State Park so much easier for my family. We can take the light rail, avoid parking hassles, and easily reach all the major attractions. Best of all, it’s free, allowing us to spend more time enjoying the park together instead of worrying about transportation.”

Interested in Launching a Shuttle in Your Community?

The success of the Liberty State Park Weekend Shuttle demonstrates how well-designed shuttle services can improve mobility, reduce congestion, and connect people to parks, transit, jobs, and other key destinations.

For more than four decades, EZ Ride has planned and operated customized shuttle services for municipalities, employers, business districts, residential communities, and special destinations throughout northern New Jersey. Whether your community is looking to improve access to downtowns, parks, transit hubs, or major employment centers, EZ Ride can help develop a transportation solution tailored to your needs.

To learn more, visit www.ezride.org/transportation/shuttles or contact Kinga Skora at 201-939-4242, ext. 131 or [email protected].

 

July, 2026

EZ Ride’s innovative mobility management model continues to receive national recognition. Following an earlier case study by Lyft, Uber Health has published its own case study showcasing how EZ Ride is helping communities across New Jersey expand access to transportation, reduce costs, and improve mobility through strategic public-private partnerships and technology-driven solutions.

“Transportation is often the difference between someone receiving medical care, maintaining employment, accessing groceries, or remaining connected to their community,” said Avnish Gupta, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel of EZ Ride. “We are pleased that Uber Health recognized our work and the impact it has on the health, independence, and quality of life of our community members.”

In 2025, EZ Ride provided approximately 140,000 rides, with 95 percent fulfilled through Uber’s transportation network. The case study highlights the organization’s partnership with the Essex County Community Transportation System, which turned a driver shortage into an opportunity to improve service while lowering costs.

By partnering with EZ Ride, Essex County reduced transportation costs from approximately $30 to $18 per trip while expanding service flexibility and offering eligible residents same-day transportation options.

“Working with EZ Ride and Uber means everybody gets a ride,” said Michael Vieira, Director of Special Transportation Services for Essex County. “We can serve more people, keep costs under control, and make the experience even better for riders.”

Unlike many transportation programs that rely exclusively on smartphone apps, EZ Ride combines advanced transportation technology with personalized customer service. Riders can schedule trips by telephone, with live transportation coordinators assisting throughout the process, ensuring that older adults and others without smartphones can still access reliable transportation. The case study also highlights EZ Ride’s robust reporting capabilities, which help public agencies monitor service usage, track expenditures, and measure program outcomes.

Today, with its EZRyde4Life Program, EZ Ride provides transportation services in all 21 New Jersey counties, coordinating thousands of ride requests each week through its centralized call center. Building on this success, the organization is partnering with Uber Health to introduce wheelchair-accessible transportation, further strengthening mobility options for residents across the state.

Bring This Model to Your Community

Looking for a more effective transportation solution? EZ Ride partners with counties, municipalities, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations to expand mobility, improve customer service, and reduce transportation costs. To learn more contact Kinga Skora at [email protected] or 201-939-4242, ext. 131 to learn how EZ Ride can help your community.

June, 2026

After Roselle Park residents raised concerns about speeding, illegal turns, and poor visibility at local intersections, borough leaders responded.

This spring, the Borough of Roselle Park partnered with EZ Ride to launch a temporary demonstration project designed to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists at two locations: Myrtle Avenue & West Lincoln Avenue and Hazel Street & West Roselle Avenue. The project demonstrates how communities can use low-cost, temporary improvements to test solutions before making permanent investments.

The initiative began when Fifth Ward Councilman and Council President Jay Robaina approached EZ Ride with concerns about traffic safety at the two intersections. Near EJF Aldene Elementary School, vehicles frequently parked illegally near corners during student drop-off and pick-up times, blocking sight lines for drivers and children crossing the street. Residents also reported dangerous and illegal turns at nearby intersections, including drivers traveling the wrong way on one-way streets.

Working closely with borough officials, EZ Ride developed a demonstration plan that included painted curb extensions, directional pavement markings, and delineators designed to calm traffic, improve visibility, shorten crossing distances, and discourage illegal maneuvers. After receiving approval from the borough engineer and securing materials through the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), the project moved from concept to reality.

On June 2, 2026, EZ Ride’s Bike & Pedestrian Team, with support from the Roselle Park Department of Public Works and Traffic Bureau, installed the temporary safety improvements. The project will remain in place through September, giving residents an opportunity to experience the changes and provide feedback.

Community input will play a key role in determining whether the improvements should become permanent. Pre- and post-project surveys are being conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the changes and gather residents’ perspectives.

“Real community safety relies on strong partnerships and active residents,” said Councilman Robaina. “Thanks to the generosity and expertise of EZ Ride and the NJTPA, Roselle Park was able to turn resident feedback into immediate action. These curb extensions are proven safety measures that will protect pedestrians and calm traffic where it matters most.”

Roselle Park’s willingness to test innovative solutions demonstrates how communities can address safety concerns quickly, collaboratively, and cost-effectively.

Could a demonstration project help address a safety concern in your community? Temporary projects offer a low-cost way to test solutions, gather public feedback, and build support for permanent improvements. If your municipality is interested in exploring a demonstration project, EZ Ride’s Bike & Pedestrian Team can help you plan, implement, and evaluate a project tailored to your community’s needs. Contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 3.

Resources:

June, 2026

On June 2nd, ENAT Transportation & Logistics cut the ribbon on their newly installed EV Chargers at 1050 Wall Street in Lyndhurst. The company purchased and installed one dual-port Level 2 charger and three dual-port Level 3 Fast Chargers, allowing up to eight vehicles to charge at the same time. The project was supported through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s ‘It Pay$ to Plug In’ grant program.

To celebrate the launch, ENAT is inviting the public to charge their electric vehicles at the site free of charge through June 30. The company will also make the chargers available at no cost to other tenants in the corporate plaza.

ENAT delivers retail products and medical supplies and provides catering and passenger transportation for corporate events. The company serves small- to medium-sized businesses in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, and Middlesex counties in New Jersey, as well as the Bronx in New York City.

ENAT began transitioning its fleet to electric vehicles in 2022, initially charged its EVs at home and at public charging stations. As the company expanded ts electric fleet, reliable charging access became increasingly important.

“We decided to purchase and install our own EV charging stations because our drivers often had to wait to charge, and it was affecting our business operations,” said Luis Abad, Head of Business Operations, ENAT Transportation & Logistics.

To date, ENAT has transitioned five of its seven delivery vehicles to EVs. The company has also applied for an NJ ZIP grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to purchase 10 Chevrolet BrightDrop cargo vans to expand its operations.

EZ Ride is proud to have assisted ENAT in finding grants and applying for Gold level  EV Adoption Leadership certification for their Lyndhurst location.

Considering EV charging for your business or fleet? Contact Lisa Lee at [email protected], or call 201-939-4242, ext. 123 or visit our website to learn about available funding opportunities, technical assistance, and recognition programs that can help accelerate your transition to electric vehicles.

Upcoming Event:

June, 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is coming to East Rutherford, with matches taking place at New York New Jersey Stadium, including group stage, knockout rounds, and the Final.

Significant traffic, transit delays, and congestion are expected throughout the Meadowlands region on match days:

To help reduce congestion, commuters and non-essential travelers are encouraged to consider remote or hybrid work options during peak match days.

For official updates, schedules, and event information, visit FIFA’s New York New Jersey website.

Getting to the Stadium: Plan Ahead

Fans are strongly encouraged to use public transit as their primary travel option. NJ TRANSIT and PATH services will provide the most reliable access to the stadium.

Important: There will be no public parking at the stadium, and ticket holders will not be permitted to drive directly to the venue. Access to on-site parking will be restricted to credentialed vehicles only.

Accessibility

Rideshare Information

Additional Parking & Stadium Shuttle Options

EZ Ride Shuttle Service Advisory

Due to roadway restrictions and traffic control measures during FIFA World Cup 2026™ match days, the following EZ Ride services will not operate on:

June 16,  22,  25 and 30.

For additional information, call (201) 939-4242 (option 1) or visit EZ Ride.

Disclaimer: FIFA World Cup 26™ is a trademark of FIFA. EZ Ride is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by FIFA.

 

June, 2026

Transportation can be a major challenge for older adults who no longer drive, making it harder to access healthcare, grocery shopping, social activities, and other daily needs.

On May 30, the Garfield School District hosted the 2nd Annual EZ Ride Boilermaker Stride Walkathon at the GHS Track & Field to raise funds for rides for older members of the community. Held during Older Americans Month, the event brought together students, families, grandparents, and community members for a meaningful day of service and connection.

What makes the Boilermaker Stride especially meaningful is that Garfield students have embraced it as an ongoing community service initiative through a student-led club dedicated to supporting older adults. Students encouraged family members to walk alongside them, creating a meaningful intergenerational event that raised awareness and funds to help neighbors remain independent and connected to their community.

Under the leadership of Dr. Richard D. Tomko, Superintendent of the Garfield School District and EZ Ride Trustee, the walkathon demonstrates how young people can make a direct impact on the lives of local residents. Every dollar raised helps expand access to transportation and reduce barriers that often prevent older adults and people with disabilities from getting to healthcare appointments, shopping, and community activities.

“This event represents the best of Garfield, our students learning the value of service while directly improving the lives of the neighbors and families who make up our community,” said Dr. Tomko.

The success of the Boilermaker Stride reflects Garfield’s strong spirit of service and community engagement. By bringing generations together for a common cause, students are helping create a more connected, supportive, and age-friendly community for all. All the funds raised will be donated to EZ Ride to support the EZ Ryde4Life program, which uses Uber and Lyft to provide rides primarily for older adults.

Inspired by the Garfield students’ commitment to service? Learn more about the EZ Ryde4Life program and how you can help provide rides that keep older adults connected, independent, and engaged in their communities by calling Kinga Skora at (201) 939-4242, email [email protected] or visit our website ezride.org.

 

June, 2026

EZ Ride is pleased to announce the release of Union County Transportation Resource Guide, designed to help residents identify and access transportation options throughout the county.

The guide provides information on county and municipal transportation programs, NJ TRANSIT services, rideshare options, nonprofit providers, and specialized transportation for older adults and individuals with disabilities. It is designed to help residents, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations easily identify available services, eligibility requirements, and contact information.

“Ensuring that all residents have access to reliable, safe, and accessible transportation is essential to advancing equity and opportunity,” said Union County Commissioner Michèle S. Delisfort. “This guide helps connect individuals and families to the transportation services they depend on for work, education, healthcare, and daily life.”

By making transportation resources easier to access, the guide supports greater independence, mobility, and community connectivity for Union County residents.

Download the Union County Transportation Resource Guide today and explore the transportation options available to you. Similar guides for Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Monmouth Counties are also available on our website, providing residents across New Jersey with valuable transportation information and resources. For additional ihttps://ezride.org/home/mobility-guides/nformation, visit ezride.org or call (201) 939-4242.

May 2026

On a foggy spring morning in Teaneck, New Jersey, something exciting was happening. On Thursday, April 23, 2026, a group of middle school students gathered outside Bryant Elementary School with their bikes, helmets, and backpacks, ready for a new kind of school commute.

Escorted by two Teaneck Police patrol vehicles and a motorcycle officer, the students rode together to Benjamin Franklin Middle School as part of Teaneck’s first-ever Bike Bus.

Joining the students on the ride were Principal Williams, Vice Principal Jacobs, and three EZ Ride staff members. District Superintendent Dr. Andre Spencer and Ms. Connie Le were also there to cheer the students on at the starting line, highlighting the district’s strong support for the initiative.

The students are now part of a growing movement happening across the country: the Bike Bus.

So, what is a Bike Bus?

A Bike Bus is a group ride to school led by adults along a planned route with designated “stops” where additional students can join in along the way. It’s a fun, healthy, and community-centered alternative to traditional school transportation. Bike Bus programs have gained popularity in cities such as Portland, Oregon; Barcelona, Spain; and nearby New Jersey communities including Montclair and South Orange/Maplewood. Their growth reflects increasing interest in safer, more active ways for students to get to school.

“There was a small percentage of students who struggled with getting to school on time. We didn’t want transportation to be an obstacle to a child getting an education, so we reached out to EZ Ride to see if a bike donation was possible. We are so grateful for their partnership. I also live in town and thought it would be a fun way to connect with students and build community as we ride together to school.” — Mrs. Jahari Jacobs, Assistant Principal, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson Middle Schools

In the week leading up to the ride, EZ Ride hosted a hands-on bicycle safety class where students learned essential riding skills, including the ABC bike check, proper helmet fitting, starting and stopping safely, hand signaling, scanning for traffic, crossing intersections, group riding techniques, New Jersey traffic laws, and the rules of the road. Two students also received donated bikes and helmets. By the time Bike Bus day arrived, everyone was ready to ride.

For the students who participated, the experience was both exciting and empowering. Riding together with support from school staff, community leaders, and local law enforcement allowed students to experience their neighborhood in a new way – one pedal at a time.

The Benjamin Franklin Middle School Bike Bus is scheduled to continue every other week, giving even more students the opportunity to participate.

The launch of the Bike Bus comes at a perfect time. Governor Mikie Sherrill has proclaimed May as Bike Month and New Jersey Walk and Bike to School Month. In addition, May 6 marks National Bike & Roll to School Day, and May 11–15 is recognized as Bike to Work Week – all excellent opportunities to celebrate the benefits of biking.

Through its Spokes4Students program, EZ Ride can provide Bike Bus training, new helmets, and refurbished bicycles to students in need. For more information, email [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242, option 3.