About six years ago, Harold and his wife Frances moved from Hillsborough to Totowa to be closer to family. Like most of us, Harold always drove to wherever he wanted to go. However, driving in inclement weather posed a challenge, and one day, he barely avoided an accident, and he decided that he was not driving anymore. They used taxis and would often get rides from family members. But taxis were getting more expensive, and they were concerned about being too dependent on family members.
One day in March 2019, they learned about the Ryde4Life program from a social worker at their residence and signed up immediately. They have been using it ever since, especially for medical appointments during the week when their family is at work. Harold said he appreciates that the drivers are reliable, always on time and that they’re “extremely courteous and helpful with his walker” and “it’s like having a personal chauffeur”.
For additional information or to sign up for the program, call:
(866) 208-1307, Option 4
or visit
www.Ryde4Life.orgor visit
Many people with disabilities need specialized transportation. Lack of transportation resources limits their access to work, health care, independent living, and enjoyment of life.
The Flex-T Mobility Partner Program provides transportation for more than 100 Monmouth County residents, with about 15 from Englishtown participate in the program. About a dozen riders have been with us for eight years or more – a testimony to excellent service and the lack of other suitable options. Most of the rides are provided using mini-vans to optimize ridership and reduce travel time. The average trip length is about eight miles and takes about 30-minutes. Unlike older adults, these riders need the service regularly and typically take about 200-300 rides a year.
The New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and New Jersey Transit help fund the program. More than 96 percent of the rides are to access training, education, or employment at different locations such as Prime Time Center in Eatontown, Family Resource Associates in Red Bank, Dorbrook Activity Center in Colts Neck, Young Chefs Academy in Morganville, and ARC of Monmouth in Tinton Falls.
For more information about our Flex-T Mobility Partner program, visit our website www.ezride.org or contact:
Barbara Friedman
(201) 939-4242 Ext. 223
In just six months, the number of rides provided to Essex County seniors has more than doubled from 300 to 600 a month. The program was launched by Essex County to augment the county’s paratransit system. It is popular because the riders do not pay a fare, there are no reservation requirements, and they get a personal ride in a Lyft or Uber vehicle.
More than half the riders are from Newark, East Orange, and Irvington, and they also account for about 2,000 of the 3,000 rides provided. Two-third of all the trips are for medical purposes, including dialysis. Most of the riders are women – again about two-third. At an average cost of $16 per trip, the program is very cost-effective compared to paratransit services. The rides are relatively short, about six miles, and take an average of 17-minutes.
The Ryde4Life program is available for all residents in New Jersey, 18 years or older. The service is open seven days a week, and rides can be scheduled between 8 am – 8 pm during the weekday and 8 am – 5 pm on weekends. In addition to Essex County, the Township of Montclair, Affordable Housing Alliance, Ocean Community Economic Action Now, Inc., and Asbury Park Alliance provide discounted or free trips.
For more information please contact:
Kinga Skora
(201) 939-4242 Ext. 131
Participation in the SRTS program is a pre-requisite for SRTS Infrastructure grants from New Jersey Department of Transportation. Our Bike and Pedestrian Program team at EZ Ride will work with you to meet the criteria needed to gain recognition and apply for grant funds. We will even help you to submit the online nomination.
The SRTS program cycle runs from February 1, 2020 to January 31, 2020 so the next deadline is coming up in two months. The program offers a step by step process to support walking and biking in your community.
We can help you on multiple fronts including:
- Strengthening your crossing guard program
- Crafting policies to promote walking and biking for adoption by your municipality and Board of Education (BOE)
- Implementing biking and walking educational programs for kids
- Identifying street infrastructure needs to support safe walking and biking
- Working with local police to encourage safe driver and pedestrian behavior
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Coming Soon – Solicitations for 2020 SRTS Infrastructure Grants
Municipalities will have the opportunity to apply for the federal SRTS Infrastructure Grants in early 2020 that will be administered by the New Jersey Department of Transporation (NJDOT). These reimbursement grants can be used to make streetscape improvements and fix issues to make walking and biking safer.
Typically, applicants will have up to three months to provide the required supporting documentation that includes two resolutions – one each from the school district and the municipality. Since this could involve multiple reviews before the final vote and adoption of the resolution, it would be prudent to start this process early. EZ Ride can provide you with a template to begin the process.
Applicants are also required to submit school travel tallies and letters of support from community organizations. Again, we can provide you with templates for your use.
The following websites provide additional details:
https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/localaid/srts.shtm and
https://www.state.nj.us/transportation/business/localaid/documents/SRTSHandbook20185-14-18.pdf
For any additional assistance or questions, please contact:
Lisa Lee
(201) 939-4242 Ext. 123
Thanks to federal funding provided by New Jersey Transit and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), EZ Ride will introduce two new shuttle services in Monmouth County in 2020 – the Sandy Hook shuttle and Hazlet-Holmdel shuttle.
The Sandy Hook shuttle is designed to help alleviate congestion on Route 36 and visitor parking constraints at the beach. The service and will operate between the Middletown train station and Sandy Hook during the summer. Visitors will be encouraged to use the train as a travel alternative, and the station lot as a parking site.
The Hazlet-Holmdel shuttle will link two major transit hubs – PNC Bank Arts Center Park & Ride and the Hazlet train station with major employers in the area. It will reduce the traveler’s need for finding and paying for the limited parking at the train station. The two shuttles could serve residents, commuters, visitors, and local employers such as Bell Works and Bayshore Medical Center. To promote these services, EZ Ride will host information sessions and distribute flyers, press releases, and brochures.
For additional information please contact:
Avnish Gupta
(201) 939-4242 ext. 118
American Dream’s long-awaited opening is now set for October 25, 2019. The newly constructed facility is expected to attract 40 million visitors a year. While many visitors are expected to drive to the facility, others may want to explore public transit options. NJ TRANSIT is hosting two public hearings on October 3 from 5 to 7 pm at the Journal Square Transportation Center in Jersey City and on October 7 from 5 to 7 pm at One Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack for feedback on the following bus plans.
New bus routes starting October 25:
- Bus No. 355, which will operate daily express service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to American Dream every 30 minutes.
- Bus No. 356, which will operate daily express service every 30 minutes from Secaucus Junction to American Dream.
Expansion of existing bus routes:
- Bus No. 772 has expanded weekend services to operate from Paramus every 30 minutes until 10:30 pm and weekday evening service to operate until 10:20 pm to accommodate those interested in employment at American Dream. This began on August 31.
- Bus No. 119 has expanded Sunday service operating between Bayonne, Jersey City and NYC every hour throughout the day and every two hours during late-night/early-morning hours. This began September 1.
- Bus No. 85, which operates from Hoboken and Union City to Secaucus, began making stops at American Dream on August 31.
- Bus No. 703, which operates from Paterson and Passaic to East Rutherford, began making stops at American Dream on August 31.
All buses will stop at the Meadowlands Racetrack until the new transportation center under construction is completed.
For more information about these services, please contact:
Michael Jensen
(201) 939-4242 ext. 139
Charles and his wife Rose Marie are both members of Ryde4Life. They do everything together – cooking meals, attending club meetings, and going on vacation. And they always use Ryde4Life for their local travel needs.
Charles is a former professional driver, but says driving in the area today is “too crazy.” He decided to stop driving and began using taxis before joining the Ryde4Life program. Today, he uses Ryde4Life for all his trips, including visits to the doctor, shopping, or going out to dinner with his wife. He prefers Ryde4Life to taxi service as it makes him feel like he has his personal car service.
Charles says that all the drivers are super helpful, and sometimes he even gets the same driver. He has told some of his friends about the service and says that Ryde4Life is the best alternative to having your car.
For additional information or to sign up for the program, call:
(866) 208-1307, Option 4
or visit
www.Ryde4Life.org
EZ Ride’s Bike and Pedestrian Safety Team was out in force for National Night Out on Tuesday August 6, 2019, to promote cyclist, pedestrian and driver safety in three different communities: Elizabeth, Linden, and Long Branch.
National Night Out is celebrated on the first Tuesday in August. It is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer and more caring places to live. Millions of people take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, US territories, and military bases worldwide. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits, and more.
In all three cities, EZ Ride team members set up a table with pedestrian and cyclist safety information. It included Street Smart NJ tip cards, handouts on helmet fitting in Spanish and English, bicycle and pedestrian safety coloring books, brochures about buying a youth bike, safe walking and bicycling pamphlets in English and Spanish, Stop for Pedestrians Warning Flyers, and Walking “prescriptions.” And we provided 150 free bike helmets to young children as well as 30 sets of bicycle lights.
In Linden, there was a great deal of interest from parents about helmet fitting and bike safety. We will be partnering with the Linden Police to kick-off a Street Smart NJ campaign on September 23.
In Long Branch, we partnered with the Monmouth Medical Center community health educators to provide helmets and promote healthier living. EZ Ride is a recipient of a NJ Healthy Communities grant for Long Branch. As a result, we were able to offer jump ropes, healthier recipes, and health information to encourage physical activity and healthy eating.
In Elizabeth, we partnered with the City, the Police, and the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) to hold a Street Smart NJ Campaign Kickoff event with the media. The Mayor, City Council members, and representatives from the NJTPA and the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety addressed the attendees. Union County Freeholder, NJTPA Chairman, and EZ Ride trustee Angel Estrada commended the city on their efforts to improve pedestrian safety. “The more we educate people about safe driving and walking, the safer we can make our roads for everyone, he said. “Together, we can make a difference. Remember to Drive Smart, Walk Smart, and Be Street Smart.”
All three events provided EZ Ride an excellent opportunity to promote safe walking and biking in the community.
For more information about our bicycle and pedestrian programs and services, please contact:
Lisa Lee
(201) 939-4242 ext. 123
As a mission-driven non-profit organization, EZ Ride is dedicated to lowering the transportation barrier and improving the quality of life for for commuters, lower-income residents, older adults, and riders with disabilities in New Jersey.
From carpools to vanpools, to shuttles, to transportation for older and riders with disabilities, EZ Ride tries to fill the gap when other options fall short. For some people, the transportation services may not be attainable because of cost. EZ Ride strives to ensure these services are available to everyone in the community regardless of income.
Our goals for this year’s annual campaign are to:
- Raise awareness and $200,000 in funds for EZ Ride’s financial assistance program
- Enable the participation of 1,000 older adults in our Ryde4life transportation program
- Help to provide more than 15,000 subsidized rides for lower-income older adults
We have partnered with Lyft and Uber to launch Ryde4Life, a program to provide reliable transportation on demand. The program is very popular with older adults because no reservation is required and riding in a sedan is far more comfortable than a minibus. However, the cost of the ride continues to pose a financial burden for most of our riders who live on a fixed income and cannot always afford the trip.
Please join us today in helping advance our cause for affordable transportation. For a better you. For a better community. Give for a better us.
Contributions can be made by sending a check, credit card or paypal and are fully tax-deductible.
For more information about our campaign and how to make a donation, please contact:
Kinga Skora
(201) 939-4242 ext. 131
We are pleased that Hartz Mountain Industries has chosen to partner with EZ Ride to provide shuttle services from Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken to New York City.
The Estuary Apartments in Lincoln Harbor has approximately 500 units and there are plans to add 900 more units soon. Public transit is the primary mode of transportation to the City. Weehawken is the last stop for the buses driving into the city and are sometimes already full when they arrive. The shuttle is designed to augment NJ Transit bus service and accommodate those left behind.
Service will commence on November 4 and will be provided on weekdays during morning peak hours from 7 a.m to 10 a.m. The shuttle will operate using two minibuses at approximately 25-30 minutes frequency.
EZ Ride also provides shuttles for Hartz Mountain Industries from their Harmon Meadow facility to Secaucus Junction using four buses that operate during peak hours.
For additional information please contact:
Avnish Gupta
(201) 939-4242 ext. 118