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:

December 2025,

NJ TRANSIT has announced a significant increase in its monthly vanpool subsidy—from $175 to $400 per month for all eligible vanpools, effective January 2026. This new higher subsidy replaces the previous two-tier arrangement, which included a separate incentive for vanpools using High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. Moving forward, there will be a single, more generous subsidy rate, allowing commuting groups to save substantially more each month.

Subsidies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and all vanpools must apply to participate. Currently, 68 vanpools benefit from NJ TRANSIT’s program. The increased funding will cover up to 83 vanpools, with additional applicants placed on a waiting list until more funds become available.

How the Program Works

To qualify, commuters must lease a van through an approved NJ TRANSIT provider. After leasing, riders share expenses such as lease payments, fuel, tolls, and parking—significantly reducing individual costs. Vanpools succeed when participants coordinate effectively:

Why Vanpooling Is Smart

Vanpooling is especially cost-effective for one-way commutes of 40 miles or more, but shorter trips also qualify. Besides financial savings, vanpooling brings several advantages:

EZ Ride supports commuters at every stage—from forming groups and submitting subsidy applications to guidance on annual renewals. With NJ TRANSIT’s new, higher subsidy, now is an excellent time to discover vanpooling as an affordable, environmentally friendly way to travel.

For help starting a new vanpool, contact Kinga Skora at [email protected] or 201-939-4242 Ext. 131.

November 2025

Passaic County was recently recognized nationally for its leadership in expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging access for both employees and the public.

With support from EZ Ride, four County sites achieved EV Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certifications from FORTH Mobility, highlighting Passaic County’s commitment to sustainable transportation.

EV Charging and EVAL Certification Highlights

Special recognition goes to Kenneth Simpson, Supervisor of Roads, for his leadership in installing 21 EV charging stations at County facilities and working with EZ Ride to achieve these EVAL certifications.

Sustainability and Environmental Goals

Passaic County is committed to improving air quality, cutting fuel and energy costs, and becoming one of New Jersey’s EV leaders. Key goals include:

Fleet Electrification Milestone

In September, Michelle Vega, Supervisor of Motorpool, celebrated the delivery of Passaic County’s first electric transit bus, funded through NJDEP’s Equipment Modernization Grant Program.

The fully funded electric bus—at no cost to taxpayers—replaces a diesel model and offers a 100-mile range. It will serve residents of the Preakness Healthcare Center, providing clean, quiet transportation to medical appointments, shopping, and entertainment.

“This new electric bus and EV charging stations are major steps forward in modernizing County transportation, reducing vehicle emissions, and improving air quality for residents,” said Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett. “By investing in cleaner technologies, we’re protecting the environment and providing employees and residents with greater access to sustainable transportation.”

EZ Ride Congratulates Passaic County

EZ Ride applauds Passaic County’s commitment to cleaner transportation and its leadership in EV adoption. We can help your community plan, fund, and install EV charging infrastructure at no cost.

[email protected] | 201-939-4242, option 6

 

November 2025

Earlier this year, the Montclair Vision Zero Task Force, Mobility Committee, and Complete Streets Department launched an initiative to conduct a walk and bike audit at Montclair High School and update the School Travel Plans (STPs) for all 10 public schools. Prior STPs and audits were completed in 2013, and reports were written by a consultant. These updates will ensure each plan reflects the latest best practices and address current traffic safety concerns.

Community Collaboration in Action

To start, the Task Force asked EZ Ride to update crash and demographic data in the Charles Bullock STP and selected Buzz Aldrin Middle School and Montclair High School for new Road Safety Audits (RSAs). Each school organized a team of staff, students, and community volunteers to access the most frequently used routes to school—three walking routes and one biking route per school.

EZ Ride trained the volunteers to evaluate these routes, focusing on intersection safety, crosswalk visibility, lighting, sidewalks, curb ramps, bike lanes, and speed limits. Teams then walked or biked the routes and recorded what they observed – including the challenges faced by wheelchair users.

“I fully support the Montclair Vision Zero Task Force’s efforts of improve safety for our students. Since 2008, I’ve been working to make our streets safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and all road users, as part of our Township Safety Committee with our Engineer, Traffic Police, and Bike & Walk Montclair. Every person, young and old alike, living in our township should feel safe as they travel to and from school and throughout our community. I fully encourage and support all schools in updating their School Travel Plans, and improving bike and pedestrian safety for all,” said Mayor Renee Baskerville, Township of Montclair

Building Safer Streets for Everyone

The findings will help EZ Ride update each school’s STP and set the stage for future engineering studies, enforcement strategies, and community improvements. Together, these steps will make walking and biking safer, easier, and more enjoyable for Montclair students.

Want to make your school routes safer?

EZ Ride can help your community conduct a Road Safety Audit and create a School Travel Plan—at no cost. For more information, please contact call 201-939-4242, option 3 or email [email protected].

 

Upcoming Events:

E-Bike Safety Webinars: What Parents, Youth and Municipalities Need to Know.

October 2025

Dear Friends of EZ Ride,

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved trustee, Richard “Rich” Fritzky. Alongside his dear friend Rich Roberts, Rich co-founded our organization and served as Vice Chair of the Board for many decades.

Rich was a visionary leader and dedicated public servant whose work left a lasting impact on regional transportation, workforce development, and community progress across New Jersey. He served as President of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber for more than 25 years and later continued to guide the Chamber and other regional organizations as a consultant.

His leadership extended to many statewide initiatives, including the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority’s Business Advisory Committee, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission’s Master Plan Review Advisory Committee, the New Jersey State Planning Commission, and the State Employment and Training Commission. He also served as Co-Chair of the 1998 New Jersey Task Force on Adult Literacy and as the first Chair of the York Street Project in Jersey City.

A proud Seton Hall University alumnus, Rich earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Political Science and American Civilization. He later shared his love of learning as an adjunct professor at Seton Hall and Fairleigh Dickinson University, inspiring countless students to lead with compassion and integrity.

Beyond his professional achievements, Rich was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. After overcoming a life-threatening illness and tremendous physical challenges, he became a powerful voice for perseverance, gratitude, and faith. He and his wife, Maggie, are the proud parents of 12 children and grandparents to 31 grandchildren.

Rich’s life was a testament to faith, resilience, and service. We are deeply grateful for his friendship, leadership, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind. His spirit will continue to guide and inspire all of us at EZ Ride.

Funeral Arrangements
The wake will be held on Friday, October 24th, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at the F. John Ramsey Funeral Home in Franklin.
The funeral service will take place on Saturday, October 25th, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church in Sparta, followed by a repast from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at the Budd Lake Firehouse in Mount Olive.

With heartfelt sympathy,

 

October 2025

For more than 50 years, the Somerset Community Action Program (SCAP) has been helping residents overcome barriers to economic self-sufficiency through early childhood education, youth development, family support, and community services. Continuing this mission, SCAP has partnered with EZ Ride to expand access to reliable transportation through the EZ Ryde4Life program — addressing one of the community’s most persistent challenges.

For many Somerset County residents, dependable transportation is the key to achieving independence, employment, and stability. Through this partnership, SCAP offers free rides for its members, enabling them to attend job training programs, medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other essential destinations.

“EZ Ryde4Life has been a game-changer for our clients,” said Natalia Rodriguez, Case Worker at SCAP. “Transportation is often one of the biggest barriers they face, and this program provides the freedom and reliability they need to access work, medical care, and other essential services. It directly supports our mission of helping individuals achieve greater stability and independence.”

While most trips occur within Somerset County, EZ Ryde4Life’s flexibility allows riders to travel across New Jersey — a vital benefit for those who need specialized care or opportunities beyond their local area.

Operating statewide, EZ Ryde4Life can be customized to meet the transportation needs of low-income individuals, families, and seniors in communities throughout New Jersey. The partnership between SCAP and EZ Ride demonstrates how equitable, affordable mobility can transform lives and strengthen community well-being.

For more information on how EZ Ryde4Life can support your organization or clients, contact Kinga Skora at [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242 ext. 131.

October 2025

EZ Ride commends the City of Asbury Park for its proactive efforts to enhance street safety for everyone — especially those who bike, scoot, or skate.

With the rise of micromobility options like e-bikes and scooters, Asbury Park has prioritized safety by installing buffered and parking-protected bike lanes along Asbury Avenue (County Rt.16) from Main Street to Heck Street.

Installing bike lanes on a county road is a significant achievement and the new bike lane now creates a continuous route connecting the existing bike network from the beach area to Main Street. These lanes calm traffic, reduce speeding, and provide safer spaces for riders and drivers to share the road.

To complement this effort, EZ Ride partnered with the City to deliver road safety education for residents of all ages. The sessions teach riders about safe practices, New Jersey laws, and proper maintenance — followed by hands-on skill classes to build confidence on the road.

“Road safety is a top priority in the city of Asbury Park. No community wants to experience a crash or fatality of any road user. We want all forms of transportation vehicles to be safely utilized within our city. Best practices such as buffered bike lanes and formal education are a great opportunity for everyone to share the road safely”.  James Bonanno,  Director of Transportation, City of Asbury Park

The use of micromobility devices is expected to grow. Infrastructure changes and continued education will benefit users of all ages, especially in communities that offer bike or scooter sharing programs.

To learn how EZ Ride can help your community improve micromobility safety, contact [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242, Option 3.

October 2025

EZ Ride congratulates the Belleville Public School District for taking a bold step toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. The District is installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers at all ten of its school buildings — from Preschool to High School — making workplace EV charging a reality for staff and visitors alike.

This achievement was made possible through two key funding opportunities:

The District has selected an engineering firm to install the dual-port chargers. These initiatives helped Belleville earn the Silver-Level Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Certification, a recognition of the District’s commitment to sustainable transportation.

“Technical assistance from EZ Ride was critical in our decision-making process and allowed us to plan for the deployment of EV charging at all 10 schools with minimal cost to our district,” said Erick Alfonso, Superintendent of Schools, Belleville Board of Education. “This project is one of many ways we’re demonstrating leadership in renewable energy and electric vehicle support for our staff and community.”

Belleville’s active Green Team continues to champion environmental initiatives, encouraging clean commuting options for the teachers and staff who travel from across New Jersey to educate the next generation. By investing in workplace EV charging, the District promotes affordability, accessibility, and equity—ensuring that clean transportation is within reach for all.

To learn more about EV charging opportunities for schools, join us for a free webinar, “Powering EV Charging for K-12 Schools,” on Wednesday, November 12 at 2:00 PM.

Register today or contact us at [email protected] or (201) 939-4242 (Option 6) for more information.

September 30, 2025

Congratulations to the Borough of Garwood for launching a temporary demonstration project designed to show how redesigned streets can improve pedestrian safety and reduce speeding.

Under the leadership of Mayor Jennifer Blumenstock, Garwood held a design contest this spring at the Elementary School to gather ideas. The winning theme—flowers—became the centerpiece of the project.

On June 21, Borough leaders, community volunteers, and EZ Ride partnered to create colorful, temporary curb extensions at Center Street and Willow Avenue. Local police closed the street to traffic while two five-foot curb extensions were installed with the approval of the Borough engineer. Reflective foil tape marked the new extensions, and stencils were used to paint bright purple, orange, yellow, and pink flowers on a sky-blue background. The vibrant designs, along with traffic delineators, now help slow turning vehicles, prevent illegal corner parking, and shorten crossing distances for pedestrians—making the intersection safer for everyone.

“The curb extension demonstration project was a tangible way to show our residents how we can improve safety by just slightly changing our street infrastructure. It allowed us to really elevate the idea that these types of measures can make a difference in the lives of pedestrians and cyclists,” said Mayor Jen Blumenstock.

Project supplies were provided by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) and the Borough of Garwood, while EZ Ride coordinated the effort. A community survey is underway to gather feedback.

EZ Ride congratulates the Borough of Garwood for its successful implementation and commitment to safer streets for people walking, biking, and riding. If your community is interested in a demonstration project, EZ Ride can help—at no cost. Contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 3.