Senior Staff Attorney – Pro Bono Partnership, Inc.

Kent E. Hansen, Senior Staff Attorney (New Jersey office), has many years’ experience as a corporate generalist.

He previously served as Executive Vice President, Administration, General Counsel and Secretary of Fedders Corporation for more than twenty years. In addition to the law department, he led the company’s Human Resources Department and the real estate and insurance functions. He is admitted to the bar in New Jersey and is a graduate of Rutgers University and St. John’s University School of Law.

Facilities Planner – NJ TRANSIT

Eric Derer is a Facilities Planner at NJ TRANSIT. His work at the agency includes bus network redesign projects, station parking information and database management, and facilities access studies. Previously, Eric worked at Cross County Connection TMA. With his experience in bicycle and pedestrian planning and transit network studies, Eric hopes to develop strong and resilient transit options while connecting all users to reliable transit service. Eric holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.

President – RCM Ceberio, LLC

Robert Ceberio has been the president of RCM Ceberio in Wayne, a strategic planning and management consulting firm, since 2011. The firm assists public and private clients to meet and achieve their goals and objectives in terms of projects, plans and policies and develops strategies to meet changed circumstances, new technology, new competitors, a new economic trend or a new social, financial, or political environment.

Prior to starting his own firm, Mr. Ceberio has also held various positions with the former New Jersey Meadowlands Commission, where he worked for 30 years including as executive director from 2002-10 and deputy executive director from 1996-2002. In addition, he served as the commission’s Director of Planning & Management, Director of Administration, Deputy Director of Administration, Administrator of Solid Waste Rates  and Acting Chief Fiscal Officer. He also served as a member of the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority from 1976-1981, a state agency that managers sports and exposition operations.

Mr. Ceberio has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s in public administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He also taught public administration courses at Rutgers University and Fairleigh Dickinson and is a longtime member of the Wayne Board of Education. Ceberio also worked with Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson) and Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) on controversial legislation that transformed the former Meadowlands Commission and merged it with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.

Speeding along Knickerbocker Road, a busy county road near Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, has become a growing concern. Many students walk and bike along this route, increasing the risks posed by speeding traffic as they travel to and from school.

In response to requests from the community, EZ Ride conducted a comprehensive Speed Study from May 13 to June 10. Using a portable radar sign, the study gathered detailed data on vehicle speeds. While the posted speed limit was 25 mph, the data revealed that the average speed was 33 mph, with the highest recorded speed reaching a staggering 65 mph.

This data offers valuable insights that can be leveraged to enhance municipal traffic management:

The data from this Speed Study not only highlights the need for immediate action but also serves as a foundation for long-term traffic management strategies. By addressing speeding proactively, the community can improve safety for students and other pedestrians, ensuring a safer and more sustainable transportation environment.

If you are interested in conducting a Speed Study in your community, email

[email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 3.

 

Upcoming Bicycle & Pedestrian/Safety Event

 

EZ Ride is proud to announce our collaboration with O.C.E.A.N., Inc. to provide essential transportation services to veterans in Ocean County through our EZ Ryde4Life program. This initiative, made possible by funding secured by Congressman Andy Kim, currently supports over 100 veterans in the area.

Ocean County, home to New Jersey’s highest concentration of older adults, faces significant public transportation challenges. Our EZ Ryde4Life program offers a vital solution for elderly and disabled veterans who struggle with travel to appointments and activities.

Channell Wilkins, President & CEO of O.C.E.A.N., Inc., emphasizes the importance of this service: “The ride program offers a solution to the many difficulties elderly and disabled veterans have when traveling to and from appointments and other activities. Providing these services to veterans honors their service and ensures they will be able to access the care they need through this quality EZ Ride transportation option.”

Through EZ Ryde4Life, veterans can easily access transportation for medical appointments, errands and social engagements. This program has been instrumental in reducing isolation, maintaining independence and enhancing overall quality of life for many veterans. With help just a phone call away, we’re making a significant difference in their lives.

We are pleased about the positive impact of this partnership and invite other organizations to explore how EZ Ryde4Life can benefit their communities. For more information or to implement the program in your area, please call Kinga Skora at (201) 939-4242 ext. 131 or email [email protected].

At EZ Ride, we’re committed to providing accessible, reliable transportation solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities.

EZ Ride is proud to recognize Bryan Electric for achieving the Platinum EV Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certification, a distinction that highlights employers committed to sustainability and emissions-free transportation. The Platinum level, the highest awarded, reflects Bryan Electric’s leadership in promoting eco-friendly commuting and expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging access.

Founded in 1980, Bryan Electric has been at the forefront of EV charger installation for over a decade, partnering with more than 100 New Jersey municipalities, NJ TRANSIT, and the NJ Turnpike Authority. To date, they have installed over 900 EV chargers throughout the state, from Sussex County to Cape May. Notably, Bryan Electric is the only New Jersey-based installer and Small Business Enterprise on the state’s EV infrastructure contract.

The company’s expertise extends beyond installation; they offer full-service solutions for all brands and types of EV chargers, ensuring projects are cost-efficient and completed on time. As a Channel Partner of ChargePoint, Bryan Electric provides customized charging stations that can feature local government branding, offer free or paid charging options, and be listed on national EV charging apps to boost visibility.

“EV Charging is our business, and supporting sustainable solutions is key to reducing environmental impact,” said Tim Bryant Jr., President of Bryan Electric. “Our commitment to supporting electric vehicles helps ensure we’re always ahead of the curve when it comes to environmental impact.”

Bryan Electric’s work aligns with EZ Ride’s mission to promote cleaner, greener, and more efficient transportation systems. For more information, please contact [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 6.

 

Funding Opportunity

Community Change Grant Program

Due – November 21, 2024

As part of our commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint, EZ Ride is pleased to announce that our application for the “It Pays to Plug In” grant has been approved. This grant will support the installation of 20 electric vehicle (EV) charging units, facilitating the transition of our shuttle fleet from gas-powered to battery-electric vehicles.

The approved charging infrastructure includes twenty 80 Amp Level 2 units, which will be instrumental in powering our future EV fleet. EZ Ride plans to utilize Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) from Leviton, an American manufacturer of electrical wiring equipment in North America, networked by AmpUp, a brand-agnostic provider. AmpUp’s technology allows for remote control and power load management, ensuring the seamless operation of our charging network.

By investing in an electric vehicle fleet and collaborating with NJDEP on this initiative, EZ Ride demonstrates our commitment to sustainability in both word and action. Soon, our new electric shuttles will continue to provide the reliable service our riders depend on, while significantly reducing our environmental impact. Together, we are driving towards a cleaner, greener New Jersey.

For more information about our EV initiatives, please contact [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 6

The landscape of electric vehicles (EVs) in New Jersey is evolving rapidly. As of June 2024, there were 183,945 electric vehicles registered across the state. This figure includes both Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs). The largest concentrations of EVs are found in Bergen and Middlesex counties, with more than 26,800 and 22,800 vehicles, respectively.

Despite these encouraging numbers, the market share of EVs as a percentage of new vehicle sales saw a slight decline, dropping from 12.2% in 2023 to 11.6% in 2024. While the affordability and range of EVs have improved significantly, challenges such as declining resale values and the high costs of repairs and insurance remain a concern for potential buyers.

Emphasizing Workplace Charging Infrastructure

As we navigate these developments, it’s crucial to underscore the pivotal role of workplace charging infrastructure in fostering EV adoption. Access to convenient and reliable charging solutions is a major factor influencing consumer willingness to transition to electric vehicles. Investing in workplace charging facilities is essential to facilitate widespread adoption and support the transition towards sustainable transportation.

Evalcertification.org and Charge@Work are leading the charge in promoting workplace charging initiatives. They offer a suite of resources designed to assist organizations in integrating electric vehicle charging into their operations.

Kickstart Your Workplace Charging Initiative

Are you wondering how to get started with your workplace charging initiative? Join us for an informative webinar hosted by Best Workplaces for Commuters at the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR), University of South Florida (USF).

For more information, contact us at [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242, ext. 6, and ask for Stan or Lisa.

Together, we can drive the change towards a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.

 

 

EZ Ride  |  The Transporter |  August 2024                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nine municipalities in EZ Ride’s service area have been awarded $8.1 million in federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) infrastructure funding, representing 39 percent of the $21,068,000 awarded to 23 communities in New Jersey.

The grants will fund various safety improvements, including high-visibility crosswalks, sidewalks, curb extensions, pedestrian bridges, new traffic signals, signage, lighting, and bike parking. The grants awarded to the nine communities include:

Prior to receiving the infrastructure grants, the nine communities had promoted safe walking and biking to school and have received SRTS recognition awards

The Safe Routes to School program is instrumental in supporting active transportation for students in grades K-12. It aims to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution near schools, creating safer and healthier environments for children. The infrastructure improvements funded by these grants are anticipated to have a significant positive impact on these communities, providing safer, healthier, and more appealing transportation options for all students, including those with disabilities.

For more information and to learn how to get involved, please contact EZ Ride’s Bike and Pedestrian team at (201) 939-4242 ext. 3.

 

Upcoming Bike-Ped Events

 

EZ Ride  |  The Transporter  |  August 2024                                                                                                                                                                                                                            __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

On July 26, 2024, the EZ Ryde4Life program celebrated an extraordinary achievement—surpassing 10,000 rides in a single month, with several days remaining! Since its inception in 2018, when we provided just 10,000 rides, the program has grown tenfold, delivering over 100,000 rides in 2024 alone.

In New Jersey, all 21 counties and numerous municipalities offer free transportation for seniors and disabled residents. However, due to limited government resources, the EZ Ryde4Life program steps in to supplement these services at a relatively low cost. We currently partner with agencies in Essex, Bergen, and Monmouth counties to provide rides for their residents.

Additionally, several nonprofits have teamed up with us to meet the transportation needs of their clients, staff, and volunteers. These organizations recognize the potential of our innovative approach to operating, managing, and financing transportation systems, allowing them to better serve their communities.

More than 95% of our rides are funded by nonprofit, county, and municipal partners. For some of the remaining 5% without sponsors, EZ Ryde4Life offers up to 16 discounted rides each month for just $5 per ride. We also provide an additional 16 rides for dialysis patients.

The success of the EZRyde4Life program can be attributed to its simplicity, ease of use, quick launch, and scalability. We offer customized services tailored to the operational needs and budgets of our partners, all without requiring long-term commitments.

Currently, rides are provided through Lyft and Uber vehicles, with plans to expand to additional providers in the future. Our customized software, Qryde, has been instrumental in meeting the growing operational needs of our clients. We also owe a debt of gratitude to our public sector partners, NJ TRANSIT and North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), who help defray a significant portion of the program’s administrative costs.

EZ Ride is promoting the EZ Ryde4Life program at several events, where our staff will be available to provide details and answer questions. Join us at the upcoming Annual Bergen County Senior Festival on September 12 at Van Saun County Park in Paramus, New Jersey.

For more information about EZ Ryde4Life, please email [email protected] or call Kinga Skora at (201) 939-4242 ext. 131.