At EZ Ride, we are dedicated to making transportation accessible for seniors and individuals with limited mobility across the state. Through our innovative partnership with Lyft and Uber, we provide a seamless, on-demand ride service – EZRyde4Life that ensures independence, safety, and convenience for those who need it most.

To further our mission, we are actively seeking opportunities to speak at community events, senior centers, healthcare facilities, and industry conferences. Our goal is to educate organizations, policymakers, and residents about how EZRyde4Life can bridge transportation gaps and improve quality of life.

If your organization is hosting an event or meeting where transportation solutions are a topic of interest, we would love to participate! Our presentations cover:

Let’s work together to ensure transportation is never a barrier to living a full and independent life. To invite us to speak or learn more, contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 Ext. 131. You are also welcome to join us at the events listed below.

Upcoming Events:

 

As of September 2024, the Complete & Green Streets Policy requirements for NJDOT and Sustainable Jersey have been updated. All new or existing policies must align with the standards outlined in the January 2020 NJDOT Complete & Green Streets For All Model Complete Streets Policy & Guide.

What is a Complete & Green Street?

Complete & Green Streets is a transformative initiative that prioritizes safety, accessibility, and sustainability. By designing roads that accommodate all users—pedestrians, cyclists, individuals with disabilities, and drivers—this policy helps create safer, more connected communities. More importantly, it aligns with the Safe Systems Approach Framework to achieve zero roadway deaths while integrating green infrastructure to manage stormwater and enhance environmental resilience.

Why Should Your Municipality Upgrade to a Complete & Green Streets Policy?

By adopting or updating your policy, your community will:

Currently, only 181 out of 565 New Jersey municipalities have a Complete Streets Policy, and just 27 meet the new guidelines. In EZ Ride’s service area, only 13 out of 50 existing policies have been updated.

Join Leading Municipalities Like Red Bank! Red Bank recently took action in 2024, updating its Complete & Green Streets Ordinance. Council Member Nancy Facey-Blackwood shared:

“Red Bank’s ordinance emphasizes green stormwater infrastructure, health, equity, and safer streets. It requires developers to adhere to engineering and development checklists, raising awareness of important safety infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as green initiatives.  Additionally, it establishes a Complete & Green Streets Advisory Committee to set benchmarks, report on safety impacts and promote walkability and bike-friendliness, benefitting the entire community.”

Act—Lead the Way in New Jersey! Be a leader in your community—adopt a Complete & Green Streets Policy today to create safer, healthier, and more resilient streets for generations to come.

EZ Ride is here to help! Contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 (Option 3) to start upgrading your policy today.

 

We are pleased to announce that EZ Ride has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, under their Age-Friendly Grants Program. This grant will support our EZ Ryde4Life program, advancing our mission to improve transportation accessibility across New Jersey.

Since its inception in 2017, the EZ Ryde4Life program has grown rapidly, highlighting the demand for reliable transportation, especially for seniors and individuals navigating evolving technology. Currently, EZ Ride facilitates over 10,000 rides each month and is on track to provide more than 150,000 rides in 2025.

At the heart of our operations is the QRyde software, developed by HBSS Connect Corp., which seamlessly integrates with providers like Lyft and Uber to coordinate rides efficiently. However, two major challenges remain:

With this grant, we plan to enhance our QRyde software to:

This grant is a pivotal step in expanding and improving our services, ensuring a more connected and accessible future for all. For more information about the EZ Ryde4Life program contact Kinga Skora at 201-939-4242 ext. 131.

We are pleased to announce a new partnership with UZURV, a specialized transportation provider offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and personalized door-to-door service. This collaboration enhances the EZ Ryde4Life program, ensuring greater mobility and independence for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Why UZURV?

UZURV is designed to meet the unique transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities. By incorporating wheelchair-accessible rides and hands-on assistance, we are making the EZ Ryde4Life program more inclusive than ever. Please note that this service will be available for an additional fee.

“We are thrilled to partner with EZ Ride to expand accessible and reliable transportation options in New Jersey. This collaboration allows us to bring our specialized door-to-door and wheelchair- accessible services to more individuals who need them most. Together, we are breaking down transportation barriers and ensuring that every rider has access to safe, comfortable and personalized travel options. We look forward to making a lasting impact with EZ Ride and the communities they serve.”

— John Donlon, Founding CEO and President of UZURV.

How EZ Ryde4Life Works?

The EZ Ryde4Life program provides a simple, phone-based solution for older adults who do not use smartphones or ride-hailing apps. Here’s how it works:

  1. Sign Up: Join the EZ Ryde4Life program and gain access to our network of transportation providers like Lyft, Uber and UZURV.
  2. Book Your Trip: Call our dedicated team to schedule a ride at 201-939-4242 and Press Option 4. No app or tech skills required.
  3. Enjoy The Ride: Receive trip details, including driver information and vehicle identification for a smooth and worry-free journey.

Learn More

For more information about EZ Ryde4Life and UZURV’s personalized transportation services, please contact Kinga Skora at 201-939-4242 ext. 131.

Together, we are expanding mobility, enhancing independence, and ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable transportation for all.

As of December 2024, New Jersey had over 200,000 registered electric vehicles (EVs). With EV adoption on the rise, it is crucial for first responders to understand how to safely manage incidents involving these vehicles.

Traditional firefighting techniques may not be effective for EV-related fires due to the high-voltage systems they operate on. Although EVs are less likely to catch fire compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, they burn at significantly higher temperatures (up to 5,000°F versus 1,500°F) and can reignite even after being extinguished. As a result, handling EV fires requires specialized knowledge and procedures.

To address this need, EZ Ride, in partnership with the New Jersey Electric Vehicle Association (NJEVA), is offering a free two-hour EV Safety Awareness session for first responders. The program features a presentation by an experienced volunteer firefighter and energy storage expert, covering:

NJEVA has previously delivered this program at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy and Princeton Junction’s Fire Co. #1.

Municipalities that participate in the program could earn 15 certification points through Sustainable Jersey under the “Make Your Town EV Friendly” Action category.  Offering Electric Vehicle First Responder Awareness Program is considered a mandatory task for this initiative, and many municipalities secure grants to enhance their community’s sustainability efforts.

Schedule a Free EV Safety Awareness Session

Communities interested in hosting this valuable program can apply here. Resources are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For more details, email [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 (Option 6).

2024 marked a tragic year for New Jersey families, with 691 lives lost on our roadways. From 2023 to 2024, fatalities surged by 14%, while pedestrian fatalities spiked by an alarming 32%.

Bill A1476/S361:  Establishes “New Jersey Target Zero Commission.”

The newly enacted P.L.2024, c.109 creates Target Zero Commission which is a groundbreaking initiative, uniting 13 state agencies under the leadership of the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). Its mission is to develop a comprehensive, data-driven action plan using evidence-based strategies to achieve zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040.

The Commission will prioritize analyzing physical transportation designs at the most hazardous locations, emphasizing equitable treatment for all users. Special attention will be given to protecting the most vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, pedestrians, cyclists, and communities that have historically faced disproportionate impacts.

In addition to its statewide focus, the Commission will serve as a resource hub, providing data and support to local municipalities in developing their own Target Zero plans.

A Collaborative Effort Towards Safer Streets

The establishment of the New Jersey Target Zero Commission represents a significant milestone in creating safer streets for all. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the mission of organizations like EZ Ride, which work tirelessly to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety.

At EZ Ride, we applaud Governor Murphy and the state’s leadership for this bold step towards eliminating traffic fatalities. The Target Zero Commission reflects a commitment to equity, data-driven planning, and protecting our most vulnerable road users. Together, we can build safer communities and achieve the vision of zero fatalities by 2040.

As we move forward, EZ Ride remains dedicated to partnering with the Target Zero Commission and local municipalities to ensure this vision becomes a reality. Let us all continue to work together for a safer, healthier, and more equitable New Jersey.

Congratulations to Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) for implementing workplace Electric Vehicle (EV) charging programs and achieving Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certification at 32 sites—the highest number for any employer in New Jersey. This remarkable accomplishment demonstrates PSE&G’s commitment to advancing clean energy and fostering sustainable transportation.

In 2024, a total of 122 worksites in New Jersey received EVAL certification. As the state’s oldest and largest investor-owned utility company, PSE&G employs approximately 12,500 individuals. Dawn Neville, PSE&G Manager of Electric Transportation, remarked, “Earning this national EVAL certification for workplace charging is an important recognition for us at PSE&G. It reflects our commitment to clean energy adoption and highlights the steps we’re taking to support EV-related charging solutions for our employees and our company. This certification also underscores our dedication to reducing the environmental impact across our worksites.”

The importance of workplace EV charging cannot be overstated. With approximately 10% of all new cars sold in the U.S. being electric, the demand for accessible charging infrastructure continues to rise. Statistics show that for every new public charging port installed, 38 new EVs are sold. To ensure seamless charging experiences, most areas aim for an ideal ratio of eight to twelve EVs per public charging port. According to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, this will necessitate installing 451 new EV chargers every day through the end of 2030 to meet the rate of EV adoption.

Access to workplace charging is a critical component in meeting this growing demand. Beyond home charging, workplace charging ranks as the most preferred option for EV owners. For the 20% of Americans—and an even higher percentage of low- and moderate-income drivers—who live in buildings without access to off-street parking, workplace charging provides an essential solution, ensuring equitable opportunities for EV ownership and usage.

The EVAL certification program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and administered by Forth Mobility, a non-profit organization dedicated to electrifying transportation. EZ Ride proudly serves as the lead implementation partner for this program in New Jersey.

At EZ Ride, we are committed to advancing electric mobility. We offer a range of services, including toolkits to implement workplace charging, information about state and federal EV grants, educational resources, guidance for EV charging deployment at multi-unit dwellings, fleet electrification technical assistance, and First Responder EV Awareness programs. For more information, contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 6.

Congratulations again to PSE&G for this significant milestone, which not only supports EV adoption but also sets an inspiring example for other employers in New Jersey and beyond.

On November 13 and 14, more than 3,000 students from 22 schools in Passaic, Orange, Teaneck, and Red Bank participated in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.

The event promotes walking to school and honors the bravery of six-year-old Ruby Bridges, the first African American student to desegregate a Louisiana public school in 1960. Despite harassment by protesters and racist taunts from residents as she entered the school to start first grade, Ruby didn’t miss a day of school and was the first in her family to graduate from high school.

November 14th was officially recognized in New Jersey as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in 2024 through Assembly Joint Resolution No. 159.

This event offers an opportunity to teach students about history, motivate them to adopt healthier habits such as walking, and embrace acceptance of their classmates who come from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Dr. Gerald Fitzhugh, II, Ed.D., Superintendent of Orange Public Schools, joined students from multiple schools to walk through the City of Orange Township on Nov. 14, 2024, as shown in the photo. “The Orange Public School District supports Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day and the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program by encouraging students to walk to school and to treat each other respectfully. Our district has endorsed a district-wide Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, and we will use these events to apply for the 2025 Safe Routes to School Recognition Program. We continually work with EZ Ride to inform our students about the best walking and biking safety practices, and we value our partnership. Thanks to our previous work with EZ Ride, most Orange public schools have hosted walk-to-school days and bike and pedestrian safety presentations. These events have led to many schools receiving Gold Safe Routes to School awards, and the City has received two SRTS infrastructure grants totaling $1,912,000 million in 2018 and 2024 to make safety improvements. We look forward to the continued success of both of these programs.” Superintendent Gerald Fitzhugh II, Ed.D.

Students at Teaneck Public Schools went the extra mile by preparing a wonderful video about Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day with contributions from NJ State Senator Angela McKnight, Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumpter, and Teaneck Superintendent Andre Spencer.

NJDOT’s NJ Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program recognizes Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day as meeting the criteria for the annual Safe Routes to School Recognition Awards program.

The EZ Ride Bike and Pedestrian team is proud to support this meaningful event. We are available to conduct presentations about Ruby Bridges and pedestrian safety and can provide ideas and resources for banners, signs, and student incentives. For more information, contact us at [email protected] or 201-939-4242, option 3.

Congratulations to all the students, teachers, and community members who participated in this year’s Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day! Together, we are making strides towards a healthier, more inclusive future.

For over 27 years, the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Community Health Center Inc. (VNACJ CHC), a federally qualified health center in Monmouth County, has provided primary care for families, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. However, transportation barriers have historically limited access to these vital services, especially for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges.

In 2021, VNACJ CHC partnered with EZ Ride to bridge this gap and provide reliable transportation solutions. Last year, more than 100 clients benefited from the program, with EZ Ride facilitating approximately 600 rides to and from the healthcare center in Asbury Park.

Why Partner with EZ Ride?

Partnering with EZ Ride eliminates the logistical challenges of arranging transportation. “They helped us overcome a roadblock in ensuring access to care for our patients, providing a well-executed and managed transportation system — EZ Ride handles it all,” notes John Zim, Chief Financial Officer of Nonclinical Services at VNACJ Community Health Center. “Partnering with a company skilled in transportation management allows us to focus on our chief goal: providing comprehensive care for our communities, regardless of patients’ insurance status or ability to pay.”

Beyond providing rides, EZ Ride collects and tracks critical data such as trip origins and destinations, trip purposes, travel times, and distances traveled. These insights are invaluable for planning, grant reporting, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements.

Flexible, Tailored Solutions

EZ Ride enables organizations to customize transportation services to meet their specific needs. Options include rider contributions, trip limitations, geographic restrictions, and purpose-specific trips. The program is quick to implement, launching in just days without long-term commitments. Best of all, the service is available statewide.

Currently, EZ Ride provides over 10,000 rides monthly, serving clients across New Jersey, including Bergen, Essex, and Monmouth counties. This scalable solution is ideal for non-profits and government agencies looking to address transportation gaps efficiently and effectively.

Join the Conversation

EZ Ride will be presenting its EZ Ryde4Life program at an upcoming webinar hosted by the New Jersey Council on Special Transportation (NJCOST) on January 17th at 10 a.m. This is an excellent opportunity for non-profits, community organizations, county and government agencies to learn how EZ Ride can help achieve transportation goals and improve service delivery.

Get Started

To learn more, contact Kinga Skora at (201) 939-4242 ext. 131 or email [email protected]. Together, we can ensure transportation is no longer a barrier to accessing essential services.

At EZ Ride, we believe access to safe and affordable transportation is critical to maintain our quality of life. For older adults who no longer drive, individuals with disabilities, and lower-income workers without access to a car, transportation is often a daily challenge.

That’s why, in January 2024, we launched the “Sponsor a Ride” campaign, providing subsidized rides through Lyft and Uber at just $5 per trip for lower-income older adults. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, the program has already been a success, assisting more than 200 older adults and delivering over 5,000 rides.

Take Elizabeth from Orange, for example. Without a car, Elizabeth relies on our program to juggle work at the West Caldwell Senior Retirement Community, care for her grandchildren, and run errands. As she puts it:

“The program has given us the independence we never thought we could have without owning a car. It’s about saving money and being able to manage our lives as a family without relying on others.”

Elizabeth’s story is just one of many. For countless older adults, this program is a lifeline, providing access to employment, healthcare, and everyday necessities like grocery shopping.

But the need is great, and we can’t do it without you. By sponsoring a ride, you can help ensure that seniors in our community have access to the transportation they need to live independently and with dignity.

Join us in making a difference. Sponsor a ride today by using the link below:

Together, we can drive change and improve lives.