EZ Ride  |  The Transporter |  August 2024                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has awarded a contract to EZ Ride to launch a free weekend pilot shuttle service for visitors of Liberty State Park. This shuttle service is part of the NJDEP’s revitalization work at the park to restore and enhance natural features; provide active outdoor recreation activities; add arts, cultural, and community spaces; expand passive recreation opportunities; improve transportation to and within the park; and improve and build resilience to climate change.

Service Details

The shuttle service launched as a pilot program running from July 19 to September 29, 2024. A ridership survey will be available in August and be conducted onboard at select times, and more widely released online. Rider satisfaction and feedback will inform adjustments for the pilot and future shuttle services.

Route: Two shuttles, one with a wheelchair lift, are operating along a scenic loop with stops at key points of interest, including:

Schedule: The Shuttle Pilot Program operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and select holidays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with additional service during special events.

“Liberty State Park is the most visited state park in New Jersey and an important recreational resource for area residents,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “Throughout DEP’s robust public engagement process, many have expressed the need for better connectivity between Liberty State Park’s amenities. This free shuttle service seeks to fulfill that need and better serve surrounding communities. Inclusivity has always been a priority of the revitalization program and we are thrilled to offer this service that will make getting around this iconic park more convenient for all.

For more information about the pilot shuttle service, call (201) 939-4242 option 1, or visit the EZ Ride website.

 

EZ Ride   |  The Transporter |  August, 2024

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The City of Passaic has proudly earned Gold Level EVAL Certification in recognition of its outstanding efforts to advance clean transportation opportunities for employees commuting to and from work.

The City has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable transportation by installing three Level-2 EV chargers and designating six EV-ready parking spaces for employees and residents. These initiatives are aimed at promoting and encouraging the use of electric vehicles within the community. The chargers, equipped with scheduling and waitlist capabilities, have been strategically installed at two locations: near City Hall and the WIC Clinic on St. Francis Street. The six EV-ready spaces feature clear signage and pavement markings, ensuring easy access for both staff and the public. See City of Passaic Press Release

Mayor Lora states, “With transportation being a major contributor to air pollution, providing EV charging infrastructure to the City of Passaic encourages more residents and businesses to switch to electric vehicles, thereby contributing to a healthier environment. Our goal is to gradually replace our gasoline-powered vehicles with electric ones, in line with New Jersey’s legislative commitment to end the purchase of new gas vehicles in the near future. This transition will not only reduce the city’s carbon footprint but also lead to long-term cost savings in fuel and maintenance.”

EZ Ride congratulates the City of Passaic, Mayor Hector Lora, and City Administrator Rick Fernandez for their pioneering efforts in advancing clean transportation and will present the award certificates to the City of Passaic on September 26, 2024, at their Annual Recognition Event.

EVAL (Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership) is a national workplace EV charging certification program managed by FORTH, a non-profit organization based in Oregon, and supported by the U.S. Department of Energy. EZ Ride is leading the promotion of this program in New Jersey.

The EVAL program is designed to assist, certify, and celebrate employers and businesses committed to providing clean transportation opportunities for their employees. It offers certification for a variety of initiatives, including the provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging, carpooling options, biking, public transportation, and incentives for sustainable commuting. EVAL certification is available at no cost until October 2024. Interested applicants can access the certification process by logging in or creating an account at evalcertification.org.

For more information, please email [email protected] or contact Lisa Lee or Stan Jaracz at (201) 939-4242, Extension 6.

 

Upcoming EV Events:

 

 

Deputy Director, Marketing & Sales

Kinga serves as the Deputy Director of Marketing & Sales at EZ Ride, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating transportation barriers for disadvantaged populations. She is the primary lead for EZ Ride’s marketing efforts, which include a highly successful monthly newsletter, “The Transporter,” with more than 3,000 readers and an annual recognition event, “Champions for Change,” that attracts over 300 attendees. These and other marketing initiatives have helped EZ Ride to:

–  Develop an extensive 24/7 shuttle service program serving more than 500 riders daily

–  Grow a statewide transportation program for older adults using Lyft and Uber, which is set to provide over 100,000 rides this year

With growing concerns about safety and climate change, Kinga will once again lead the marketing efforts for EZ Ride’s fleet electrification and workplace charging programs. Kinga holds a degree in Management & Marketing from Montclair State University.

 

Director, Sustainability Programs

Lisa connects and encourages stakeholders to use policy, environment and system change to create safer and healthier places to live, work, study, and play.  Serves as the regional Safe Routes to School Coordinator for Monmouth, Bergen, and the urban parts of Essex, Union, and Passaic Counties. Lisa assists communities to conduct Street Smart NJ pedestrian and driver safety campaigns, walk/bike audits, and writes travel plans for municipalities and schools to apply for New Jersey Department of Transportation grants.  Works on walking, biking and Complete Streets policies, infrastructure change, and tactical urbanism demo projects to support safe active transportation.  Helps promote walk and roll to school days, walking school busses/bike trains, wellness councils, community gardens, and healthy corner store/barbershop partnerships. Lisa developed Healthy Community initiatives/coalitions in Asbury Park, Long Branch, Farmingdale, Plainfield, Belmar and Fanwood-Scotch Plains.

Lisa is a League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructor and received a B.A. from Wellesley College, an executive M.P.A. from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and a Master of Divinity degree from Alliance Theological Seminary.  Currently studying Urban Planning at Rutgers University Bloustein School.

Assistant Commissioner                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Planning, MultiModel & Grant Administration                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT)

Michael Russo was appointed to the position of Assistant Commissioner in August 2017. Mike is responsible for managing approximately 230 employees in the Divisions of Statewide Planning, Multimodal Services, Local Aid and Economic Development, Environmental Resources, and the Bureau of Transportation Data and Safety.

Mike has 34 years with NJDOT beginning his career as a Civil Engineer Trainee in the Region 3 Design Office working primarily on projects along the Route 1 corridor. Most recently Mike served as Director of Local Aid and Economic Development leading a team of professional and administrative staff in five Local Aid offices responsible for the Department’s $530 million Local Aid program.

Earlier in his career Mike served in various capacities including Project Engineer of a Roadway Design Squad, District Engineer of the Freehold Local Aid Office, and Manager of the Bureau of Design Coordination and Geometric Design. Mike also served in the Division of Project Planning and Development managing Concept Development and Feasibility Assessment efforts on projects throughout the state including the I-295/Route 42/I- 76 Direct Connection Project.

Mike received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Miami in 1983 and resides in Columbus with his wife and two children.

President & CEO                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Meadowlands Chamber

After a 23 year career as a foodservice and hospitality entrepreneur, Jim has served as President & Chief Executive Officer of the Meadowlands Chamber since June of 2002. The Chamber’s mission is to accelerate economic, community and business development by providing its membership with networking & relationship building opportunities; destination & tourism marketing services; business education and leadership training; legislative and public affairs advocacy, and workforce development initiatives to business members throughout the greater Meadowlands region.
Jim initiated a strategic planning process that focused the organization’s activities on delivering membership value and an increased visible leadership position on critical advocacy initiatives. In 2004 Jim led the way for the establishment of the Meadowlands Liberty Convention & Visitors Bureau within the Chamber to address the economic impact that tourism and destination marketing could have on the Meadowlands regional economy. The Chamber and CVB play an integral part in bringing major events like the Super Bowl and WrestleMania to MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands.
Jim has served on the New Jersey Transit Advisory Council, the New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority Stakeholders Committee and is currently serving the Bergen Leads Advisory Board, The Center for Excellence at FDU, and the Felician College Business Advisory Board. Jim was elected to the national board of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) based in Washington DC in January of 2014
Jim attended Montclair State University and Fairleigh Dickinson University majoring in Business Administration and Accounting.

Director of Special Transportation Services                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Essex County Division of Training and Employment

Michael Vieira is the Director of Special Transportation Services for Essex County and has served in the position for more than 34 years. He is responsible for the county’s community transportation programs for senior citizens, the disabled and the economically disadvantaged.

Mr. Vieira is also involved in state and national community transportation organizations. Mr. Vieira is President of the New Jersey Council on Special Transportation  and a member of the Community Transportation Association of America based in Washington, DC where he shares his transportation expertise with other transportation agencies throughout the country.

Mr. Vieira is a member of the Livingston Township Council where he has served since 2019. He has also volunteered on the Livingston Transportation Advisory Committee, Vision 20/20, Complete Streets, Bi-Partisan Advisory Committee on Appointments and Livingston Zoning Board of Adjustment.  In addition, he is a member of the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs. He attended Rutgers University in Newark.

Director, Health Services, Strategy and Workforce Partnerships                                                                                                                                                                                                                     New Jersey Council of County Colleges

Sandra Bleckman is Director Health Services, Strategy and Workforce Partnerships at the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. Before her recent appointment, Bleckman was previously the Senior Project Manager, Employer Outreach & Partnerships. She has worked with the council since August 2020.

Ms. Bleckman is an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University and has taught there since 2014. She also worked as the Director of Leisure & Hospitality Industry Partnerships & Talent Development Center at FDU from 2013-19. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Clark University and an MA in Administrative Sciences from FDU.

In addition, Ms. Bleckman has earned a certification in Hotel Industry Analytics from FDU, Human Resources Management, also from FDU, and in Teaching Adult Learners from Camden County College. She also worked as Vice President of Foundation Development & Relations at Landmark Hospitality, as an alumni admissions interviewer for Clark University and a membership advisor at Equinox and Assistant Personnel Officer for the County of Bergen.

Sandra has served as a board member for the National Association for Catering & Events. She is also a member of the Essex County Disabilities Issues Committees as well as an advisory board member to Union City High School, Union County Vo Tech and Hudson County Community College. Sandra also sits on the Board of the NJ Tourism Industry Association, the Essex County Workforce Development Board as well as EZ Ride.

Executive Vice President                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Hartz Mountain Industries, Inc.

Mr. Gentile joined Hartz Mountain Industries in 1989 rising to the position of Executive Vice-President of Operations. Currently oversees all design, engineering, construction, and property management functions within one of the country’s largest privately owned real estate organizations.  Prior to Hartz he was employed by Williams Real Estate from 1985-1989 within the Property Management Department.

Mr. Gentile is a graduate of Hofstra University and a graduate of NYU School of Continuing Education in Construction Management.

Mr. Gentile has been a member of EZ Ride’s board since 2015.

Principal Facilities Planner                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                NJ Transit

Hailey Graf is a Principal Facilities Planner in NJ TRANSIT’s Strategic Planning Program. Her work for the agency includes enhancing bicycle and pedestrian access to transit facilities, bus service redesigns, and rail planning projects. With experience in micro-mobility and transit service planning, she aims to improve transit access and mobility for all users. Hailey holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and Design, with a focus in Community Sustainability from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.