Safety and reliability are the two most important factors to consider while choosing a shuttle service provider. Here are some questions to ask about vehicles, drivers and the organization itself when shopping for a shuttle service.  The price of service is important but should not be the primary yardstick used to select a provider.

The Vehicle

1. What is the average age of the vehicles in the fleet? Most of the vehicles that are used for shuttle services have a limited life-span of three to five years or about 150,000 miles per vehicle. An aging fleet is less reliable.
2. What level of insurance does the provider carry? New Jersey requires a minimum $1.5 million of insurance. However, to deal effectively with the outcomes of a catastrophic accident it would be prudent to have coverage of $5 million or more.
3. How much of the fleet is kept in reserve? A useful rule of thumb is that 20 percent of vehicles should be held in reserve to deal with emergencies and regular maintenance.
4. Do the vehicles have the latest technology? Vehicles should be equipped with GPS and in-vehicle cameras which document driving safety and provide video footage in the event of an accident. Additionally, it confirms on-time performance.
5. How are vehicle inspections handled? The provider should inspect each vehicle at the beginning and end of each shift that the vehicle is operated. New Jersey Department of Transportation inspections should be performed according to schedule.

The Driver

1. How are drivers selected and trained? Shuttle drivers should have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with passenger endorsement, a clean driving record and a minimum of two years of experience.
2. What is the drug and alcohol policy? The provider must strictly follow a policy that complies with the Federal Transit Administration guidelines. All drivers must be tested as specified, including random tests.
3. How many drivers are there? The operator should have sufficient back-up drivers available at all times to deal with contingencies.
4. How are the drivers monitored? Every driver’s performance should be reviewed periodically. Based on the results, they should be briefed throughout the year to improve their driving skills.
5. What is the driver turnover rate? There is an acute shortage of CDL drivers and turnover is high. However, it is a cause for concern and the provider should be asked to explain it.

The Company

Beyond the driver and the vehicle, it’s important to confirm the following about the shuttle service provider.

1. Safety Rating: Check the Federal Motor Safety Carrier Safety Administration safety rating if it is an inter-state provider.
2. Customer Service: The provider must have established protocols for communicating with riders directly and dealing with customer service complaints including time frames for corrective action.
3. Field Inspections: Field staff is crucial to physically monitor on-time performance, driver safety, and gather direct feedback from riders regarding the quality of service.
4. Federal Funding: Organizations that receive federal funding are held to a higher standard and are subject to audits and inspections. In addition, this brings down the cost of the shuttle program for you.

Once these criteria have been examined, then the price of the shuttle should be considered.

According to the U.S. Census, in 1990 the average commute time was less than 22 minutes. Today, Americans spend just over 26 minutes commuting to work each way.

These four extra minutes spent on commuting equates to eight minutes a day (4 x 2) round trip, 40 (8 x 5) additional minutes each week and 2,080 (40 x 52) extra minutes of commuting each year. This means that commuters now are spending 34.6 more hours in transit — a whole work week — than workers in the 1990s.

One study found that adding 20 minutes to your commute makes you as miserable as taking a 19 percent pay cut. Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman and economist Alan Krueger once surveyed 900 people and found that commuting was their least favorite activity of all, behind work, child care, and home chores.

“Commutes can have a major impact on morale and, ultimately, an employee’s decision to stay with or leave a job,” Paul McDonald, senior executive director for the staffing agency, Robert Half said in a statement. “In today’s candidate-driven market, skilled workers can have multiple offers on the table. Professionals may not need to put up with a lengthy or stressful trip to the office if there are better options available.” To help ease commuting woes, companies can offer remote work options, flexible scheduling or transportation amenities such as pre-tax transportation benefit.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed S1567 into law, requiring employers of 20 or more employees to offer a pre-tax transportation fringe benefit to their employees, covering commuter highway vehicle (vanpools) and mass transit costs. This mandate does not include parking.

The pre-tax benefit would allow employees to set aside a certain amount of pre-tax income for transportation services to and from work.  New Jersey is the first state to mandate this benefit to employees.

Governor Murphy stated, “Providing this pre-tax benefit to commuters throughout our state will reduce the financial burden of fares and parking costs, resulting in significant savings.”

The new law will take effect on March 1, 2020, or the effective date the regulations are adopted by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development – whichever is earlier.  Employees found noncompliant may be assessed a civil penalty of $100 to $250 for the first violation, and then an additional $250 penalty each additional 30-day period the employer is noncompliant.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce will adopt rules and regulations concerning the administration and enforcement of the pre-tax benefit.

For more information please visit www.billtrack50.com/BillDetail/945066

or contact:

Avnish Gupta

(201) 939-4242 ext. 118

[email protected]

May 31, 2016

EZ Ride’s  Safe Routes to School team visited the Amerigo A. Anastasia Elementary School on May 17^th and May 18^th and the Gregory Elementary school on May 23rd , 26^th and 31^st in Long Branch.  We met with 242 1^stand 2^nd graders to teach them about Pedestrian Safety during 10 PE classes.

Walking was introduced as a good and healthy way to begin each school day.  Kids were informed they need 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity to maintain their weight and stay healthy.  They were encouraged to see walking to and from school as a fun and easy way to get part of that daily exercise.    We shared that walking can be fun because it’s something that can be done with parents and siblings and it‘s a chance to talk with friends.   We taught kids that pedestrians are anybody who uses the sidewalks or roads to travel. In other words, pedestrians can be joggers, bicyclists, roller skaters, people in wheelchairs, or those who use skateboards or hover boards.

The Safe Routes to School team also shared research findings that students who start the day with at least 20 minutes of exercise do well in school because they are fully awake and they have better concentration, memory, and perform better on tests.

Students were taught the four basic rules for walking safety using a colorful and child-friendly visual presentation. These rules are:

1. Stop…completely at street corners and stay on the sidewalk.
2. Look…at pedestrian traffic signals to see if it is ok to cross. Look left, right and left again before crossing.  Look at stopped drivers and make eye contact to make sure they are aware you want to cross the street.
3. Listen…to make sure it is safe and no emergency vehicles or speeding cars are coming.
4. Think…about how to stay safe. This could include dressing in bright colors to be seen, using crosswalks, obeying signals and traffic laws. Watch out for friends to make sure they are safe too.

Last, we got the kids up to practice the lessons on a mini roadway and get some of their daily physical activity. Kids were shown a “do not cross” (red hand) signal and asked what to do.  They knew the right answer was to stop on the corner and wait.  Then when the signal changed, they were reminded to look both ways, listen, make eye contact with drivers, and think about if the situation was safe.  When they felt comfortable that it was safe, the students crossed the pretend street in the crosswalk.  Then as a large group, we all got up to exercise.  We speed walked, skipped, jogged and hopped around the gym several times and each time we stopped at the crosswalk to practice looking both ways before crossing.

For more info about the Safe Routes to School team at EZ Ride/Meadowlink, please contact Lisa Lee at 201-939-4242 or [email protected]. We serve schools and towns in Monmouth, Bergen, Essex, Passaic and Union Counties.

July 27, 2016

During May and June, over 400 students in grades 3-5 learned the ABCs of biking safety at the Amerigo A. Anastasia School (AAA), the Gregory School, and the George L. Catrambone School (GLC) in Long Branch.  EZ Ride’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) team made Bike Safety Presentations (BSPs) at these three elementary schools to encourage and teach students how to safely bike to and from school.

Children learn the alphabet and their ABCs in school and these are considered the building blocks that are essential for successful reading.  In the same way, children who learn the ABCs of biking safety learn the building blocks that are necessary for safe bicycling.

Children who attend our Biking Safety Presentations learn about:

• Helmet fit and that kids under 17 are required by NJ law to wear one
• The ABC quick check: how to quickly check a bike is safe before riding
• Rules of the road and responsibilities of cyclists as vehicles
• How to scan and signal before making turns
• How to ride predictably and watch out for road hazards
• How to dress to be safe and the bike equipment that is needed per NJ law

Additionally, the SRTS team explains the benefits of biking and walking to school to students and their teachers. Biking is a great way for students to get part of the daily 60 minutes of exercise that children need each day to stay healthy.  Brain research has shown that students who walk or bike to school are more awake and alert in class, they do better on tests, and they retain information better than students who are driven to school.  We talk about the importance of drinking lots of water when cycling and also about eating healthy foods including more fruits and vegetables to give children energy to help them ride their bicycles for the long term.

By the way, in case you were wondering what the ABCs of biking safety are…

• A stands for “air” which is needed in tires to ride a bike,
• B stands for “brakes” which are important to stop a bicycle and need to be properly positioned, and
• C stands for the “chain, crank, cog and cassette” on the bicycle

The equipment that all cyclists need to ride in NJ includes a white front light, a red rear taillight, and a bike bell or horn to audibly signal. The most important safety skills that kids need to learn are:

• Come to a full and complete stop at stop signs and red lights
• Stop at the end of driveways and look both ways before entering the road
• Always ride bikes on the right hand side of the street with vehicles

Next…the SRTS team will be heading back to the Gregory School and AAA School on July 27^thand July 28^th to teach in the summer school programs in Long Branch.  We will be making more walking and biking safety presentations to the summer school students and conducting Bike Skills Rodeos where students will get a chance to practice safe riding skills such as scanning, signaling and turning on a safe child-friendly course.  We will also be providing free bike helmets to students who do not have one.

For more info, please contact Lisa Lee at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242.

PSEG, headquartered in Newark for over 100 years, is one of the ten largest electric companies in the U.S.  On May 1st PSEG partnered with EZ Ride to launch an employee shuttle service that links their offices to Newark Penn Station and multiple parking garages in Newark.  The shuttle operates daily from 5:30 am – 10 am and from 2:30 pm – 7 pm.  The service uses two buses which run on two different routes – one serving Newark Penn Station and the other stopping at the parking garages utilized by PSEG employees.  “We are pleased to provide this shuttle service for our staff.  Getting to the office, especially in poor weather conditions, is much easier when you know there is a shuttle available every 10-15 minutes from Newark Penn Station or the parking garage. The availability of the EZ Ride shuttle has made the commute a little easier,” said John Hadden, PSEG Manager – HQ Operations.

EZ Ride also administers six vanpools for PSEG employees who commute to Newark from Toms River, Pt. Pleasant, Howell, Plainsboro, Hillsborough and Old Bridge. One of the vanpools has been in operation for more than 27 years.   EZ Ride plans to host commuter events at PSEG to increase awareness about other commute options such as public transit, carpooling and vanpooling as well as safe biking and walking.

For more information about setting up shuttle services at your facility, please contact:

Kinga Skora

(201) 939-4242 ext. 131

[email protected]

Uber Health and EZ Ride have entered into a partnership to provide on-demand, affordable transportation services for New Jersey residents age 18 and over through EZ Ride’s “Ryde4Life” program.   Ryde4Life is now available on weekdays from 8am – 8pm and on weekends from 8am – 5pm by calling  866.208.1307 Ext. 4.  Members do not need a smartphone to participate; they only need a cell phone and a credit card to register for the program. “Our partnership with Uber Health will fill the mobility gap experienced by residents who utilize existing public transportation options that may have limited schedules or routes. Ryde4Life makes The Garden State fully accessible all the time,” said Krishna Murthy, President and CEO of EZ Ride.  “We are pleased to provide an easy way for residents without a smart phone to take advantage of Uber’s services.”

“Uber Health’s partnership with EZ Ride provides an additional option for NJ residents to help increase their mobility and reduce isolation in their communities and around the state. Through Ryde4Life, Uber Health offers a convenient, safe and user-friendly on-demand ride experience for those who need it most,” said Dan Trigub, Head of Uber Health.

For more information, please contact:

Avnish Gupta

(201) 939-4242 ext. 118

[email protected]

Thanks to a generous grant from the New Jersey Health Initiative (NJHI), the state-wide grant making wing of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,  EZ Ride was able to help form the Alliance for a Healthier Asbury Park. The vision of the Alliance is to improve the health and well-being of all Asbury Park residents through prevention, health education, active programs, policy, and environmental change. Its mission is to prevent and reduce chronic disease by lowering the barriers and conditions that prevent healthy living and thinking.

The Open Streets movement is a global phenomenon about getting communities active and changing the way people view their streets and neighborhoods. The Alliance decided that closing certain roads in town and making the “Open Streets” available for healthy activities such as walking, biking, yoga, and rock climbing could increase awareness about the importance of good health, and provide an excellent opportunity to promote healthy lifestyles and active living in the City. In addition to the grant from NJHI, the Alliance raised more than $20,000 from the community to support the event.

The Alliance hosted the First Asbury Park Alive event for a Healthier Asbury Park on Saturday, May 4, 2019, from 1 pm – 5 pm.   The slogan of the event was “Uniting a City through Streets in Motion!” and the City closed several major streets to provide a safe space for people to walk, bike, or skate.  There were bands, DJs, and different activity stations to promote health and well-being. Many partners from the Alliance for a Healthier Asbury Park were involved, including EZ Ride.

EZ Ride provided shuttle services to transport residents from the Senior Housing buildings to the event.  EZ Ride also had two table stations to promote our Ryde4Life and bike and pedestrian programs. The grant provides funding to help Asbury Park residents sign up for the Ryde4Life program and get free transportation services using Lyft or Uber up to a maximum of $100.

EZ Ride’s Bike and Pedestrian team were out in full force promoting bicycling safety at the Bike Hub area by setting up an extensive Safe Bike Riding Skills Course at the Transit Station parking lot. The team distributed safety information, bike safety coloring books, Street Smart tip cards, bike lights, bike water bottle holders, and free helmets.

“I had the privilege to be stationed near EZ Ride’s Bike Rodeo. The team kept focused on the children’s enjoyment and safety and gave out a lot of essential items including helmets and bicycle water bottle holders. The team did face a few challenges – illegally parked vehicles and the rain. But EZ Ride’s Bike & Pedestrian Team rearranged the course several times as necessary. In spite of the rain, they kept the energy level high as they promoted bike safety and fun for the children and families who participated” said Pastor Jackie Burgess,  Volunteer Coordinator for Asbury Park Alive.

For more information contact:

Lisa Lee

(201) 939-4242 ext. 123

[email protected]

On April 10, 2019, the Borough of Caldwell, Caldwell School District, and EZ Ride staff teamed up to conduct a Bike & Walk Audit for the Grover Cleveland Middle School.

The Audit is designed to assess the condition of the streets around a school, make recommendations to improve the infrastructure and the environment, with the ultimate goal to encourage and enable students and residents to bike and walk to school.

Two teams conducted the Audit.

The bike team included EZ Ride’s Regional SRTS Coordinator, the Caldwell Traffic Police Sgt., Caldwell’s Head of the Department of Public Works, the School District Superintendent and a staff member, and a Research Specialist from Rutgers Voorhees Transportation Center. They came dressed with bright safety vests, bikes, and helmets.

The walk team included the Director of Social Services, Health Inspector, City Councilwoman, Fireman, two parents, and EZ Ride’s two Assistant Coordinators. To make it more realistic, one team member pushed a baby stroller, and the team also included a senior walker.

The 13 participants split into four groups and evaluated two walk and two bike routes. Each team followed predetermined routes to check the crosswalks, signage, lighting, sidewalks, crossing guards, and ADA compliant ramps.

The Audit started at the end of the school day. The team members witnessed the student dismissal process and observed the traffic before starting the actual audit.

The post-audit session was held at the library to share the findings and the recommendations which were documented by EZ Ride staff. The final audit report could be used by the Borough and School to apply for funding to make infrastructure changes and to get Sustainable Jersey certification points to apply for grants.

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Lee

(201) 939-4242 ext. 123

[email protected]

Pearl and Sheila live in East Orange.  They used a combination of rides from friends and family, taxis, and buses to get around town.  They discovered the Ryde4Life program while traveling back and forth to the hospital to visit a family member.  Not having to depend on anyone for a ride was very appealing to them and they signed up for the program. Now they use Ryde4Life in conjunction with public transportation to get to the hospital, for shopping, doctor appointments, and social functions.

“We love the flexibility and the fact that there is no exchange of money or arguing over the fare.  The drivers are great, cars are clean, and they arrive within five minutes. We enjoy the freedom of using the service as needed and we enjoy the luxury of someone else out there who looks out for any billing discrepancies. EZ Ride takes care of that easily and quickly.”

For additional information or to sign up for the program, call:

(866) 208-1307, Option 4  or visit  www.Ryde4Life.org

We are adjusting our pricing to more accurately reflect the value riders get from our services and to ensure the financial viability of the program.  As a result, EZ Ride will charge a flat fee of $2.40/ mile, and there will be no additional pick-up fee. The increase will be effective September 15, 2017.

The Flex-T Mobility program was launched in 2009 with a grant from the Kessler Foundation to provide rides for people with reduced mobility using volunteer drivers in Monmouth County.  The program has grown and now serves more than 100 riders mostly in Monmouth County, and the total number of rides provided has doubled over the last two years from about 9,000 in 2015 to 18,000 in 2017. We have replaced the volunteers with professional drivers who had the skill sets to meet the needs of the riders we were attempting to serve which increases the cost.

Our 100+ customers live in about 50 different towns and travel to more than 250 different destinations. A large number of origins and destinations make it difficult for our clients to share a ride and if they do, it increases the time they spend in the car traveling. Currently, the average trip length is about 7.7 miles and takes about 24 minutes. We are able to accomplish it by using a larger fleet of vehicles and more drivers which again increases the cost.

To simplify our billing operations, we now require our customers to provide us with a credit/ debit card. Similar to EZ Pass, we will initially deduct $50 from the credit/debit card to open the account and fund the rides. As and when the account balance drops to $25 or below; we will replenish the account balance by adding $50 from the credit/ debit card. All active members will receive a monthly statement of rides provided and their cost.

EZ Ride is a qualified provider for the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) which provides funding for services that assist adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live as independently as possible. Each individual who uses DDD’s services has a plan of care developed with their Support Coordinator that details how they want to live and their transportation needs are described in this document.

EZ Ride is working closely with the DDD client and their Support Coordinator to ensure that they are aware of the price increase and are getting the transportation they need. We appreciate our riders’ continued participation in our Flex-T program and look forward to serving their transportation needs into the future.

For additional information, please contact:

(201)939-4242 or email [email protected]

BNE Real Estate Group is a family-owned business with an established track record of developing thousands of luxury homes, more than one million square feet of commercial space, and manages nearly  8,000 apartments.

In spring 2019 they began leasing operations at their latest venture, One Harrison, located along the Harrison waterfront.  In addition to several lifestyle amenities, BNE partnered with EZ Ride to offer their residents free shuttle service to and from the Harrison PATH station.

“The shuttle is a huge draw for residents who commute using the PATH train service at Harrison. It seamlessly connects our community with public transportation and eliminates the hassles and expense of owning a car. EZ Ride serves not only One Harrison but also two more of our residential communities – Monarch in East Rutherford and Water’s Edge in Harrison,” said Seth Cohen, Executive Vice President – Head of Operations at BNE Real Estate Group.

The Harrison PATH station was redeveloped at a cost of $256 million to include glass-enclosed, weather-protected station entrances; modern elevators widened stairs and escalators to platforms; and, possibly the most critical feature, extended platforms to accommodate longer, 10-car trains. EZ Ride operates five different shuttle services from the Harrison PATH station for various clients.

For more information about setting up shuttle services at your facility, please contact:

Kinga Skora

(201) 939-4242 ext. 131

[email protected]

An $11.7 million, state-funded Bloomfield Avenue Bridge rehabilitation project will replace the bridge superstructure, which is in “poor condition.” The bridge is located on Bloomfield Avenue/CR506 over NJ TRANSIT’s Montclair Rail Line near Maple Avenue in Montclair.

The project will be advanced in stages to minimize the impact on motorists. EZ Ride partnered with IEW Construction Group to provide shuttle service for pedestrians during sidewalk closures. The service is free, and it’s provided seven days a week: Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The shuttle operates continuously, picking up at Bloomfield Ave and Highland Ave, Bloomfield Ave and Pine Street, and Bay Street Train Station.  Additionally, if needed, riders can flag the shuttle along Woodland Ave.

The shuttle service began on June 29 and is expected to continue operating until December 2019.  The overall construction on the bridge is expected to be completed by summer 2020.

Riders can obtain additional information about the service by contacting:

Veronica Gallegos

(201) 939-4242 ext. 1

[email protected]

Shuttle Map

On May 17, 2019, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), in partnership with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), announced $5.8 million in Safe Routes to School (SRTS) infrastructure grants to eleven communities.  Seven of these eleven winners are EZ Ride’s municipal and school partners, who were awarded a total of $4.2 million.

In Bergen County:

• $210,000 for Berkeley Elementary School in Westwood

In Essex County:

• $1,000,000 for Hawkins 13th Ave School in Newark
• $1,000,000 for Park Avenue Elementary School in Orange

In Monmouth County:

• $500,000 for Bradley Thurgood Marshall Elementary School in Asbury Park
• $275,000 for Highlands Elementary School in Highlands
• $230,000 for Amerigo A. Anastasia Elementary Middle School in Long Branch
• $1,000,000 for River Plaza Elementary School in Middletown

EZ Ride partnered with schools, parents, students, community leaders, police, and other city officials in these communities to identify the barriers that prevented walking or biking in the neighborhood. The schools also documented how students get to and from school – bus, bike, car, walk, or public transit. And EZ Ride prepared a School Travel Plan with recommendations on improving the bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure around the school, which was a requirement for all communities seeking infrastructure grants.

“We believe that the Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Grant will help improve the pedestrian and traffic safety not only for our students but also for our residents. We are a township where residents will be healthier, happier, and better connected when they feel they can travel safely around the town.

Dr. Gerald Fitzhugh II, Ed.D, Superintendent, Orange Public Schools continued, “School district staff, city officials, parents, students, and the EZ Ride bike and pedestrian team collaborated to assess and gather the data for the walkability audit. The Travel Plan Report written by EZ Ride identified the traffic safety issues we noted during the audit and provided specific recommendations for us to implement and to highlight in our grant application. During the process, the entire school community was galvanized around improving pedestrian and traffic safety issues in the township.

We look forward to working further with the City of Orange Township, EZ Ride, and NJ Safe Routes to Schools to develop opportunities for safer travel to our district schools.”

For more information about our bike and pedestrian programs, please contact:

Lisa Lee

(201) 939-4242 ext. 123

In March 2019, Essex County teamed up with EZ Ride to provide rides for older adults using the Ryde4Life program. The pilot program was designed to augment the county paratransit systems either because of capacity constraints, requests for rides outside of normal operating hours or delayed requests for a ride.

The process is simple –  TransDev, the county’s paratransit operator provides EZ Ride with a list of passengers with their pick-up and drop-off locations a day before they are required. The following day, the riders call EZ Ride directly to request a ride, and the EZ Ride Coordinator uses Lyft/ Uber to provide the service. At the end of the month, EZ Ride bills the county the actual cost of the ride and an additional $2.50 per trip.

Funding for the pilot program was provided in equal amounts by NJ Transit and Essex County. In the last three months, EZ Ride has provided more than 800 rides to county residents.

“The program has been an immediate and overwhelming success. And the number of rides has gradually increased to about 40 trips a day. Our goal in Essex County is to eliminate the transportation barrier and improve the quality of life for our seniors. We are delighted with the services provided by EZ Ride.

We look forward to making it a regular feature on our menu of transportation options,” said Michael Vieira, Essex County Director of Transportation Services.

The Ryde4Life program is very popular with older adults as no reservation is required, and riding in a sedan is far more comfortable than a minibus. However, the average cost of the ride is about $13, which poses a financial burden for most of our riders who live on a fixed income and cannot always afford the trip. The success of the Essex County program was primarily because the rides are free.

The Ryde4Life program primarily serves – older adults, passengers with disabilities, and lower-income residents living in areas with little or no public transportation.

Typically, NJ Transit commuters only pay about 50 percent of the operating cost of the ride. We want to offer the same 50 percent discount to our riders in the Ryde4Life program.

For additional information about the Ryde4Life program, please contact:

Barbara Friedman

(201) 939-4242 ext. 223

[email protected]

Michael had lived in Spring Lake, Summit and New York City before settling down in Montclair. He doesn’t drive and has witnessed the changes in the transportation services available in town.

He joined Ryde4life in August 2017, and he uses it for trips outside of Montclair.

For Michael, being a member of Ryde4Life makes him feel independent and in charge of his transportation without having to own a car.  He likes Ryde4Life because its available  on-demand, and he saves a lot of money compared to local taxi services.  He said he rates Ryde4Life “a 20+” and that he is a “satisfied customer.”

For additional information or to sign up for the program, call:

(866) 208-1307, Option 4

or visit

www.Ryde4Life.org

On June 17, 2019 EZ Ride’s Bike & Pedestrian Team in partnership with the Elmwood Park School District, the Elmwood Park Police Department, NJTPA’s Street Smart NJ Program, and the NJ Devil’s mascot, known as “NJ,” launched the Street Smart NJ campaign safety messages for drivers and pedestrians at the Gilbert Elementary School.

A short video about how to cross streets safely was presented to more than 250 Grade K-3 students. We taught the children our four safety rules, “Stop, Look, Listen & Wave.” Several of them volunteered to come up and practice the rules on our mini-roadway along with NJ, who modeled the safe way to cross a street.

We also premiered the brand new Street Smart NJ Public Service Announcement starring Ken Daneyko, former NJ Devil’s ice hockey player and three-time Stanley Cup winner. In the video, Daneyko emphasizes the importance of walking safely in busy New Jersey and the danger of being a distracted driver or pedestrian.

The Street Smart NJ messages in the campaign were:

• Wait for the Walk Signal to cross streets
• Heads Up & Phone Down for both drivers and pedestrians
• Cross at the Corners, not mid-block
• Look Before Crossing
• Use the Crosswalks

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Lee

(201) 939-4242 ext. 123

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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:

1. Raise awareness and $200,000 in funds for EZ Ride’s financial assistance program
2. Enable the participation of 1,000 older adults in our Ryde4life transportation program
3. 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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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:

1. Strengthening your crossing guard program
2. Crafting policies to promote walking and biking for adoption by your municipality and Board of Education (BOE)
3. Implementing biking and walking educational programs for kids
4. Identifying street infrastructure needs to support safe walking and biking
5. 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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

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

Walk to School Day is an international event celebrated in October each year. Thousands of communities join in with the fun and safe Walk to School Day events that get families, teachers, city staff, and community members walking together while educating children and families about the benefits of walking.

Over 7,500 students from 41 schools in EZ Ride’s service area registered and  participated in the event this year on www.WalkBiketoSchool.org website.

The ultimate goal is to develop a walk to school program that is not limited to one day or one event but to create a culture of walking all year round. Farmingdale School in Monmouth County embodies that spirit and encourages its students to walk to school regularly. In addition to celebrating “Walk to School Month” in October and “NJ Bike Month” in May, the school host weekly “Walk to School Wednesdays.” Having an ongoing walking program earned them the Silver Safe Routes to School Recognition Award.

“Walk to School” days are a fun way to encourage and increase the number of students and their parents who walk to school. They help to reduce congestion around school areas, eliminate unnecessary idling of cars, and decreases the potential for crashes between vehicles and pedestrians.

For more information about walking and biking programs, please contact:

Latoya Howard

(201) 939-4242 ext. 122

[email protected]

.

In February 2017, EZ Ride took over the township’s senior transportation service. Since then, the door-to-door, reservation-based service has been providing, on average, 700 passenger trips per month. Service is available free of charge for all residents 55 and older, including individuals with disabilities.

The Montclair Township Senior Bus operates five days a week. With our shuttle, you can find something for everyone throughout the week. Trips are provided to access social activities, cultural arts/events, classes, exercise groups, lectures, shopping and doctor appointments.

“I am happy to have extended our contract with EZ Ride because our partnership with them has ensured that the Montclair Senior Bus runs smoothly. And I also know we will receive the data we need to make informed decisions, and I can rely on them to provide us with expert feedback as well,” said Katie York, Director of Senior Services/Lifelong Montclair.

Many senior members are pleased with the service. “Other than much-appreciated availability of the service itself, the “gem” of the service had been the drivers – reliable, courteous, and always on-time,” said Augusta Ellen Madyun.

If your town is interested in learning more the senior shuttle program, please contact:

Kinga Skora

(201) 939-4242 ext. 131

[email protected]

Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey, Community Health Center Inc. in Asbury Park is looking forward to working with EZ Ride and using the Ryde4Life program to provide transportation for their clients. VNACJ works with vulnerable populations such as at-risk children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illness. Their mission is to help individuals and families achieve their best level of well-being by providing compassionate, coordinated, innovative care in their homes and communities. Transportation is often a challenge for their clients because their homes are located far from healthcare facilities, and most of them don’t own a car and could not afford to pay for a taxi service. As a result, many do not get to visit a physician until it’s too late.

VNACJ decided to partner with EZ Ride and launch a pilot transportation program. The goal is to provide reliable transportation for their clients, which would help them access healthcare services. Thanks to a grant from New Jersey Health Initiatives, EZ Ride will set up a dedicated transportation account for VNACJ clients using the Ryde4Life program. VNACJ representatives will contact EZ Ride and arrange transportation for groups or individuals in need of transportation.

For more information about the Ryde4Life program please contact:

Barbara Friedman

(201) 939-4242 ext. 223

[email protected]

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey signaled it would go ahead with eliminating the carpool discount in January as it expands cashless tolling technology.

For years, commuters have utilized the carpool discount so they would only pay $6.50 at the George Washington Bridge rather than the $15 standard rate. The Port Authority announced in late September that it wanted to cancel the discount.

With the implementation of cashless tolling, officials contend, the discount would not work because toll workers would not be physically present to count how many occupants are in the car.

The cashless tolling system is being installed at the George Washington Bridge and the Lincoln and Holland tunnels, for a $240 million price tag. Under the new system, the toll booths would be replaced by mounted cameras which will take a picture of the license plate and either send the bill to the registered owner or deduct the funds from an E-ZPass account, if the owner has one.

Kinga Skora

(201) 939-4242 ext. 131

[email protected]

Governor Phil Murphy recently signed a bill into law requiring New Jersey employers with at least 20 employees to offer a pre-tax transportation fringe benefit to employees (who are not currently in a collective bargaining agreement) beginning March 1, 2020.

The Federal Government allows employees to set aside $265 per month of pre-tax wages, which can be used for your mass transit commuting costs and parking while reducing your federal taxable income. That means you could save up to $900/year by not paying federal income tax on that salary. If you need to pay for parking to make your transit connection, the parking fees can be funded with pre-tax dollars up to an additional $265 per month.

To take advantage of these tax savings, your employer needs to opt-in to either the NJ TRANSIT Bulk Sales program or one of the programs offered by a third-party provider, like TransitChek by WageWorks. In addition to these programs, payroll service companies like ADP, offer a transit pre-tax benefit option. A common name for the benefit is “commuter tax benefit.”

Commuter tax benefits can be structured as an employee-funded tax-free payroll deduction, as an employer-funded benefit, or employer and employee can share the costs. The benefit can be delivered in the form of transit provider-specific passes or universally accepted vouchers and debit cards.

To help you through the process and provide the information, please contact:

NJ TRANSIT Bulk Sales Program

(973) 491-7288.

Geraldine and her husband William, have been married for 59 years. Originally from Brooklyn, they moved to Staten Island to raise their family. They moved to New Jersey to be closer to their son and his family. Geraldine and William have five beautiful grandchildren. She enjoys her relationships with them because they always keep her laughing.

Living in New Jersey does not come without challenges. Things got much more comfortable when they joined the Ryde4Life program about a year ago. When William fell ill, it became difficult to get him to his doctor’s appointments.

Geraldine exclaimed, “Thank goodness Ryde4Life is around to get us back and forth when there is not any other option!” Now, they can enjoy spontaneous shopping trips. Geraldine stated that the drivers are all amiable and helpful. She spreads the word about Ryde4Life whenever she can.

For more infromation about Ryde4Life program, please call:

(866) 208-1307, Option 4

www.Ryde4Life.org

Since October 25, American Dream opening day, many people have been wondering about parking and transportation options.  Parking at American Dream for less than 30 minutes is free, but after that fees start at $3 for up to three hours and go up from there. Parking for over 8 hours or all day is $24. But if MetLife Stadium is hosting an event, such as a concert or a Giants or Jets game, parking will automatically cost $30.  While many visitors expect to drive, others may want to use public transit options.

NJ TRANSIT has implemented the following bus service:

• Bus No. 355 which operates daily express service from PABT to the American Dream every 30 minutes.
• Bus No. 356 which operates daily express service from Secaucus Junction to American Dream every 30 minutes.

To utilize Bus No. 356 express bus service from Secaucus Junction customers may travel on any rail line that serves Secaucus Junction or any of the five NJ TRANST bus routes that serve Secaucus Junction and transfer to Route No. 356 express bus for direct service to American Dream. They are:

• Bus No. 2, Journal Square to Secaucus
• Bus No. 78, Newark to Secaucus
• Bus No. 124, PABT to Secaucus-Harmon Cove
• Bus No. 129, PABT to Secaucus
• Bus No. 329, Harmon Cove to Secaucus

Local bus routes which have expanded their operating hours and include stops at American Dream include:

• Bus No. 85, which operates from Hoboken/Union City to Secaucus;
• Bus No. 703, which operates from Paterson/Passaic to East Rutherford;
• Bus No. 772, which operates from Hackensack to the Meadowlands

For more information about bus and train schedules, please contact:

Michael Jensen

(201) 939-4242 ext. 139

[email protected]

January is the time to make plans and set goals for the coming year. Many people make resolutions to get more exercise and eat healthier foods, and these are two healthy practices.

Our Bike & Pedestrian Team works with more than 200 communities during the year to promote walking and biking. This year the team decided to talk about idling, the impact on kids, and the importance of reducing the amount of idling that happens around schools at drop off and pick up. Idling is when the engine in a vehicle is running, but the vehicle is not moving. An idling car produces 20 times more pollution than a car driving 30 mph and kids breathe 50% more air pollution per pound of body weight than adults and are more severely affected because their lungs are still growing. The #1 chronic disease for kids is asthma, and idling and vehicle emissions make asthma worse.

According to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, “excessive idling causes an unnecessary release of air contaminants into the air in NJ, including fine particulates and air toxins. Every year, hundreds of New Jerseyans die prematurely from exposure to diesel exhaust and fine particle pollution and may cause more deaths in NJ than homicides and car crashes combined”. As a result, NJ law prohibits idling for more than three minutes, and drivers face a $250 fine for the first offense, $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for the third and subsequent violations. The exceptions are for vehicles in traffic, emergency vehicles providing service, and busses discharging or picking up passengers (15-minute idling limit).

For more information, visit:

www.StopTheSoot.org.

Complaints about idling vehicles can be made to the DEP’s 24-hour toll-free hotline at:

1-877-WARN DEP

(1-877-927-6337)

August 7, 2020

Starting in the month of May 2020, EZ Ride, in conjunction with The Alliance for a Healthier Asbury Park, is using their New Jersey Health Initiatives (NJHI) grant to assist all Asbury Park residents in getting to doctor’s appointments and going for food shopping. As of this writing, subject to availability of funds, this free service will be provided until December 31, 2020.

The Ryde4Life program by EZ Ride uses the transportation services offered by Lyft and Uber and was designed to serve older adults to address their transportation challenges. Since last three years this program has been providing limited number of free rides to the seniors in Asbury Park.  However, due to the challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic, it was expanded to serve all Asbury Park residents aged 18 and over to get to their doctor’s appointments or to go food shopping up to a distance of 15-miles.

The rides are available Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM based on the availability of Lyft and Uber vehicles. Riders must request the ride at least 24 hours in advance and need a working cell phone to connect them with the driver. At the time and day of their appointment, the resident is required to call again to activate their ride.

Doug Schultz, the Director of Social Services in Asbury Park, had several clients who needed to get to a specific clinic just outside the mile limit and reached out to EZ Ride to see if they could help. Because the need for the residents is so great at this time, EZ Ride worked with him and will continue to do so going forward.

“I would like to thank EZ-Ride for their willingness to accommodate our residents with transportation to medical facilities beyond the 15-mile limit to include two Substance Abuse treatment facilities. We are grateful and hope that we will be able to make use of this service during these challenging times,” said Doug Schultz.

EZ Ride hopes to provide trips to as many Asbury Park residents as possible, helping to keep them safe and healthy during these difficult and uncertain times. The expanded program was launched on May 4th, and we are pleased that it is helping many residents of Asbury Park.

For more information, please see the program flyer

As New Jersey starts re-opening for business, we are ready and prepared to re-launch our shuttle services with the health and safety of our riders as our first priority. EZ Ride is amenable to modifying the route, including providing direct service into New York City. Please keep us posted about your shuttle needs ahead of time, as we would need at least a week to start the service.

As informed earlier, we are taking the following steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Requiring all drivers and riders to wear a cloth face covering while on the shuttle
• Restricting seating to alternate rows to ensure proper social distancing
• Posting conspicuous signage on shuttles to alert drivers and customers about social distancing requirements
• Sanitizing all shuttles daily and wiping all frequently touched surfaces.

Please note all riders are required to have a face covering to use our shuttle service.

Some additional measures being implemented in our facility that will add to the overall safety environment for our drivers are as follows:

• Installation of air scrubbers in all HVAC systems in the building
• Revisiting package and mail delivery procedures
• Reducing staff in the office to below 25 percent of pre-pandemic numbers
• Supporting social distancing by removing the coffee machine and the table/ chairs in the driver lounge area

Be well, and stay safe. We look forward to serving you.

For more information about our safety measures, please contact Avnish Gupta at (201)939-4242×118 or email [email protected].

We are ready and prepared to re-launch our shuttle services and the health and safety of our riders is our priority. We have created a brief video showing the safety precautions being taken by us (link to the video here).

To ensure your safety, we require that all riders wear a face covering when boarding our shuttles and practice social distancing rules by limiting one passenger per row.

Several of our shuttles have already begun their operations. Please visit our shuttle schedules page to check if your service is up and running.

If your company is ready to resume operations, please contact:

Kinga Skora 201-939-4242 Ext.131 or [email protected]

New Jersey Transit will lift the 50 percent capacity limits on its trains, buses and light rails, as the COVID-19 pandemic slows down in the state and the New York City metro area, and more people begin commuting to work. That also applies to private-carrier buses, trains and light rail vehicles, and Access Link vehicles.

“As we have undertaken our restart and recovery, and as more New Jerseyans begin getting back to their jobs, we are seeing increases in ridership which are beginning to approach 50 percent of the stated maximum capacity of these vehicles, and we want to ensure that people are able to get to their jobs and that the system continues operating as efficiently as possible,” the governor said at his COVID-19 press conference May 6^th at the Trenton War Memorial.

Staff and passengers will still have to wear face coverings, Governor Murphy said. Although trains and buses will not automatically jump past the 50 percent cap in most cases, “we anticipate at least at rush hour that will be a reality,” the governor suggested.

Masks need to be worn at any indoor stations, as well as outdoor stations where social distancing “is not practicable,” Murphy added.

We are pleased that more than 100 schools and municipalities served by EZ Ride were recognized by the New Jersey Department of Transportation for their Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program and included 51 Gold, 20 Silver, 18 Bronze, and 27 First Step Awardees. These winners are recognized for their commitment and support of the Safe Routes to School program by enabling and encouraging children to walk and bike to school. For a list of all current NJ SRTS winners, click here.

The Safe Routes to School program recognizes awardees for their hard work and commitment to the program, and recognition is valid for three years. Schools and municipalities that have earned NJ SRTS recognition and are also enrolled in the Sustainable Jersey certification program can earn points. Click here for more information.

To learn more about how to qualify for the NJ SRTS Recognition Program and get a head start on applying for recognition next year, please contact:

Lisa Lee

201-939-4242 Ext 123

[email protected]

EZ Ride now offers a new Online Bike Safety presentation with videos and a follow-up poster contest and worksheet in English, Spanish, Hindi and Arabic languages, which is available for free for all students.  More than 16,000 students have taken advantage of these presentations. To review the presentation click here. We have made changes to our current safety presentations and added safety tips regarding Covid-19 to ensure the importance of social distancing is highlighted.

EZ Ride also has created a new Library of more than 150 curated Bike and Pedestrian resources that include videos, activities, and information for students, parents, and adults who want to promote biking,  walking,  and traffic safety. Click here to check out the resources available.

During this summer season more people are out walking and biking in their neighborhoods. EZ Ride’s top priority is to ensure they are doing so in the safest and healthiest way.

The Safe Routes to School Travel Toolkit, provides information about the commute to school options in the context of COVID-19 and especially addresses safety and social distancing plans. The toolkit was sent to more than 1,000 school principals and administrators in EZ Ride’s service area that could benefit more than 500,000 students and their families. To access the Tollkit click here.

The toolkit is designed to help and keep pedestrians and bicyclists informed and safe. It includes five distinct sections: walking, biking, busing, driving, and school access points and each section also provides suggestions and benefits.

The toolkit could help:

• Students – Be safe when travelling to and from school
• School administrators – Face the challenges with the reopening of schools
• Parents – Alleviate their anxiety about the reopening of schools

For more information please call Lisa Lee

201939-4242 Ext.123 or  email:  [email protected]

The Voices for Healthy Kids’ mission is to support, drive and inform local, state and tribal policy change efforts that will dramatically improve the health of children who are Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian and Alaskan Native or from families who have low income through campaigns, partnerships/networks, research and communications.

• Sugary Drink Tax and Investment
• Healthier Options at Restaurants
• School Food Access and Healthy Quality
• Early Care and Education Security
• Head Start/Early Head Start
• Water Access in Schools
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Expansion and Nutrition Incentives

• Visit https://voicesforhealthykids.fluxx.io and in the lower right corner of the webpage, click the create account now button. Be sure to use Google Chrome as this site does not work with Internet Explorer.
• Complete the eligibility quiz.
• If your organization is eligible you will then need to complete a registration form for your organization and individual information.
• Once submitted, your registration will be reviewed and approved within 24 hours.

President                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Diana E. Fainberg Associates, LLC

Diana Fainberg is a professional planner specializing in property evaluation, land use and development planning, zoning analysis, environmental and transportation issues and regulatory controls. She is experienced in preparing and managing applications for Planning Board approvals and other local, State and Federal permits, selecting and directing consultant teams and serving as a liaison with community and governmental agencies. Ms. Fainberg provides consultant services primarily to property owners and developers.

Ms. Fainberg’s development projects have included managing approvals for a 1278-unit residential and retail project on the Hoboken waterfront and a 290,000 square foot office complex in Somerset County. She has been responsible for coordination and direction of local partners and consultants in the approvals, leasing and development of a new 25-acre Town Center in Montgomery, County, Maryland. Ms. Fainberg has also provided due diligence analyses for a potential land acquisition by the Chubb Corporation in Connecticut.

Ms. Fainberg held the position of Senior Vice President in the Planning Department of Bellemead Development Corporation, serving l5 years with the firm. She was responsible for planning and approvals for numerous office and residential projects. She continues to assist Bellemead in matters relating to regulatory analysis, property development and disposition.

Ms. Fainberg is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and a licensed Professional Planner in New Jersey. She is a former chairman of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Meadowlands Transportation Brokerage Association. Ms. Fainberg is also a member of the New Jersey Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, where she serves on the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committees.

Ms. Fainberg is a graduate of Clark University and holds an M.B.A. from Columbia University

Executive Director                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Community Transportation Association of America

Community Transportation Association of America Executive Director Scott Bogren has been working with, writing about and covering the community and public transportation industry for nearly three decades. His experience with CTAA includes being Editor-in-Chief of Community Transportation magazine; crafting the Association’s various legislative, policy and regulatory positions on Capitol Hill; and shaping CTAA’s communications, training and leadership activities.

Scott is a proud graduate of Indiana University’s Journalism program, Scott lives in Germantown, Md., with his wife Beth and their two children Riley and Ella. In his spare time he like sports, kayaking and reading.

Principal Planner                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          New Jersey Department of Transportation

William Riviere is a principal planner for the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Safe Routes to School Coordinator for the NJDOT’s Bureau of Safety, Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs. As the lead administrator for NJDOT’s Local Technical Assistance Program for bicycle and pedestrian projects, Mr. Riviere provides guidance and expertise in creating streets as corridors for all modes of transportation for all ages and abilities.

As the New Jersey Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Mr. Riviere oversees the technical assistance program working closely with the Safe Routes Resource Center at Rutgers and all eight New Jersey Transportation Management Associations.

Executive Director                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Center for Community Planning

Tom Schulze, is Lead Coordinator for the Urban Essex Coalition for Smart Growth, an effort in Newark, East Orange, and Orange.  He is also the Executive Director of the Center for Community Planning, a newly created non-profit community planning group providing planning services to communities throughout New Jersey and he directs the Community Planning Assistance Program for the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association.

Mr. Schulze has been a City Planner in the NJ/NY area for almost 40 years.  He recently retired as Senior Director for Capital Planning at NJ TRANSIT.

Prior to working for NJ TRANSIT he was the Executive Director of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) in New York City.  He has also worked for local and regional governments, including the City of New York, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and NJ TRANSIT, where he did the planning for the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Line.  He has worked for private consulting firms, and consulted for local community development corporations and non-profit housing development groups in and around Newark, New Jersey.

Mr. Schulze is an adjunct professor at Hunter College and Rutgers University Graduate Planning Programs.  He has a Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers University and Master’s Degree from Hunter College in New York City.

COO & General Counsel – EZ Ride

Avnish Gupta is an attorney with diverse management and executive experience.  Prior to his current position, Avnish worked as an Associate with a law firm in Pennsylvania, managed law practice in India, and served in the Indian Army as a Commissioned Officer.  Avnish combines his legal and risk management skills with men and material management experience to bring a unique perspective to various business, legal and HR issues. Avnish also serves on the Board of Directors of Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance. Avnish is a graduate of the National Defense Academy (Bachelor of Science), the Indian Military Academy, Delhi University Law Centre (Bachelor of Laws) and Georgetown University Law Center (Master of Laws).

President & CEO – EZ Ride

Krishna Murthy has a multidisciplinary background in management, planning, engineering, and business. Krishna is a graduate of the National Defense Academy (NDA) and the Indian Military Academy (IMA) and served as an officer in the Indian Army. Before joining EZ Ride, he worked as a Research Assistant at the University Transportation Research Center (UTRC) at City College, New York. Krishna has an MBA from Columbia Business School, an MS in Civil Engineering (Transportation) from the City University of New York, and an MS in City & Regional Planning from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

EZ Ride   |  The Transporter |  August, 2024

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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:

• August 18, Metuchen Street Fair and EV Showcase                                                                                                                                                                                                            11:00 am – 3:00 pm | Register
• September 12, EVAL Webinar – Be An EV Pioneer & Get Certified                                                                                                                                                                             1:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Register
• September 21, Drive Electric Week – West Windsor 2024                                                                                                                                                                                          12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Register
• September 28, The Highlands Green Fair and EV Car Show                                                                                                                                                                                      11:00 am – 2:00 pm | Register
• September 29, EV Show @ Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers Market                                                                                                                                                                         9:00 am – 1:00 pm | Register

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:

• Liberty Science Center
• NJ Transit Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Liberty State Park Station
• Historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal
• Statue of Liberty & NYC Ferries and Liberty Landing Marina
• North Picnic Area and Playground
• Nature Center
• South Picnic Area and Park Office
• Parking and Hudson River Waterfront Walk

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                            __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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.

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:

• Township of Belleville: $962,000 for Belleville Public Schools Pedestrian Safety Project
• Essex County/Township of Verona: $436,000 for a signal at County Rt 636/Lakeside Ave. & Pease Ave.
• Freehold Borough: $972,000 for the Freehold Borough Safe Routes to School Project
• Keyport Borough: $749,000 for Maple Place, W 4th Street, St. Peters Place & St. George Place SRTS Improvements
• Township of Nutley: $557,000 for a School Intersection Improvement Project
• City of Orange Township: $912,000 for the Lincoln Avenue School Safety Project
• City of Passaic: $1,089,000 for Parker Ave. & Van Buren St. Improvements Project
• Township of Teaneck: $1,500,000 for a pedestrian bridge over the CSX Railroad
• Township of West Orange: $966,000 for the Gregory Ave. & Lowell Ave. SRTS Project

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

• Belleville: Gold municipal award and seven Gold school awards in 2024
• Freehold Borough: Gold municipal award in 2023
• Keyport: Bronze municipal award in 2024
• Orange: Gold municipal award in 2022 and seven Gold school awards in 2023
• Passaic: Gold municipal award and two Gold school awards in 2024
• Teaneck: Silver municipal award and one Silver school award in 2023, and two Bronze school awards in 2024
• Verona: Silver School award in 2024, two Silver and one Bronze school award in 2023
• West Orange: Gold municipal awards in 2024 & 2022, two Gold school awards in 2024, and six Gold school awards in 2023

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

• August 22, OVPTR Newark E-Scooter Class                                                                                                                                                                                                                 5:15pm – 5:50 pm | Register
• August 23, Newark E-Scooter Class                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Register
• August 28, Prospect Park & EZ Ride Learn 2 Ride Class                                                                                                                                                                                               9:30 am – 12:00 pm | Register
• September 14, Washington Township Library Safety Event                                                                                                                                                                                         9:00 am – 10:15 am | Register

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.

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

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

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.

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:

• Law Enforcement: The data provides specific time frames and locations where speeding is most prevalent, enabling the police to target their enforcement efforts more effectively during peak violation periods.
• Traffic Engineers: The findings could support recommendations to reduce the speed limit in the school zone from 25 mph to 15-20 mph. This would enhance pedestrian safety, particularly for students. Additionally, signage and pavement markings could be strategically added to alert drivers and encourage safer speeds.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Based on the data, proven safety countermeasures suggested by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) could be implemented. These include narrowing lanes to create dedicated bike lanes, adding road diets, speed humps, or medians to slow traffic, and installing chicanes—landscaped features that divert and reduce vehicle speeds.

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

• October 9, National Walk Bike and Roll to School Day                                                                                                                                                                                                          All day | Register

• October 12, Rochelle Park – Learn to Ride Safe Bike Skills Classes                                                                                                                                                                              8:30 am – 11:15 am | Register

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.

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.

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.

Of Counsel – Genova Burns, LLC

Bill J. Heller, Esq., joins Genova Burns as Of Counsel after a years brief sabbatical following his tenure as the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the New York Football Giants.

Bill brings with him a wealth of legal expertise cultivated over a distinguished career that spans both private practice and in-house counsel roles. In addition to his other areas of experience and concentration, Bill will transition into the role of a mediator, facilitating alternative dispute resolution for litigating parties. His commitment to efficient and effective resolution aligns with the firm’s dedication to providing strategic legal solutions.

As the former Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the New York Football Giants, Bill was responsible for and oversaw all legal affairs of the team. Bill’s contributions were pivotal in shaping the legal landscape for one of the NFL’s original and storied franchises. His responsibilities encompassed focus on sports law issues and on diverse areas ranging from licensing and sponsor agreements to labor and employment issues and privacy. His in-house tenure also extended to assisting in legal matters related to the operation of MetLife Stadium.

Prior to his impactful role with the Giants, Bill dedicated thirty-two years to private practice, where he specialized in substantial litigation and transactional engagements. His proficiency in negotiating and licensing intellectual property, including high technology agreements and privacy issues, distinguished him as a leading figure in these fields.

Bill’s litigation experience is marked by a focus on complex employment discrimination, commercial, technology, and intellectual property cases. Notable among his achievements are successful representations in trade secrets disputes and counseling for defense contractors, and software copyright infringement, and trademark infringement.

Throughout his career, Bill has garnered recognition as one of the leading lawyers in both New Jersey and the nation. His leadership extended beyond legal practice, holding high-level management positions within his previous law firms and contributing to the overall strategic direction of their businesses.

Bill’s commitment to social responsibility is evident through his extensive volunteer and charitable activities. He is the founding President of the Wyckoff (NJ) Education Foundation, has served on the Board of the former Gilda’s House, and consistently provides legal expertise to various organizations and individuals on a pro bono basis.

Admitted to the bar in 1978, Bill is a member of the New Jersey bar and various federal courts, including the United States Supreme Court. A graduate of Rutgers University with an A.B. degree in Economics, he earned High Distinction in Economics, Magna Cum Laude, and Phi Beta Kappa honors.

Bill’s legacy is not only marked by legal prowess but also by his commitment to excellence, leadership, and the principled pursuit of justice.

Specializations

Mediation & Alternative Dispute Resolution , Intellectual Property

Industry

Professional Services

Education

• Rutgers University, Bachelor of Arts, Economics
• University of Pennsylvania Law School, J.D., 1978

Bar Admission

• New Jersey, 1978

Chief of Transportation – New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority

Dr. Nadereh (Nady) Moini currently is the chief of transportation at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (NJSEA). Prior to that, she was a research assistant professor in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affair (CUPPA) of University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and senior transportation system engineer at Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) in Rutgers University, the State university of New Jersey.

She has diverse scholar and field experiences in planning, design, and assessment of transportation systems and application of the state-of-the-art technologies. She has been conducting and managing several transportation studies and projects in transit rail safety and security, pedestrian/cyclists safety and mobility, freight movements, ITS design and planning, port planning and management, traffic simulation, rail transit, highway and transit safety during the past ten years working at transportation centers in academia and more than five years working in industry. She has performed and directed projects in the development of models to mitigate truck congestion in the vicinity of marine container terminals and to reduce air pollution by utilizing mobile on-street parking guidance systems. Her experience includes the design and analytical modeling of transportation systems and transit services through mathematical/statistical analyses and data mining. She has complered many research projects in the area of image processing, macroscopic/microscopic/ mesoscopic simulation of traffic network, system operations and maintenance supports, and project management. She has more than 20 joumal publications and conferences proceeding. She is the Transportation Research Board (TRB) committee member of Automated Transit systems advocating and performing research in the automated transit.

Nadereh holds a Ph.D. degree in Civil & Environment Engineering from Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey, M.S. in Civil Engineering from the City University of New York, New York, and B.S. in Computer Engineering (hardware) from Beheshti University, Tehran-Iran. She holds a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

General Manager & Chief of Staff – Port Authority of NY & NJ

Terriann Moore-Abrams, Esq. is the General Manager of the Planning and Regional Development Department at The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.  Terriann manages and has oversight of the agency’s Transit Tech Lab portfolio.  She recently developed the policies and procedures for the agency’s Third-Party Use of PA/PATH facilities program, and successfully transferred program to the PA’s Branding Department.

Terriann previously served as an Assistant Director in the COO’s office, which oversees the agency’s five Line Departments.  There, she managed the business planning process for all lines of business (Aviation, Tunnels Bridges & Terminals, Port Authority Trans Hudson Commuter Rail, Port, and World Trade Center; and was responsible for developing operational and administrative policies.

Terriann holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and a Juris Doctorate.

Principal Planner – NJDOT

William Riviere is a principal planner for the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Safe Routes to School Coordinator for the NJDOT’s Bureau of Safety, Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs. As the lead administrator for NJDOT’s Local Technical Assistance Program for bicycle and pedestrian projects, Mr. Riviere provides guidance and expertise in creating streets as corridors for all modes of transportation for all ages and abilities.

As the New Jersey Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Mr. Riviere oversees the technical assistance program working closely with the Safe Routes Resource Center at Rutgers and all eight New Jersey Transportation Management Associations.

Superintendent – Garfield Public Schools

Dr. Richard Tomko has had numerous administrative responsibilities during his 23-year career in educational administration. He has been a building administrator at the middle and secondary levels and is responsible for district-wide curriculum, assessment, innovative program initiatives, technology, and professional development while in central office positions. Prior to his arrival in the Belleville N.J. Public Schools District, Dr. Tomko held the positions of Director of Athletics; Assistant Principal; Principal; Assistant Superintendent; and Superintendent of Schools in several public school districts in multiple counties. He also began to research the achievement gaps between learners and the transition of students from 8th to 9th grade, making changes to programs and personnel to help students be successful in their classes.

Since his appointment to Superintendent of Schools in the Belleville N.J. Public Schools District in 2015, the Board and administration have successfully authored and implemented an action plan to remediate fiscal concerns and eliminate a $4.2 Million deficit, ending that school year with a financially sound projection and budget that addressed the needs of all students.  A district-wide 1:1 Chromebook initiative soon after ensued while new elementary, middle, and high school textbook series and e-texts were also adopted.  A new administrative realignment for greater support and oversight was implemented, and Board policies were updated to enhance grade point average equity and district procedures. The current district curriculum team and high school administration have worked to create the Leadership Academy; Academy of Criminal Justice; and the Ralph Vellon Academy of Engineering and Medical Sciences while partnering with Clara Maas Medical Center to reflect Academy STEM standards and surpass the expectations of the science core.

In early 2018, Dr. Tomko spearheaded a campaign to promote and gained community support in passing a $48 Million construction referendum by a large margin. In working with the state, Dr. Tomko secured 50% funding for the taxpayers of the community through construction aid. A second project ($4 Million) to rebuild the athletic complex at Clearman Field was also designed and approved to help improve athletic facilities for all students and members of the township. Content curriculums are continuously updated to enhance academic rigor, advanced exit skills have been infused to challenge students at every school level, and a district-wide effort to ensure equity in access was started to ensure learners from diverse backgrounds and with different needs are receiving specialized programs tailored to the demands of every learner.

In 2019 just 4 short years under Dr. Tomko’s leadership in the district, the Belleville Public Schools District was recognized as a District of Distinction (DA) for its RISE and Shine program and a “High Performing District” by the New Jersey Department of Education for raising the percentages of the Quality Single Assurance Continuum (QSAC) by 53% in the Instruction and Program category and 54% in Fiscal Management.

Dr. Tomko continues to work with his Board in monthly committees to lead the district mission and ensure that the district’s vision, where all students can learn, is being supported by all aspects of the school district. In 2021, the district expanded its life skills program by adding two houses to assist special populations with programs necessary for transition beyond graduation. The district actively competed to receive approximately $10 Million in preschool expansion aid which, along with the creation of the Hornblower Early Childhood Center (HECC) on Ralph Street, has led to the preschool “universe” in the township reaching 90% where it was less than 10% before Dr. Tomko arrived in 2015.

The 2022-2023 school year will include the opening of the Belleville Middle School South Annex with parking structure and the new 25,000 sq. foot indoor training facility. Stakeholders will also recognize the superintendent and Board’s commitment to sustainable energy with the construction of solar and wind projects around the district campuses, the mobilization of electric school buses, and a teaching greenhouse that will host a horticultural center. Academically, the district continues to focus on the learning regression from COVID-19 with the expansion of the Summer Bridge Program and increased tutoring sessions for students at all grade levels. The school year will also see the start of the JR ROTC program; the high school Anatomage Laboratory; and the extension of learning opportunities to include the Law Enforcement, Fire Science, and Public Safety Academy and the Culinary Science Academy.

Dr. Tomko obtained his principal license and School Administrator certificate after earning his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration (M.A.E.), and he has attained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a concentration in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University. Dr. Tomko has also earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from The Johns Hopkins University; and a Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) Degree in Children’s Law and Policy from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law; a Certificate in Advanced Educational Leadership (CAEL) from Harvard University; a Graduate Certificate in Community and Economic Development from Pennsylvania State University; a Graduate Certificate in The Brain, Teaching, and Learning from The Johns Hopkins University; and an Executive Certificate in Transformational Non-Profit Leadership from the University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business.  He is presently enrolled in the Master of Science program in Applied Analytics (M.S.) at Columbia University. Dr. Tomko currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership/School Counseling graduate programs at Manhattan College, Montclair State University, and Centenary University. He was appointed by the Governor to serve as a Commissioner on the School Ethics Commission, sits as a member on the Sparta Environmental Commission, and has also served as a Trustee on the New Jersey Educational Services Commission (NJESC).

Dr. Tomko continues to research the “expectations gap” and lack of articulation between secondary schools and institutions of higher education with the hope of improving student readiness for post-secondary instruction.  Past formal research endeavors and publications have included student achievement gaps on statewide assessments; student safety; early childhood literacy; guidance and counseling influence on student application to post-secondary education; bullying; student perceptions of remedial English; and student readiness for college.  Dr. Tomko is a 2012 cohort graduate of the National SUPES Academy and participated in the Harvard Graduate School of Education Leadership Institute for Superintendents: Systematic Reform in School Districts and Schools.  Dr. Tomko is a change agent for creativity and problem-solving and works with his administrative teams to decrease achievement gaps between demographic subgroups of learners.  He has a proven record of effecting change in his current and past districts by involving families, stakeholders, and community groups in restoring student engagement leading to overall student success.

Dr. Tomko was named Essex County Superintendent of the Year in 2020 for exhibiting leadership in learning, communication, professionalism, and active community involvement with an understanding of regional, national, and international issues.  He has been honored with receiving the New Jersey State Governor’s Jefferson Award and recognized by the United States Department of Defense through his receipt of the Patriot Award in 2018 and the Above and Beyond Award in 2019.  Dr. Tomko is married, has four children, and dedicates his spare time to volunteering as a coach for local recreation sports teams and other non-profit organizations.

Commissioner – Union County

Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams was elected to her first full three-year term in November 2019 and was re-elected to a second full term in 2022. In 2022, she also served her first term as Chair of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

This year, Commissioner Williams will be serving as Chair of the Board’s Parks and Programming Committee, and as a member of the Fiscal and Public Works and Facilities Committees, respectively.

In addition, she will serve as liaison to the following advisory boards: Union County LGBTQ Ad Hoc Committee, Cornerstone Board of Managers, Motion Picture & TV Advisory Board, Union County Vocational-Technical School Board of Estimates, Green Brook Flood Control Commission, and Meadowlink/EZ Ride.

Known for an emphasis on constituent outreach, fiscal issues, support for arts and culture initiatives, and quality of life matters, Commissioner Williams advocates for county-local shared services that save tax dollars while improving efficiency. She has also been in the forefront of LGBTQ advocacy, working with the Union County Office of LGBTQ Affairs to address housing, senior services, education, health, public safety, community engagement, and other areas of concern.

Williams prides herself on her openness and accessibility to all constituents. She remains a grassroots public servant, reaching out and following up with constituents to ensure their concerns are resolved.

A frequent speaker on women’s and LGBTQ+ empowerment, Commissioner Williams has served on panels at The League of Municipalities, The Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers’s Eagleton Institute, The National Council of Negro Women, and Garden State Equality among many other organizations. Prior to her election to the Commissioner Board, Williams served two terms on the Plainfield City Council in support of a progressive agenda and economic development, contributing to Plainfield’s revitalization.

Commissioner Williams is a full-time faculty member of the Humanities Division at Essex County College in Newark, where she teaches American Literature, African American Literature, Effective Speech, English Composition, and Women’s Literature.

Are you ready to transform your daily commute, reduce your carbon footprint, and contribute to a more connected community? EZ Ride has just released a comprehensive 54-page Mobility Guide for Bergen County, and it could change the way you think about getting around!

Why You Need This Guide?

Whether you’re a daily commuter seeking to optimize your daily travel, an older adult looking for accessible transportation options, a social worker or healthcare professional assisting clients with transportation needs, a business leader considering location decisions based on transportation access, or a visitor to Bergen County, this comprehensive guide is your key to unlocking a world of smart transportation choices.

What’s Inside?

NJ TRANSIT: Your Gateway to Effortless Travel

• Discover the convenience of the Main Line, Bergen Line, and Pascack Valley Line
• Navigate 21 local bus routes and 23 routes to New York City with ease
• Learn how to save time and money with the MYBUS real-time information system

Accessibility Without Limits

• Explore NJ TRANSIT Access Link for curb-to-curb service
• Take advantage of the Reduced Fare Program, offering up to 50% off for seniors and people with disabilities
• Uncover County and Municipal transportation options tailored for seniors and those with disabilities

Rediscover Your Neighborhood

• Find scenic trails for walking and cycling
• Learn about bringing your bike on buses and trains
• Prioritize pedestrian safety with expert tips

The Future of Mobility

• Navigate ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber
• Embrace the electric vehicle revolution with charging tips and station locations

Join the Movement

By choosing smarter transportation options, you’re not just saving time and money – you’re actively reducing traffic congestion and lowering our communities carbon footprint.

Visit our website today to explore a complete range of guides and transit maps tailored to meet the unique needs of different county’s statewide. Start your journey toward smarter, greener and more efficient travel now!

At EZ Ride, we strive to meet the changing needs of our partners and riders. One of our standout partnerships is with Clinilabs, a leading healthcare organization, where we provide transportation through our EZ Ryde4Life program.

Clinilabs relies on EZ Ryde4Life to ensure that their clients have access to safe, dependable rides to and from their appointments. With clients often traveling long distances, the average ride can cost over $130, with some reaching as high as $350. Each month, EZ Ride arranges over 100 rides for Clinilabs, primarily using our Flex-Ride feature.

What sets Flex-Rides apart? It offers the flexibility to schedule transportation outside of regular business hours, making it an essential service for clients who need rides on weekends or late into the evening. It also accommodates clients with changing schedules, allowing them to adjust their ride times without hassle.

The process is simple: after their appointment, clients receive a text message when they are ready to leave. Once they activate the message, a driver is dispatched to their location, providing a seamless and stress-free experience.

“Partnering with EZ Ride and using their EZ Ryde4Life program has been a game-changer for our clients. Reliable transportation is critical to ensuring they can access our facility, and EZ Ride’s flexible scheduling has allowed us to meet those needs, even outside of typical business hours. The convenience and efficiency they provide have made a real difference in the quality of service we can offer” said Amber Farwig, Manager, Patient Recruitment and Outreach at Clinilabs.

The EZ Ryde4Life program also offers detailed trip reports that enable organizations like Clinilabs to monitor and manage transportation usage.

At EZ Ride, we take pride in making sure transportation is never a barrier to care. Our collaboration with Clinilabs is just one example of how we’re delivering fast, flexible, and reliable rides across the state.

For more information on how EZ Ryde4Life can meet your transportation needs, call us at 201-939-4242 select option 9 then dial ext. 131.

In early September, Verona Township partnered with EZ Ride to apply for Electric Vehicle Adaption Leadership (EVAL) certification for both the Township Hall and Community Center. We are pleased to announce that both sites have achieved the highest level—Platinum EVAL certification—for their installation of accessible and affordable EV charging stations for township employees and residents. Achieving Platinum status is a significant accomplishment that reflects the Township’s commitment to carbon reduction and sustainability, supported by municipal and council leadership. The Township and its Green Team have actively worked to educate employees and residents about electric vehicles (EVs) and the benefits of clean transportation options. Their HR policies further promote green commuting, public transit use, and micromobility.

Charging Station Details:

• Community Center: One charging station with dual ports
• Township Hall: One charging station with dual ports
• Type: Both are Level 2 charging ports
• Cost: Free for the first two hours; $1 per hour thereafter

The municipal station was installed in 2019, while the Community Center’s station followed in 2020. Both are conveniently located in downtown Verona, close to the Township Library, government services, local schools, shopping areas, restaurants, a gym, and within walking distance of the West Essex Trail.

Kevin O’Sullivan, P.E., Deputy Township Manager of Verona, stated: “The Township of Verona has been actively pursuing various sustainable initiatives in coordination with our Green Team. We are proud of our accomplishments, including the EV charging station initiatives. We look forward to showcasing our achievements through the certification process and leading the EV movement.”

To learn how your community can become EVAL-certified—a national USDOE recognition program—and access resources to foster an EV-friendly environment, please contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, ext. 6.

Pictured: Verona Councilman Jack McEvoy with his Ford Lightning at the Verona Community Center.

In June, the People for Bikes Foundation awarded EZ Ride a Better Bike Share mini-grant to conduct E-Scooter Safety Classes in Newark. Since then, the program has hosted 11 classes with 99 participants at Harriet Tubman Square, Lincoln Park, Military Park, the Newark Schools Stadium, near Barringer High School, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Riverfront Park, the Temple of Hip Hop, and Weequahic Park. The initiative aims to increase safety and equity across Newark by offering e-scooter safety training in 10 Equity Deployment Zones spanning the city’s five wards.

While focused on education, these classes are designed to allow participants to experience their first e-scooter ride in a safe environment. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants taking group photos and encouraging their friends and family to join future sessions. Due to the program’s success, NJ TRANSIT will partner with EZ Ride to offer similar e-scooter classes in Linden next spring.

What the Classes Offer

Participants receive comprehensive instruction on e-scooter safety, covering essential topics such as proper use of safety gear, operating e-scooters, crossing intersections safely, signaling turns, maintenance, and performing safety maneuvers.

Each class includes practical instruction, hands-on practice, a free helmet and reflective safety vest, safety information, and discounted ride offers. The goal is to improve the safety of e-scooter riders and reduce crashes. Additionally, participants learn how to register and use micro-mobility apps, with alternative options provided for those without smartphone access.

While the program is geared toward adults due to vendor policies, youth are also encouraged to participate if they bring their own e-scooter.

Partners and Future Plans

EZ Ride extends its gratitude to People for Bikes and our partners, including: The City of Newark, Veoride Inc., Bird Rides Inc., Weequahic Park Association, Newark’s Office of Violence Prevention & Trauma Recovery, Eric Muñoz Trauma Center at University Hospital, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Newark City Parks.

For more information, please email [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 3.

Belleville Township was selected as one of five municipalities to participate in the NJTPA’s Complete Streets Technical Assistance Program for 2024-2025. This program, led by Sustainable Jersey and the Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University (VTC), provides resources to improve safety and accessibility. EZ Ride proudly served on the project’s Technical Advisory Committee.

The initiative focused on Division Avenue, congested road connecting Union Avenue to Passaic Street. This corridor experiences heavy traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times at Belleville High School and Belleville School No. 7, with speeding posing additional risks. The project aimed to evaluate the potential for a dedicated bike lane, highlighted through a pop-up demonstration.  The Belleville High School drone team created a drone video that shows the class and rides in the bike lanes.

Key Milestones of the Project

Walkability and Bikeability Audit (May 8, 2024):
From 1:30 to 4:00 PM, the project team assessed driver and pedestrian behavior, photographed the area, and documented traffic patterns around the schools. A speed study was also conducted to gather data on vehicle speeds and congestion levels.

Temporary Bike Lane Installation (October 24, 2024):
The Township DPW installed a temporary two-way bike lane along Division Avenue using flexible delineators. This pilot project demonstrated how dedicated cyclist infrastructure could reduce conflicts between cars and bikes while enhancing safety.

Bike and Roll to School Day (October 30, 2024):
EZ Ride organized a community bike and roll event at Belleville High School. Students, residents, local police, and township staff—including Assistant Principal Emily Pascali—participated. Bill Quick of Borderline Bike Shop and his family also joined the ride, making it a community-wide celebration.

Bike and E-Scooter Safety Presentation (November 1, 2024):
To promote safe cycling practices, EZ Ride conducted a Safe Skills class at the high school, distributed helmets, and hosted a short community ride on the temporary bike lane. Afterward, the Township DPW dismantled the lane. A feedback survey was circulated to gauge community reactions and suggestions. 

Looking Ahead: The Essex-Hudson Greenway

The Essex-Hudson Greenway, a mile and a half from the High School will connect Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, and Newark to Kearny and Jersey City. Phase 1 construction in Belleville and Newark is scheduled to start in late 2025 and completed by 2027.

For more information about this project, conduct an audit or pilot a bike lane, email [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 3.

EZ Ride is proud to recognize Franklin Township for its commitment to sustainability and electric vehicle (EV) adoption. Recently, three municipal sites achieved EVAL certification:

• Gold Certification: Municipal Complex and Franklin Youth Center
• Silver Certification: Department of Public Works

Franklin Township, the largest municipality in Somerset County, spans 47 square miles and is home to over 68,000 residents. With a rich history of environmental stewardship, the township has been a leader in the EV space.

Driving Sustainability Forward

Since 2016, Franklin Township has actively promoted EV adoption, hosting Green Festivals that featured EV test drives and exhibits by local EV owners. In 2018, the township took a significant step by acquiring a fleet of five electric Chevy Bolts, quickly expanding with five more EVs within six months. These vehicles support essential township operations, including code enforcement, inspections, and public works.

Complementing its EV fleet, Franklin Township has installed:

• 10 fleet EV chargers at the Municipal Complex
• 2 public chargers at the Municipal Complex
• 2 fleet chargers at the DPW
• Dual-port chargers at Inman Park and the Franklin Youth Center

These initiatives have bolstered Franklin Township’s recognition as a sustainability leader. The township earned Sustainable Jersey Silver Certification in 2019 and again in 2022. In 2019, it also received the Electric Vehicle Award from Keep Middlesex Moving for its outstanding EV adoption.

Leadership and Collaboration

Franklin Township’s success stems from its collaborative approach, engaging local experts, including LEED-certified professionals and EV advocates, to strengthen its Green Team and Environmental Commission.

“Franklin Township is committed to clean energy, implementing sustainable actions, and improving the quality of life for our residents and visitors,” said Tara Kenyon, Sustainability Consultant. “Providing affordable and accessible clean transportation options for staff and residents is a cornerstone of a sustainable and healthy environment.”

Looking Ahead

As an EVAL-certified community, Franklin Township sets a benchmark for other municipalities aiming to integrate EV infrastructure and promote sustainable transportation.

For more information about EVs, EVAL Certification, or available EV grants, please contact [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 Option 6.

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.

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 Controller, Director 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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• Best practices for safely approaching and stabilizing an EV at an incident scene
• Basic principles of battery thermal runaway and brand-specific fire combating approaches and recommendations
• Hands-on demonstrations using multiple EVs to show battery disconnect points

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).

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.

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:

• Limited wheelchair-accessible ride options from Lyft and Uber, making transportation difficult for individuals with mobility challenges and falling short of ADA compliance.
• Increased waiting times during peak hours, which can lead to delays and missed medical appointments.

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

• Expand accessibility by integrating with additional transportation providers, particularly Wheelchair-Accessible Service Providers like UZURV, ensuring more reliable options for those with mobility challenges

• Launch a customer-facing app that will empower riders to book their own trips, reducing waiting times and improving overall user experience.

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.

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:

• Enhance Safety & Accessibility: Reduce crashes, lower travel speeds, and create safer streets for all users.
• Increase Sustainability: Mitigate flooding and improve stormwater management through green infrastructure.
• Achieve Recognition & Certification: Earn Gold Safe Routes Recognition and gain 10–30 points toward Sustainable Jersey Certification.
• Boost Economic & Community Appeal: Attract businesses, increase property values, and enhance the aesthetics of your neighborhood.
• Promote Health & Equity: Ensure equitable access to safe and active transportation options for all residents.

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.

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:

• How EZRyde4Life works and who it serves
• Subsidies for eligible riders
• Ways organizations can collaborate with us to expand services
• Success stories from riders who have benefited from our program

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:

• April 10, West Orange Transportation Forum @ West Orange Public Library, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

• April 16, NJ TransAction – Harrah’s Resort & Casino in Atlantic City, Bridging the Gap: How TNCs Can Strengthen County Transportation Services 9:15 am – 10:15 am Room: Wildwood 18-19 | Register

• April 29, Presentation @ South Brunswick Senior Center 12:30 pm

At EZ Ride, we believe that knowledge is power. That’s why we’re pleased to announce our upcoming pilot community air quality monitoring program in Northern New Jersey. This initiative, in partnership with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), will provide real-time data on fine particulate matter (PM2.5), empowering communities to take charge of their own well-being.

Why Air Quality Matters

Air pollution, though invisible, significantly impacts our health. PM2.5, which includes particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller, can lead to serious health issues such as respiratory diseases, heart conditions, and even premature death. Environmental Justice communities are often disproportionately affected by poor air quality.

Our Pilot Program

In the coming months, we’ll be launching a voluntary air quality monitoring pilot program that will:

1. Provide real-time PM2.5 data
2. Enable communities to take preventive action
3. Help protect public health

Empowering Local Leaders

With access to real-time air quality data, communities can drive meaningful change. For example:

• If high PM2.5 levels are detected during school hours, health officials can advise indoor exercise.
• If pollution spikes during rush hour, communities can explore traffic reduction strategies or promote public transit.

Join Us in Creating Healthier Communities

To participate in our air quality monitoring program, all you need to provide is:

• A power source
• WiFi connection
• A location about five or six feet above ground to mount a small monitor

Let’s work together to create healthier communities. Contact us at [email protected] or 201-939-4242, option 3, to get involved. Together, we can make a difference in the air we breathe and the communities we call home.

Hackensack Meridian Health at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC) has been awarded the Gold EVAL (Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership) Certification, recognizing their outstanding commitment to sustainable transportation.

EVAL certification is the national mark of excellence in workplace transportation, recognizing organizations that lead the way in clean commuting solutions. EVAL certification offers high-profile recognition to employers that promote smart mobility options for their employees.

“We are thrilled to receive the EVAL Gold certification,” says Annamarie Cutronea, VP of Support Service Operations at JSUMC. “Hackensack Meridian Health – Jersey Shore University Medical Center is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for our patients, staff, and visitors. This certification underscores our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable future.”

With the EV market expected to reach 350 million vehicles by 2030, preparing your

workplace to offer convenient charging boosts team satisfaction and solves a major EV

adoption challenge: accessibility. Becoming EV-ready is a valuable benefit for both

employees and the company.

Hospitals and medical centers are increasingly becoming early adopters of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure. Their ample parking facilities, robust electrical infrastructure, and the longer average stay times of employees and patients make Level 1 or 2 chargers an ideal and cost-effective solution. Given that vehicle pollution is a significant public health concern, reducing vehicle emissions directly contributes to preventative healthcare.

Integrating electric vehicle charging infrastructure is not only a practical step toward sustainability for healthcare facilities, but also a valuable component of enhancing patient care, boosting employee retention, fostering community engagement, and reducing fleet costs.

Does your hospital or healthcare facility offer EV charging? Contact [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 6, to learn how to become EVAL certified and gain national recognition for your efforts!

Upcoming Events:

• April 15, NJ TransAction -Harrah’s Resort & Casino in Atlantic City,  Why Your Fleet Needs to Go Electric Now?  10:00 am – 11:00 am Room: Wildwood 23 | Register

According to the Vision Zero Action Plan for West Orange, New Jersey, children under the age of 19 are disproportionately affected by severe traffic incidents. While they account for 23 percent of all crashes, they represent 47 percent of the most severe incidents. This alarming statistic highlights the vulnerability of younger individuals in traffic-related accidents and underscores the importance of targeted safety measures to protect them.

West Orange Township recognized this critical issue and took proactive steps to improve safety. Partnering with EZ Ride, community members conducted walkability audits at Redwood School, Kelly School, St. Cloud School, and West Orange High School. These audits identified major safety concerns, including inadequate pedestrian lighting, missing or outdated pedestrian signals, lack of bike lanes and sidewalks, poor crosswalk visibility, insufficient school zone signs, and hazardous sidewalk conditions.

Turning Audits into Action

The findings from these audits guided the township’s safety improvements. In April 2021, West Orange installed permanent bike lanes along both sides of Woodland Avenue from Pleasant Valley Way to Redwood School. Additionally, faded crosswalks were restriped with high-visibility continental designs to enhance pedestrian safety.

The township sought additional funding and was awarded a $966,000 Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation in 2024. These funds will be used to enhance pedestrian safety along Gregory Avenue (CR 571) and Lowell Avenue with new sidewalks, ADA curb ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, LED stop signs, and flashing beacons.

Further demonstrating its commitment to pedestrian and cyclist safety, West Orange updated its 2013 Complete Streets resolution to a more comprehensive Complete and Green Streets ordinance in February 2025, incorporating sustainability and safety checklists into future infrastructure projects.

A Commitment to Safer Communities

“Investing in safer routes to schools doesn’t just protect students—it benefits the entire community. Safer streets encourage walking and biking, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance overall quality of life. Using walk/bike audits and School Travel Plans created by EZ Ride, West Orange is working to transform all school zones into safer, healthier, and more accessible spaces for our residents,” said Mayor Susan McCartney.

By prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety, West Orange is setting a powerful example for communities everywhere. Creating safe routes to school is not just an investment in infrastructure—it’s an investment in our children’s future.

Get Involved

If you’re interested in working with EZ Ride to conduct a walk and bike audit and develop a School Travel Plan, contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 (option 3). Safe Routes to School activities can help your community take an essential step toward safer streets for students and all residents.

Learn more about EZ Ride’s School Travel Plans at Safe Routes NJ.

Upcoming Event:

• April 16, NJ TransAction – Harrah’s Resort & Casino in Atlantic City,  Beyond the Ride: Unlocking Safety, Funding & Recognition Through Community Engagement & Partnerships.   5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Room: Wildwood 6 | Register

Global electric vehicle (EV) adoption reached new heights in 2024, with sales surging to 17.1 million units—a 25% increase over 2023. Regional trends reveal a shifting landscape:

• China dominated with 11 million EVs sold, a 40% year-over-year jump driven by plug-in hybrids (PHEVs up 81%) and aggressive innovation.
• North America saw steady 9% growth to 1.8 million EVs, fueled by tax credits and new models like Honda’s Prologue (33,000+ sales in its debut year).
• Europe dipped 3% amid subsidy cuts, while the rest of the world surged 27%, reflecting widening global momentum.

New Jersey exemplifies regional progress, surpassing 208,000 EV registrations by December 2024—more than double its 2022 total—with a 14.4% EV market share, outpacing the national average of 10.2%.

Key Developments Shaping the Transition

• Affordable Models: GM’s next-gen Bolt, targeting $30,000, aims to broaden access despite industry headwinds. Toyota’s $20,000 smart EV in China signals intensified competition.
• Market Pressures: Ford and Toyota’s hybrid focus contrasts with GM’s EV push, highlighting divergent strategies as Tesla’s dominance wanes (Model Y/3 sales fell 6–17%, yet still claimed 40% of U.S. EV market).
• Policy Crossroads: Federal incentives remain pivotal, though political uncertainty looms. New Jersey’s success—driven by state rebates and 4,000+ charging ports—shows policy’s critical role.

As Victor Hugo’s adage reminds us, no force can halt an idea whose time has come. With charging networks expanding, prices falling, and innovation accelerating, the EV revolution is charging ahead—unevenly but irreversibly.

Madison Borough has long been a trailblazer in building EV infrastructure. Several years ago, it installed five dual-port Level II public chargers. Today, that number has doubled to 10, and the Borough is now installing two public DC fast chargers. In 2023, the NJDEP recognized Madison as one of eight “Destination Electric” towns in New Jersey.

In October 2024, the Borough’s Sustainable Advisory Council partnered with EZ Ride to earn three Gold and two Platinum Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certifications. This certification—awarded by FORTH Mobility and the U.S. Department of Energy—honors organizations that lead the way in EV adoption through policies, investments in charging infrastructure, fleet transitions, and public education.

For the past four years, Madison has hosted one of New Jersey’s premier EV events: the annual EV Expo. The event features 20–30 vehicles from dealers and owners, cutting-edge EVs from Princeton and Rutgers, and a variety of attractions. The Borough also maintains a comprehensive “EV Information Hub” on its website, offering details on EV purchases, incentives, and charging.

Madison tracks local EV ownership and, since 2019, has aligned its goals with the state’s EV targets. The Borough offers financial incentives for municipal employees who purchase EVs and recently extended support to all residents for home charger installation.

Madison’s own fleet reflects its commitment to electrification, with five hybrid police vehicles and three Chevy Bolt EVs used for inspections and parking patrols. In 2024, the Borough began using a Mean Green Zero-Turn electric mower and is now preparing to purchase an electric shuttle bus to serve its senior population.

This year, Madison will be honored with the EV City of the Year Award by the Electric Vehicle Association.

“We are proud that five Borough buildings received Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certifications in 2024. This achievement reflects Madison’s ongoing commitment to clean transportation and sustainability. We are especially grateful to EZ Ride for their invaluable partnership and support, which helped us reach this milestone and secure national EVAL certification through FORTH Mobility and the U.S. Department of Energy,” said Mayor Robert H. Conley.

Ready to start your EV journey?

Email us at [email protected], call (201) 939-4242 Option 6, or listen to an informative webinar.

Upcoming Events:

• May 3, Drive Electric Event, Franklin High School Green Fair, Somerset | 11 am – 2 pm – Register
• May 9, NJ Sustainability Summit, Bell Works, Holmdel | 9 am – 4 pm – Register
• May 10, First Responder EV Awareness Program, Ridgewood | 9:45 am – 11:30 pm – Register
• May 17, Drive Electric Event, Glen Ridge Arts & Echo Fair, Glen Ridge | 10 am – 4 pm – Register

We are pleased to announce that EZ Ride has once again been selected by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) to operate the Liberty State Park weekend shuttle. The free shuttle service will relaunch on April 26 and run through November 15, 2025.

Last summer, the Liberty State Park shuttle served over 4,000 riders in just three months, offering visitors a convenient and stress-free way to explore the park without the hassle of parking.

The shuttle has become an essential link for families, tourists, and residents connecting them to popular destinations such as the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, the 9/11 Memorial, Liberty Science Center, and the scenic waterfront walkways.

The shuttle operates on weekends and holidays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing reliable transportation between key destinations throughout the park. With the “park once, explore more” approach, visitors can enjoy greater flexibility and help reduce congestion, all while enhancing their overall experience at one of New Jersey’s most iconic destinations.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Liberty State Park this spring! For schedules and a route map, please visit our website.

Come ride with us and make the most of your Liberty State Park visit!

If you are interested in setting up a shuttle service or need information, contact Kinga Skora at (201) 939-4242 Ext. 131 or email [email protected].

At EZ Ride, we’re always looking for ways to make transportation easier, more flexible, and more convenient for you.

We’re pleased to introduce Flex-Ride – a new option for EZRyde4Life members that puts the power of scheduling your return trip right in your hands. After completing your initial ride, you’ll receive a text message and or a phone call that the ride has been set up with pickup and drop off locations. When you’re ready to head back, just reply with #1 to redeem your ride —no need to call our office. You’ll instantly receive real-time details about your driver and vehicle, right on your phone.

No calls, no waiting, no hassles.

Why Use Flex-Ride?

• Freedom and flexibility: Request your return ride when you’re ready.
• Perfect for After Hours Travel: Idea for evenings and weekends when our office is closed.
• Peace of mind: Receive your driver’s name, vehicle details and estimated arrival time directly on your phone.

“I’ve been using Flex-Ride on Sundays for months now—to get to church, attend events, or visit family. It’s incredibly convenient because I can request my rides exactly when I’m ready. It’s easy to use and gives me control over my ride. I also appreciate that there’s no extra charge for having the option. And, I get all the details about the driver, the vehicle, and the arrival time right on my phone,” shared Raghu EZRyde4Life member from Montclair.

For more information about EZRyde4Life and Flex-Rides, call us at (201) 939-4242 Option 4 or visit www.ezride.org.

May 2025 is “Older Americans Month,” and this year’s theme is “Flip the Script on Aging” which means ditching outdated ideas and recognizing that many seniors are active, vibrant, and ready to stay engaged in their communities. But to stay engaged, they need one crucial thing, independence, which starts with walking and driving safely.

That’s where EZ Ride comes in.

Helping your loved ones walk and drive safely isn’t always easy, but it is essential. And we’re here to make it simpler, safer, and fun. Our mission is to empower older adults, caregivers, and families with tools and tips to stay mobile and independent, without sacrificing safety.

Here’s How We Help:

EZ Ride offers FREE Senior Pedestrian and Driving Safety presentations at senior centers in Bergen, Monmouth, Essex, Passaic, and Union Counties—and we’d love to visit your community next.

Our engaging, interactive 45-minute sessions are packed with valuable tips:

• How to cross streets safely
• Route planning
• How medications and aging affect reaction times, eyesight, and hearing—and what to do about it
• NJ’s Safe Passing Law

We bring our presentation to life with video clips from a popular senior sitcom and a street-crossing demonstration, adding a few laughs and prizes along the way. We conclude with a Q&A session that encourages everyone to talk and learn together. We’ll work around your schedule, ensuring no conflicts with lunch or Bingo!

According to Adrianna Svornic of the Garfield Senior Center, “This presentation is great for seniors. The talk was very informative, and the seniors really seemed to enjoy it.”

Why does this matter more than ever?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2013 and 2022, the number of Americans 65+ grew by 20 percent. In 2022, seniors made up 19 percent of all traffic fatalities—a devastating 8,572 lives lost, the highest since 1975. We’re not okay with that—and we know you aren’t either.

Let’s work together to keep our seniors moving, safe, and independent.

Please reach out to us at (201) 939-4242, Option 3, or [email protected] to schedule a Senior Pedestrian and Driving Safety presentation with our team.

Upcoming Event:

• May 22, Pedestrian & Driver Safety for Seniors, Clifton Anzaldi Park | 2pm – Flyer

The global auto industry is at a turning point, with the U.S. and China leading two distinct markets. Traditional automakers face tough choices, as they cannot afford to simultaneously invest in electric vehicles (EVs), hybrids, and fossil-fuel models. As a result, they must focus their resources and make strategic bets. Here are some recent highlights shaping the future of EV adoption:

Toyota, in partnership with Idemitsu Kosan, is set to introduce groundbreaking solid-state battery technology by 2027. These batteries promise up to 745 miles of range on a single charge and can recharge in 10 minutes or less. With an expected lifespan of 8,000 to 10,000 charge cycles—far exceeding current lithium-ion batteries—this innovation could transform the EV landscape.

Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving division, will begin building Jaguar I-PACE and Zeekr vehicles equipped with autonomous technology at a new Arizona facility this year, in partnership with Magna.

Meanwhile, Rivian is investing $120 million in a new supplier park near its Illinois plant as it prepares to launch a smaller, more affordable SUV next year.

Walmart has announced plans to build its own EV fast-charging network at thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations nationwide by 2030. This expansion will add to the nearly 1,300 fast-charging stations already available at more than 280 U.S. facilities. With about 90% of Americans living within 10 miles of a Walmart or Sam’s Club—many in suburban and rural areas lacking public charging—these sites are well-positioned to improve charging access and support EV growth.

These developments highlight the accelerating momentum behind EV adoption and the industry’s commitment to a cleaner, more accessible transportation future.

The town of Westfield is a leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption and charging infrastructure, earning two Bronze and two Silver Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certifications.

EVAL is a U.S.-Department-of-Energy-funded national workplace charging certification program that provides recognition and technical assistance to organizations supporting the adoption of clean transportation.

Expanding Free Public Charging

In partnership with Volta Industries, Inc., Westfield has installed six public EV charging stations at prime locations—including Trader Joe’s, the North Avenue train station, Baron’s Drugstore, and the Post Office. Best of all, these installations and their ongoing maintenance come at no cost to the town. Volta covers all expenses, from setup to electricity usage, thanks to innovative advertising on the chargers’ digital displays. Charging is completely free for users – standard parking fees do apply.

Building for a Greener Future

Westfield is proactively paving the way for a clean transportation revolution. The town encourages all new buildings to include a 220-240 volt, 40-amp outlet on a dedicated circuit in their parking lots, making it easy to add Level 2 charging stations in the future.

Promoting Active Transportation

To further support sustainable mobility, Westfield has installed two bike repair stations and new bike racks downtown. These additions encourage cycling for commuting and recreation, especially during the annual Tour de Westfield event.

Electrifying the Town Fleet

In 2024, Westfield received a grant from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to introduce a state-of-the-art Chevy Blazer EV police patrol vehicle. This addition demonstrates the town’s commitment to fleet electrification and innovation in public service.

Empowering Residents to Go Electric

Westfield’s Green Team makes it easy for residents to transition to EVs by sharing guidance and resources on the town website. Residents can learn about the federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for new EVs and the ChargeUp NJ program, which provides up to $4,000 for eligible zero-emission vehicles. The town also hosts an annual Drive Electric event with the New Jersey Electric Vehicle Association (NJEVA), giving residents opportunities to learn about and test drive EVs.

Driving Sustainability and Economic Growth

Westfield’s EV initiatives are part of a broader commitment to sustainability and economic vitality. By providing easy access to charging, Westfield is:

• Attracting visitors to its vibrant downtown
• Supporting local businesses
• Fostering a thriving green economy
• Welcoming sustainability-focused companies like Karma Automotive

We are pleased to celebrate Westfield’s EVAL certification achievements and encourage other communities to follow their lead. EZ Ride is here to help—email [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242, Opt. 6 to learn more.

Upcoming Event:

• June 24, Wheels & Watts: Powering EV Charging for Educational Institutions Webinar, Plug In America, Bryan Electric, Lynkwell & EV Noire | 2pm – Register

In honor of Older Americans Month, the Garfield Board of Education is dedicating its upcoming Boilermaker Stride Walkathon on May 31 to raising funds that will enhance the quality of life for older adults and low-income residents in Garfield. This special initiative aims to support accessible, affordable transportation services—helping seniors stay connected, active, and independent.

Under the leadership of Dr. Richard Tomko, Superintendent of the Garfield School District and EZ Ride board member, this year’s event has been renamed the EZ Ride Boilermaker Stride. This community-driven effort focuses on raising funds to provide rides for older adults in the community.

The walkathon will bring together students, educators, families, and community leaders in a powerful show of solidarity and compassion. Together, we will take meaningful steps toward building a more inclusive and supportive community for all.

Event Details:

• Location: Campus Track Field, 500 Palisade Ave, Garfield
• Time: The day kicks off at 9:00 A.M. with the EZ Ride Stride Walkathon, followed by an hour of inflatable tricycle races from 11:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.—adding fun and friendly competition for participants of all ages.

All funds raised will be used to provide essential, low-cost transportation options for low-income, older adults in Garfield. Your participation ensures that no one is left behind due to transportation barriers.

Whether you walk, volunteer, donate, or cheer from the sidelines, your support strengthens our community. Join us in celebrating the Garfield Board of Education’s vision and help drive real change in the lives of those who need it most. Together, let’s take meaningful steps toward a more mobile and inclusive future! If you can’t join us in person, you can still make a big impact—donate and help drive change.

For more information about the event or the EZRyde4Life Fundraising Program, please contact Kinga Skora at (201) 939-4242 ext. 131 or [email protected].

Register to Attend

On November 21, 2024, a tragic incident occurred on Cedar Lane near Lincoln Place in Teaneck, when a 70-year-old woman was fatally struck in a hit-and-run. Although the driver was later apprehended, the loss deeply affected the community and highlighted the urgent need for improved pedestrian safety.

Launching the Street Smart NJ Safety Campaign

In response, on April 23, 2025, the Township launched a Street Smart NJ Safety Campaign, with support from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) and EZ Ride. This initiative aimed to raise awareness of pedestrian and motorist laws, and to foster safer behaviors for everyone in the community.

“The safety of every pedestrian in our Teaneck community is not just a priority – it’s a responsibility we all share,” said Teaneck Mayor Mark Schwartz. “We are committed to implementing stronger safety measures, improving walkability, and raising awareness to ensure our streets are accessible and welcoming for all. Together, we are building a culture where every step taken on our streets is a safe one.”

Focus Areas and Community Engagement

The campaign focused on the area around 501 Cedar Lane, near Teaneck Cinema and other downtown businesses. This marks the eighteenth Street Smart campaign led by EZ Ride since 2017.

In addition to traditional education, observation, and enforcement activities, EZ Ride will:

• Host a community engagement meeting in June
• Conduct a speed study on Queen Anne Road between Cedar Lane and DeGraw Avenue
• Implement a demonstration project to calm traffic and enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety

A Call to Action for All Communities

We commend the Township of Teaneck for taking proactive steps to improve pedestrian safety. We encourage other communities to consider launching similar campaigns to help prevent future tragedies.

For more information about the Teaneck campaign or to learn how to bring a Street Smart campaign to your community, please email [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242, option 3.

May 2025

Beginning June 9, 2025, the Rutherford-Lyndhurst Shuttle will begin serving the newly opened Lyndhurst Station on NJ TRANSIT’s Main Line. Located at 366 Court Avenue, near Delafield Avenue, the new station—just east of the existing facility—is fully ADA-accessible and features high-level platforms, elevators, stairs, and protective canopies to enhance passenger safety and convenience.

Train service will transition to the new Lyndhurst Station on June 8, 2025, in coordination with NJ TRANSIT’s updated rail schedules. On that date, Kingsland Station will permanently close, and trains will no longer stop there. Riders should begin using the new Lyndhurst Station for all train connections.

To support a smooth transition, the EZ Ride Shuttle will continue to serve Kingsland Station. This allows passengers arriving on NJ TRANSIT Bus #76 to connect to the train service at the new Lyndhurst Station. The shuttle stop at the Lyndhurst station is located near the intersection of Delafield and Court Avenues.

The shuttle service is open to the public. Passengers must present a valid bus ticket to ride.

For current shuttle schedules, please visit the Rutherford-Lyndhurst Shuttle Schedule page on our website or email [email protected].

May 2025

May is National Bike Month, and we are pleased to highlight two outstanding community initiatives: the Montclair Bike Bus and the SOMA Bike Bus. These programs, led by dedicated parents and supported by their school districts and local municipalities, occasionally receive police escorts to ensure student safety.

What is a Bike Bus

A bike bus or a bike train is a parent or adult-led group ride that follows a scheduled route to school. It offers a fun, healthy, and safe alternative to the traditional car drop-off line, with benefits that extend well beyond the ride.

Why Bike Buses Matter:

• Encourage a healthy, active lifestyle for students and families
• Reduce traffic congestion around schools
• Improve local air quality
• Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Recognition

Launched in 2022 by a small group of parents, the Montclair Bike Bus set out to make biking to school safer and more accessible. Today, the program includes students from 10 of Montclair’s 11 schools, with up to 300 children biking to school on Fridays. Parent volunteers lead each ride, with participation ranging from 5 to 30 students per school.

Inspired by Montclair’s success, parents in South Orange and Maplewood launched the SOMA Bike Bus in 2024. This program currently involves 50 student riders from five schools, and interest is growing throughout the district.

These programs are more than just a way to get to school, they’re a catalyst for creating a more sustainable and bike-friendly transportation culture. SOMA is working with local officials to advocate for bike lanes and street redesigns to reduce speeding. The community has also launched the SOMA Bike Drive to collect and distribute bicycles, making it possible for more students to participate. Colorful lawn signs promote the SOMA Bike Bus, with proceeds funding reflective safety vests for the volunteer “drivers” and other costs.

“Riding bikes together to school is so much fun, and it’s safer for our kids to ride in a group with other students and parents. It’s a great way to bring the community together”. Martin Ceperley, volunteer bike bus driver.

Bike buses help schools earn points towards the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Recognition Program and access SRTS infrastructure improvement grants. For example, in 2022, the Township of Maplewood received a $488,000 SRTS grant to improve pedestrian signals near schools—a direct result of the district’s commitment to biking and walking safety.

EZ Ride can provide bike bus training materials and refurbished bikes for students.

For more information, please email [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242, option 3.

Upcoming Events: 

• May 31, Thriving Communities & Freeway Drive Bike Event, Learn to Ride & Bike Safe Skill Class, Orange Train Station | 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Register

• May 31, Learn to Ride & Bike Safe Skills Classes, Borough of Atlantic Highlands, Police Department and EZ Ride, Mother Theresa Regional School, Atlantic Highlands | 9:00 am – 11:45 am – Register

June 2025

Plainsboro has emerged as a regional leader in supporting electric vehicle (EV) adoption and charging infrastructure, setting a strong example for communities across New Jersey. The township’s proactive approach has earned it gold level Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certifications for the Municipal Complex and the Department of Public Works (DPW), as well as a silver award for the Plainsboro Preserve.

Through a strategic partnership with EV Connect, Plainsboro installed six Level 2 EV charging stations behind the Recreation and Cultural Center. These stations are available for public use, making EV ownership more accessible and convenient for residents and visitors alike. Notably, the project was fully funded by grants—including a significant contribution from Electrify America—demonstrating Plainsboro’s ability to leverage external resources to advance its sustainability goals while minimizing the financial burden on taxpayers.

Plainsboro’s commitment extends beyond infrastructure. The township adopted a forward-thinking ordinance that encourages the safe and efficient installation of EV charging equipment and “make-ready” parking spaces. This policy not only aligns with New Jersey state law but also supports the broader goal of reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are pleased to be gold certified by EVAL. We are committed to sustainability and the use of EVs,” said Anthony Cancro, Township Administrator, Township of Plainsboro.

By leveraging partnerships, adopting progressive policies, and securing critical grant funding, Plainsboro is positioning itself as a model for municipal EV adoption and infrastructure development—proving that local action can have a powerful impact on the transition to clean transportation.

Ready to start your EV journey?

Email us at [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242, Option 6.

In December 2023, the City of Asbury Park decided to improve mobility for older adults and income-eligible residents by partnering with EZ Ride to launch the EZ Ryde4Life@ Asbury Park transportation program. This initiative, powered by Lyft and Uber, demonstrates how a community-driven approach can break down transportation barriers and foster a culture of health and independence.

How the Program Works

• Target Audience: Older adults (65+) and income-eligible residents.
• Essential Destinations: Grocery stores, banks, medical appointments, and more within Asbury Park and neighboring towns.
• Convenient Rides: Participants use Lyft and Uber, coordinated by EZ Ride, for safe, reliable transportation.

Program Evolution: Listening and Adapting

Initially, the program offered up to six subsidized rides per month with a $15 subsidy per trip and a $50 deposit to join. While the concept was strong, participation was limited, with only a handful of residents enrolling and low utilization. The city sought feedback from the residents and in April 2025, made several changes:

• Increased the number of subsidized rides from 6 to 10 per month.
• Raised the per-trip subsidy from $15 to $25.
• Reduced the initial deposit from $50 to just $10.

Immediate Results: A Model for Success

The response was remarkable: within a month, 30 new residents enrolled and took over 70 trips, signaling strong demand and validating the changes. These results show that with the right adjustments, communities can quickly see increased engagement and improved quality of life for their residents.

“By listening to our residents and making thoughtful changes—like increasing the number of subsidized rides, raising the trip subsidy, and lowering the deposit—we saw participation in the program surge almost overnight. Thanks to these adjustments by our Director of Transportation, James Bonanno, we’ve shown that when we respond directly to community needs, we can truly make a difference in people’s lives.” – Mayor John Moor

Why Your Community Should Consider EZ Ryde4Life

• Customizable: The program can be tailored to fit your community’s unique needs and budget, thanks to flexible, user-friendly software.
• Scalable: Start with a pilot, gather feedback, and refine the program for maximum impact—just as Asbury Park did.
• Proven Impact: Increased participation and ride usage demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in addressing transportation gaps for vulnerable populations.

Next Steps: Bring EZ Ryde4Life to Your Town

Don’t let transportation barriers hold your residents back. Join the growing number of communities empowering older adults and income-eligible residents with affordable, flexible mobility solutions.

For more information on how to launch a pilot or customize the program for your municipality, contact EZ Ride at [email protected] or 201-939-4242 ext. 131.

June 2025

Since 2004, Essex County has partnered with EZ Ride to operate three essential shuttle services that support low-income residents: the Night Owl Shuttle, Route 10 Shuttle and the Fairfield- West Caldwell Shuttle.

These shuttles are partially funded by the NJ-Job Access & Reverse Commute (NJ-JARC) Program, which offers operating assistance to localities to help connect low income persons to jobs and other employment related services.

Essex County administers these shuttle programs through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process every five years. EZ Ride has consistently been selected to operate the services for more than two decades – a testament to the organization’s reliability and commitment.

Among the three shuttle services, the Night Owl Shuttle is the most heavily used. Operating daily from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., it provides critical transportation between Newark Penn Station and residents’ homes in Newark, Orange, East Orange, and Irvington. Many residents depend on the shuttle to reach early-morning or overnight shifts, particularly at Newark Airport. On average, more than 100 residents use the service each night, highlighting its essential role in supporting the local workforce.

“For more than 20 years, our partnership with EZ Ride has helped ensure that residents—especially those in underserved communities—can get to work, school, and essential services,” said Michael Vieira, Director of Special Transportation Services of the Essex County Department of Economic Development & Training. “These shuttle programs are more than just transportation—they are a bridge to opportunity, economic growth, and community well-being.”

EZ Ride is proud to promote economic mobility by providing safe, reliable access to employment. Our longstanding partnership with Essex County illustrates the essential role these shuttles play in connecting communities to jobs and essential services—serving as a lifeline for many workers and families.

For more information on EZ Ride’s shuttle programs, contact Kinga Skora at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 131.

July 2025

We are pleased to announce that EZ Ride has been selected by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) as a recipient of a transportation planning grant, as featured in a recent NJDEP press release highlighting several Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) across the state.

This award will support EZ Ride’s ongoing commitment to advancing innovative, equitable, and sustainable mobility solutions in New Jersey. Specifically, the grant will fund comprehensive transportation planning efforts in the communities of Plainfield and Orange, enabling us to assess local needs, engage residents and stakeholders, and design actionable strategies to improve transportation access and reduce congestion.

EZ Ride is honored to be recognized by the NJDEP for our work and dedication to making transportation more accessible and environmentally friendly. This grant builds on our successful track record of implementing programs that benefit both people and businesses, while also improving air quality and reducing traffic in our communities.

We look forward to collaborating with local officials, community organizations, and residents in Plainfield and Orange to ensure our planning initiatives reflect the unique needs and aspirations of each community. Together, we will continue to drive toward a cleaner, greener, and more connected New Jersey.

Stay tuned for updates as we launch these important planning projects and invite your participation in shaping the future of transportation in Plainfield and Orange.

July 2025

Six months ago, we introduced our readers to the Bergen County Mobility Resource Guide—designed to make travel smarter, greener, and more accessible for everyone. Thanks to your enthusiastic response and valuable feedback, we’re pleased to announce the release of an updated edition of the guide that is simplified and more streamlined!

Whether you’re a commuter looking for new travel hacks, an older adult in search of more accessible transit options, a caseworker supporting clients, or a business leader evaluating transportation access, the guide remains your go-to source for navigating Bergen County’s extensive transportation network.

The updated guide makes it easier than ever for residents to find reliable, local transportation for everyday life. This guide also serves as a practical resource for leaders and planners to evaluate services, address gaps and shape future transit improvements.

Access the Updated Guide Today

Download the newly updated Bergen County Mobility Resource Guide and take the next step toward transforming your travel experience.

Let’s build a healthier, more mobile Bergen County—together!

July 2025

Mercer County is setting the standard for electric vehicle (EV) adoption and sustainable transportation among New Jersey counties. Through a comprehensive commitment to clean mobility, the county has earned Gold and Silver Electric Vehicle Adoption Leader (EVAL) Certifications at 11 county buildings and facilities. This national certification, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, recognizes organizations that excel in providing EV charging infrastructure, implementing supportive workplace policies, and encouraging sustainable commuting options such as carpooling, biking, and public transit.

A cornerstone of Mercer County’s EVAL certification effort is the installation of fifteen EV charging stations—including four DC Fast Chargers—across key worksites and public facilities. These stations are conveniently located at the Mercer County Administration Building, the Mercer County Improvement Authority, county parks, golf courses, and technical schools. Designed to serve both employees and the public, the chargers feature accessible pricing and 24-hour availability at most locations. Mercer County leveraged grants from NJDEP’s It Pay$ to Plug In and the Clean Energy Electric Vehicle Tourism Grant Program to make these installations possible.

The county’s Master Plan prioritizes reducing emissions and energy use from transportation, incorporating strategies from the New Jersey Energy Master Plan and local sustainability initiatives. Special emphasis is placed on expanding EV ownership and clean transportation options in low- and moderate-income and environmental justice communities.

“Mercer County is excited to join the ranks of EVAL-certified organizations. We’re serious about our commitment to sustainability, and that means making it as easy as possible for our employees and residents to make an energy-saving choice like driving an electric vehicle,” said County Executive Dan Benson.

Looking ahead, Mercer County is conducting a Fleet Transition Study to guide the electrification of its general fleet and its Transportation Resources to Aid the Disadvantaged and Elderly (TRADE) fleet. This initiative ensures that the county’s transition to electric vehicles aligns with New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan and supports equitable access to clean transportation.

EZ Ride congratulates Mercer County on achieving 11 EVAL certifications and applauds its comprehensive approach to clean transportation. If your organization or community is interested in advancing EV adoption and pursuing EVAL certification, EZ Ride is here to help. We offer guidance on grants, technical resources, workplace charging solutions, and a Fire Awareness program for first responders.

Contact us at [email protected] to get started on your journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

July 2025

This summer, Westfield’s commitment to safe and active transportation took center stage as six local elementary schools partnered with EZ Ride to deliver comprehensive bike safety education. The initiative aimed to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for safe cycling throughout the summer and beyond.

Highlights of the Program

• Bike Safety Presentations: During May and June, EZ Ride led engaging presentations at six elementary schools, reaching over 400 students. The curriculum covered:
  • Proper cycling attire
  • Helmet fitting and safety
  • Scanning and signaling techniques
  • Bike inspections
  • New Jersey state bike laws

• Student Engagement: Following the presentations, 56 students participated in a safety poster contest, creatively illustrating the importance of safe riding. Twenty-nine students were recognized with prizes such as reflective string bags, bicycle helmets, bike lights, and bells.

• Hands-On Bike Skill Classes: EZ Ride hosted 27 safe bike skill classes, allowing students to put their new knowledge into practice. Hundreds of students eagerly participated, filling bike racks to capacity and demonstrating their enthusiasm for safe cycling. With support from teachers, student volunteers, and the Westfield Police Department, all participants made significant improvements in their riding skills.

“From helmet tips to traffic rules, our students are learning how to ride smart and stay safe,” said Wilson Elementary School Principal Crystal Marsh.

Inclusive and Ongoing Community Efforts

• Special Needs Programming: In August, the Westfield Recreation Department will offer a Learn to Ride class specifically designed for children with special needs, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to develop safe biking skills.
• Community-Wide Events: The annual Tour De Westfield, scheduled for September, will bring the community together to celebrate and promote safe cycling. EZ Ride will serve as the lead bike trainers for this anticipated event.

Recognition and Impact

Westfield’s dedication to bike safety has been instrumental in earning recent awards from the Safe Routes to School program. By investing in education and community engagement, Westfield is creating safer, healthier, and more accessible streets for everyone.

For more information about Safe Routes to School or to schedule an educational program in your community, please contact [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242, option 3.

July 2025

We are excited to announce a new partnership between EZ Ride and Henderson Road Supportive Urban Renewal Associates, L.P., an affiliate of  RPM Development Group, to launch a pilot transportation program designed to support residents of RPM’s Supportive Housing Project in South Brunswick. This initiative aims to break down transportation barriers and empower residents to access essential services, appointments, shopping, and community activities with greater ease.

How the Program Works

• Eligibility: RPM will provide EZ Ride with a list of eligible residents living in affordable housing units.
• Easy Scheduling: Residents contact RPM’s Social Services Coordinator to get their ride approved. Once approved, they simply call EZ Ride to activate their trips.
• On-Demand Flexibility: Rides are provided through the EZ Ryde4Life program, utilizing trusted partners Lyft and Uber for safe, reliable transportation.

“We’re delighted to use the EZ Ryde4Life program to empower our residents with greater independence through reliable transportation. We believe the program is well-equipped to meet the transportation needs of our community members and enhance their quality of life. Partnering with EZ Ride gives us confidence that our transportation needs will be managed with care and professionalism—we’re looking forward to working together,” said Kim Copeland, Director of Social Services at RPM.

Get Involved or Learn More

Interested in launching a similar pilot or customizing a transportation program for your community? Contact Kinga Skora at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 131 for more information.

Together, we’re making mobility accessible for all—one ride at a time.

July 2025

We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the entire EZ Ride Bike & Pedestrian Program team for their outstanding effort and commitment. Their hard work and dedication played a pivotal role in helping more than 200 organizations win Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Recognition Awards. Thanks to the team’s tireless advocacy and on-the-ground support, 224 winners were recognized this year by the New Jersey Department of Transportation — including 147 schools and 77 municipalities. EZ Ride’s 224 winners accounted for 62.7 percent of the 357 awardees in the state.

Our Bike & Pedestrian team’s comprehensive approach included organizing nearly 800 events, such as safety presentations, poster contests, bike safety workshops, walk assessments, and walk-to-school days, which collectively reached over 44,000 students. These impactful initiatives have promoted safer walking and biking in Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Passaic, and Union counties.

Importantly, 67 percent—or 150—of this year’s 224 awardees are from disadvantaged communities, highlighting our steadfast commitment to equity and inclusivity. The recognition levels of this year’s winners are as follows:

• 64 Gold awardees
• 75 Silver awardees
• 48 Bronze level awardees
• 37 First Step Awardees (new to the program)

These awards not only recognize each organization’s dedication to safe walking and biking but also help them with Sustainable Jersey certification and strengthen applications for NJDOT infrastructure grants, such as TA Set Aside grants or federal Safe Routes grants.

The impact of our team’s work is felt and deeply appreciated by school communities. William Fleming, Principal of Hoover Elementary, Bergenfield, said, “The incredible support from the EZ Ride Bike & Pedestrian Program team has been instrumental in our Safe Routes to School success. Their dedication, guidance, and hands-on partnership empowered our students, staff, and families to prioritize safe and healthy travel. Winning the SRTS Recognition Award is a proud moment for Hoover School, and we share this achievement with the entire EZ Ride team.”

To celebrate these remarkable achievements, EZ Ride will host its Annual Recognition Luncheon on September 25th at the Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth. All winners will be invited to attend and recognized for their valuable contributions to safer and healthier communities through active transportation. The full list of awardees can be found at saferoutesnj.org.

For additional information about the program or the recognition event, please email [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 3.

August 2025

Dear Friends of EZ Ride,

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear Trustee, Kent E. Hansen.

Kent joined the EZ Ride Board in 2017 and, from the very beginning, brought unwavering dedication to our mission along with his deep legal expertise. As a representative of Pro Bono Partnership, he connected us with volunteer attorneys from leading law firms, guiding us through more than 20 matters over the years. His contributions ranged from complex transactions such as asset transfers, real estate purchases, and trademark registration and enforcement, to contract reviews, sales tax audits, property tax exemptions, and 403(b) plan guidance. He also provided invaluable advice on employment law matters, including compliance with the WARN Act.

Working with Kent was a privilege. His support extended far beyond legal counsel—it brought us peace of mind, knowing that our small nonprofit could count on reliable, expert legal guidance when we needed it most. His generosity and commitment have left a lasting imprint on EZ Ride and laid the foundation for our continued success. Kent’s professional career was equally distinguished. He served for 23 years as General Counsel and Secretary of Fedders Corporation, and later as a consultant, corporate secretary, and counsel. He began volunteering with Pro Bono Partnership in 2011 and joined its staff in 2013. His dedication to service extended well beyond his professional life—he also served for many years on the Jefferson Township Board of Education.

Most important to Kent was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, and proud grandfather. His kindness, wisdom, and generosity touched everyone who knew him.

In recognition of his extraordinary impact, EZ Ride will honor his legacy through the Kent E. Hansen Friends of EZ Ride Award, presented annually to an individual who embodies his spirit of empowering nonprofits with kindness, integrity, and compassion.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Kent’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful for his friendship, guidance, and the example he set for us all.

With sympathy,

August 2025

We’re pleased to announce the release of the Essex County Mobility Resource Guide—a comprehensive, easy-to-use online tool designed to improve access to transportation across the county. Developed in collaboration with Essex County, the guide offers clear, up-to-date information to help residents, older adults, caregivers, and community organizations find the mobility services they need.

From local shuttle routes and senior transportation programs to paratransit services and innovative mobility partnerships, this guide brings together essential resources to help people get where they need to go—whether it’s a job, medical appointment, grocery store, or community event.

In addition to supporting residents, the guide is also a vital planning tool for local officials, transit planners, and service providers, offering data and insights to evaluate current services, identify gaps, and shape future improvements that benefit the entire community.

“The Essex County Mobility Resource Guide is a valuable tool that will help residents access the transportation services they need while helping our businesses improve how those services are utilized,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.. “Providing safe and reliable transportation options is essential to supporting the well-being and independence of all of our residents, especially seniors and those with limited mobility.”

At EZ Ride, we believe mobility creates opportunity. This guide is an important step in our ongoing mission to make Essex County more connected, accessible, and equitable for all.

Discover the Essex County Mobility Guide at our website and join us in building a stronger, healthier and more mobile community–together.

August 2025

In the 1950s, Eric Weis launched a dry cleaning business in Ramsey, starting with a small fleet of delivery vehicles bringing freshly cleaned clothes to customers. Over the years, Eric diversified into car leasing, real estate, and electronics—always focused on providing quality service to the community.

During the 1973 fuel crisis, Eric installed two large gasoline and diesel tanks to support his business and help employees and clients. Unfortunately, both tanks eventually developed leaks, resulting in a costly $25,000 environmental cleanup bill.

Determined to reduce fuel expenses and environmental risks, the company shifted its delivery fleet first to hybrid vehicles and then, over time, to a fully electric fleet. In 2017, J&S Realty installed Level 2 EV charging stations on-site to power their growing electric fleet. To further support clean transportation, in 2018 the company secured an NJDEP grant and added three dual-port Level 2 chargers in their parking lot, allowing both employees and customers to charge their vehicles. The popularity of these chargers soared—usage grew from one session every two weeks to an average of two sessions per day on each charger. In 2019, the company opened their chargers to all Ramsey residents and the public after business hours, strengthening community ties and encouraging broader EV adoption.

In recognition of their leadership, J&S Realty received the Gold-level Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) award in 2024 for providing workplace and public charging and promoting electric vehicle use.

“Going electric has been a boon for our business. We’ve significantly reduced our fuel and maintenance costs, and our EV chargers have brought in new customers, as residents come to charge their vehicles and value our commitment to sustainable transportation. I encourage all local businesses to consider adding electric vehicles to their fleets,” says Eric Weis of J&S Realty.

For assistance with EV grants, fleet electrification strategies, or product recommendations, contact us at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, option 6. Our staff can help with technical resources and guide your business toward national EVAL certification, helping you stand out as an EV leader.

August 2025

Cycling promotes physical activity, improves air quality, reduces traffic congestion, and reduces the need for parking. Bikeshare programs help more people experience these benefits.

EZ Ride congratulates the City of Passaic on the successful launch of its new bikeshare program. With no cost to users—all that’s needed is a smartphone, a credit card, and to be over 18—it’s now easier than ever for residents to get around by bike.

Passaic’s bikeshare program is part of the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and a key step toward the City’s Bicycle Master Plan. “The goal is to add dedicated bike lanes with bicycle boulevards, buffered bike lanes, and two-way cycle tracks, providing safe access to stores, transportation hubs, and parks,” said Mayor Hector C. Lora. “EZ Ride is currently one of the many partners assisting and providing guidance with this Plan.”

Last year, EZ Ride partnered with Passaic High School students and residents to install curb extensions at Monroe Street & Columbia Avenue to improve safety for people walking and biking. This year, with a $9,000 mini-grant from People for Bikes, we are encouraging residents to use bikeshare for commuting and recreation.

In partnership with the Urban Enterprise Zone, we are offering free bike safety classes at all five bikeshare docks. Participants learn state laws, hand signals, helmet fitting, and safe group riding. Each class ends with a fun neighborhood ride and includes a free helmet and reflective vest. So far, we’ve hosted seven classes and reached 31 residents.

We applaud Passaic’s commitment to active transportation. If you’re interested in launching a bikeshare program in your city and need help with funding or implementation, contact EZ Ride via email [email protected] or call (201) 939-4242, option 3.

Let’s keep rolling toward safer, healthier communities!

August 2025

The Essex County Division of Family Assistance & Benefits (DFAB) provides critical support to families and individuals facing financial, medical, and housing challenges.

Through programs such as Work First New Jersey Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Work First New Jersey General Assistance (GA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and New Jersey FamilyCare (NJFC), DFAB connects residents with resources designed to promote stability, independence, and self-sufficiency.

DFAB has partnered with EZ Ride to launch a pilot transportation program using the EZ Ryde4Life service, which provides our Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) clients rides using transportation providers like Lyft and Uber. WFNJ clients that meet special eligibility criteria will be able to get safe and reliable rides through EZ Ride for immediate needs services.

“Transportation can be a major hurdle for our WFNJ clients,” said Uchenna Duru, Fiscal Analyst at DFAB. “The EZ Ryde4Life program helps bridge that gap by providing dependable rides for emergency assistance services determined by Essex County Division of Family Assistance & Benefits. The flexibility in scheduling and the detailed monthly reporting from EZ Ride will help us administer the program efficiently. We look forward to this partnership.”

EZ Ride shares that commitment. “At EZ Ride, we believe transportation is essential to quality of life,” said Krishna Murthy, CEO of EZ Ride. “We are pleased to work with Essex County DFAB to provide safe, affordable, and reliable rides for those who need them most.”

This initial pilot will allow DFAB and EZ Ride to evaluate the program’s impact and explore ways to expand transportation access for more Essex County residents in need.

Interested in creating a similar transportation program for your community? Contact Kinga Skora at [email protected] or call 201-939-4242 ext. 131 for details.

EZ Ride invites you to our Annual Recognition Event on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Galloping Hill Golf Course in Kenilworth, NJ. This special occasion honors schools, municipalities and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing mobility, safety and sustainability in our communities.

This year, we are proud to recognize outstanding organizations in the following categories:

• Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Awards
• Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Awards

A complete list of all Safe Routes to School Awards is available online at saferoutenj.org.

In addition to organizational awards, we will also present individual honors:

• Champion of Change Award
• Kent E. Hansen Friends of EZ Ride Award

The event will begin with a buffet lunch, providing an opportunity for networking and a video tribute to this year’s awardees. Afterwards, attendees will enjoy presentations from three featured speakers sharing impactful programs in their communities:

• EZ Ryde4Life Program – Presented by Judy Hurley, Township of Montclair
• EV Program – Presented by Honorable Shelley Brindle, Mayor of Westfield
• Bike-Ped Program – Presented by Martin Ceperley, SOMa Bike Bus

Join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements and dedication of our partners. Please note that seating is limited to two attendees per organization. Register by September 10 to secure your spot.

REGISTER NOW

September 30, 2025

On September 25, 2025, EZ Ride celebrated the achievements of schools, municipalities, and businesses at its Annual Awards Luncheon, honoring those who have shown exceptional leadership in promoting safer, cleaner, and more efficient transportation initiatives.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Awardees

This year, the SRTS program recognized 224 award recipients, including 77 municipalities and 147 schools. Throughout the year, these partners collaborated with EZ Ride to host over 800 safety-focused events, reaching more than 44,000 participants across Bergen, Essex, Monmouth, Passaic, and Union counties. Notably, 67% of awardees represented disadvantaged communities.

Activities ranged from safety presentations and community audits to bike skill classes, poster contests, and walk/bike-to-school days. Many communities have made SRTS activities a staple in their annual event schedules. SRTS recognition extends beyond accolades—top-tier awardees achieve Sustainable Jersey certification, qualify for mini-grants, and gain a stronger position when applying for infrastructure grants like Safe Routes to School and Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside via the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Awardees

EZ Ride also recognized 120 worksites with Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) awards, celebrating their commitment to sustainable transportation. EVAL is a workplace EV charging certification program supported by the U.S. Department of Energy. The program assists employers in advancing clean transportation for employees with initiatives such as EV charging, carpooling, biking, public transit options, and incentives for sustainable commuting.

Honoring Legacy and Individual Excellence

A special moment at the luncheon honored Kent E. Hansen, a beloved EZ Ride Trustee and legal advisor whose wisdom and generosity helped guide the organization. The new Kent E. Hansen Friends of EZ Ride Award will annually recognize individuals who exemplify his spirit of kindness and service.

This year, William M. Yarzab, Senior Planner at the New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), received the inaugural Kent E. Hansen Friends of EZ Ride Award for his work advancing pedestrian and driver safety through the Street Smart NJ program. Michael L. Hornsby, Chief Project Development Officer at the NJ Board of Public Utilities, was also honored with the Champion for Change Award for his leadership in electric vehicle safety and first responder education.

Program Presentations and Inspiration

Attendees enjoyed presentations from Michael Vieira (Essex County Special Transportation Services), Mayor Shelley Brindle (Westfield Sustainability), and Martin Ceperley (SOMa Bike Bus co-founder), each providing inspiration and practical insights into advancing safe, sustainable, and innovative transportation solutions.

EZ Ride congratulates all award recipients and invites additional organizations to participate in future programs and recognition opportunities. To access presentation slides, videos, or event photographs, please visit our event page.

For more information about Safe Routes to School (SRTS), Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL), or the awards process, contact [email protected] or call 201-939-4242, ext. 3.

September 30, 2025

Isles, a nonprofit based in Trenton, NJ, reached a significant milestone by earning Gold and Platinum Electric Vehicle Adoption Leadership (EVAL) certifications for its Mill One and Perry Street sites in August.

Isles installed six public EV charging stations to address a key barrier to EV adoption: convenient access to charging. Revenue from the stations is reinvested in Isles’ sustainability initiatives, helping ensure long-term impact.

“EVAL certification helped us support our employees to make green travel choices. We conducted staff listening sessions and sent surveys to identify commuting barriers, which resulted in workplace charging, internal incentives for EV adoption, and education about sustainable options. Our Center for Energy and Environmental Training equips staff and local residents with the skills needed for careers in clean energy and transportation.”

–       Ben Haygood, Director of Policy and Partnership, Isles

Isles has also gained national recognition for its innovative, community-based mobility solutions. Through its GoTrenton! e-mobility pilot, Isles launched the city’s first subsidized electric rideshare service, designed to connect residents with jobs, healthcare, and essential services. This program also tackles a local public health challenge: childhood asthma rates in Trenton are four times higher than the county average. By providing sustainable transportation options, Isles is helping reduce reliance on polluting vehicles while advancing Trenton’s environmental and health goals.

EZ Ride congratulates Isles on its EVAL certifications, which highlight leadership in sustainable commuting, workplace EV charging, and advancing access to electric mobility in Trenton.

If your community is interested in earning EVAL certification or improving access to clean transportation, please contact EZ Ride at [email protected] or 202-939-4242 option 6. We provide free technical assistance with EVAL certification and EV charging at multi-unit dwellings or workplaces.

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.

September 30, 2025

NJ TRANSIT has announced a significant increase in its monthly vanpool subsidy—from $175 to $400 per month for all eligible vanpools. 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:

• Agree on fair cost-sharing arrangements.
• Establish routes and pickup schedules that suit everyone.
• Keep contact information updated for emergencies or delays.
• Designate a backup driver to ensure smooth operation during vacations or absences.

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:

• Less daily stress from not driving.
• Reduced wear and tear on personal vehicles.
• Lower environmental impact through fewer cars on the road.
• Enhanced community connection by sharing the ride.

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.

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:

• NJDEP’s “It Pays to Plug In” program, which offsets the cost of EV charging equipment.
• PSE&G’s EV Charging Rebate, which helps cover “make-ready” infrastructure expenses.

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.

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

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

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 25^th, 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,