Greater Mercer TMA 2025 Year in Review: Promoting increased access, safer, and sustainable Transportation in 2025
We had a busy 2025, working to make our region’s transportation safer, more accessible, more sustainable, and more inclusive for the people and communities we serve across Mercer and Ocean Counties. From educating students and empowering seniors to advancing countywide safety initiatives, our programs reached thousands of residents and strengthened connections throughout the region. Below are some highlights of the year.
Safe Routes to School: Building Lifelong Safety Habits
Our Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program had an impactful year, reaching more than 5,900 students through 75 events across Mercer and Ocean Counties. These events included engaging safety presentations, bike rodeos, and walking activities held at schools, libraries, and camps. By teaching children how to walk and bike safely, SRTS not only promotes pedestrian and bicycle safety but also encourages healthier lifestyles and environmentally friendly travel choices from an early age.
Rides: Expanding Access to Employment and Essential Services
Access to reliable transportation remains critical for economic opportunity and independence. In 2025:
- 91,593 rides were provided through employment shuttle services managed by GMTMA, including the ZLine, Z2, Route 130 Connection, and Bank of America routes.
- To increase awareness of the ZLine and Route 130 Connection services,we launched expanded marketing campaigns with interior and exterior advertisements on NJ Transit buses and at bus shelters throughout Trenton.
- 16,171 rides were provided by RideProvide for seniors and visually impaired adults in Mercer County, Plainsboro, and the southern portion of Montgomery, helping residents reach medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations.
Travel Training: Empowering Independent Mobility
This year, we conducted 17 travel training sessions, reaching 270 participants, including high school students in transition programs, seniors, and case managers working with vulnerable populations. These hands-on trainings help individuals learn how to safely and confidently navigate public transportation. By offering personalized instruction, we empower participants to travel independently and expand their access to jobs, services, and community activities.
Advancing Safety and Vision Zero
Safety initiatives were a major focus throughout the year. Our work included:
- Pedestrian road safety audits in Tuckerton and Hopewell Township
- Speed studies in Hopewell Borough and Hamilton Township
- A Street Smart safety campaign was conducted in Princeton
- Creating road safety improvement recommendations for locations in Trenton
We also played an active role in developing the Mercer County Vision Zero Safety Action Plan. This effort has included data analysis, the creation of a high-injury network, a countywide road safety survey that received more than 1,600 responses, and a Vision Zero safety messaging campaign delivered through digital media. These efforts help guide data-driven strategies to eliminate traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities.
Mapping Tools: Improving Access to Food Resources
To support food access across Mercer County, we launched interactive mapping tools, including the Grocery Store Finder and Food Pantry Finder. These tools help residents locate grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and food pantries that are accessible by public transit. Users can also explore which food pantries fall within the Access Link service area, making it easier to plan trips and access vital resources.
Conferences and Workshops: Bringing Partners Together
Collaboration remained central to our mission. In May, Greater Mercer TMA, in partnership with Mercer County, proudly co-hosted the inaugural Mercer in Motion Transportation Conference. The event brought together more than 175 transportation professionals, policymakers, planners, and community stakeholders for a full day of discussion and collaboration. GMTMA staff shared expertise on safety initiatives, Vision Zero strategies, trails and active transportation planning, and human services transportation.
In September, we hosted the Access to Wellness event, welcoming more than 70 case managers, social workers, healthcare professionals, and transportation experts. The event focused on improving access to wellness through reliable and affordable transportation, fostering cross-sector partnerships to better serve community needs.
In 2026
As we move forward, we remain committed to advancing transportation solutions that improve safety, access, and quality of life. Through education, innovation, and collaboration, we look forward to building on this year’s momentum and continuing to connect people to opportunity throughout our region.