In Bicycling, Climate Change, Public Health, Safe Routes to School, Safety, Transit, Transportation, Transportation & Land Use, Walking

 

Greater Mercer TMA 2024 Year in Review: Promoting Safe, Accessible, and Sustainable Transportation

Looking back on 2024, it’s clear that we had a busy year filled with meaningful work addressing transportation safety, accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement. From initiatives like Safe Routes to School (SRTS) to employment shuttles and safety programs, we’ve seen tangible results in Mercer and Ocean Counties. Here’s a closer look at the impactful work done throughout the year.

Safe Routes to School: Empowering Our Youth

In 2024, our Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs reached over 3,900 students across Mercer and Ocean Counties, promoting pedestrian and bicycle safety in a fun, engaging way. We conducted 73 SRTS events, including safety presentations, bike rodeos, and walking events at schools, libraries, and camps, educating children on safe travel practices while encouraging healthier, environmentally friendly travel options.

It was exciting to see three communities in our service area, Hopewell Borough, Point Pleasant Borough, and Little Egg Harbor, receive SRTS grants this year totaling $3,062,000. GMTMA engaged with Point Pleasant Borough and Hopewell to conduct pedestrian road safety audits and develop school travel plans to inform their SRTS applications. The funds are allocated for projects to make walking and biking to school safer and more accessible.

Rides: Improving and Increasing Access

Transportation accessibility remained a key priority, with GMTMA managing several shuttle services and ride programs. In total, 89,759 rides were provided on the ZLine, Z2, Route 130 Connection, and the Bank of America shuttle. These services are crucial for helping individuals get to work, reducing congestion, and lowering environmental impacts.

GMTMA’s RideProvide program provided 15,103 rides for seniors and visually impaired adults in Mercer County, Plainsboro, and the southern portion of Montgomery. These rides provide essential access to medical appointments, social activities, and everyday errands.

Travel Training: Building Confidence and Independence

This year, we offered 22 travel training sessions, reaching 336 participants. These sessions were conducted for transition program high school students, seniors, and case managers at organizations that work with vulnerable populations. The trainings help individuals learn how to navigate public transportation safely and confidently. By providing personalized training, we empower people to become more independent, increasing their access to the broader community.

Safety First: For All Road Users

Ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists is essential to our mission. In 2024, we launched two Street Smart safety campaigns, which focus on educating drivers and pedestrians about safe behavior and traffic laws. These campaigns contribute to our broader Vision Zero efforts to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.

We also conducted two-speed studies—in Hopewell Borough and Hamilton Township—and in East Trenton, we engaged in community outreach and road safety demonstration projects and led a Pedestrian Road Safety Audit. These efforts help local governments identify hazardous areas and prioritize safety improvements, such as enhanced crosswalks, traffic calming measures, and better signage.

Additionally, we are continuing our work on the Mercer County Vision Zero Safety Action Plan and participating in the steering committee for Ocean County’s plan, focusing on reducing crashes and saving lives across the region.

Trails: Connecting Communities and Promoting Active Transportation

This year, we made strides in expanding and promoting walking and biking trails, which are essential for sustainable and active transportation. Our Utility Trails Story Map, created this year, is a comprehensive tool highlighting the potential of utility rights-of-way (ROWs) for trail development. The StoryMap details the seven proposed long-distance trails in the Greater Mercer Trails plan that, if constructed, would use these ROWs, making it a resource for municipalities to analyze the potential for building these trails.

We also celebrated progress on renewed conversations and actions for the proposed John Bull Trail, a project aimed at improving connections between neighborhoods in Hamilton and Robbinsville by providing a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists.

GMTMA is also pleased to be the host website for information on TrentonWalks, a community engagement program launched in 2024 featuring walks in and around Trenton, sponsored by the Trenton Green Team with the support of the Mercer County Action Team. The program, which promotes walking for transportation, continues to grow.

These trail projects are important not only for improving transportation options but also for enhancing quality of life and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and Community Impact in 2025

As we move forward, we will continue to prioritize enhancing safety, broadening access to transportation, boosting sustainability, and encouraging community involvement. From new SRTS programs to ongoing efforts in shuttle services and safety campaigns, we are committed to building a more sustainable, safe, and equitable transportation system for all.

If you’re interested in learning more about our initiatives or working to address transportation concerns in your community, don’t hesitate to reach out!

 

 

 

 

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