Newsletter
Greater Mercer TMA Summer Newsletter 2024
August 2024
The Summer newsletter of Greater Mercer TMA highlights the exceptional work done by the GMTMA team during this season.
Greater Mercer TMA Spring Newsletter 2024
May 2024
We at Greater Mercer TMA want to wish all our partners and friends a happy spring! The GMTMA Staff have been busy bees this season! See what all the buzz is about!
Greater Mercer TMA Winter Newsletter 2024
February 2024
Reflect, Explore, Create – GMTMA’s Winter 2024 Newsletter has it all — Year-in-Review video, Vision Zero Story Map, 11th Annual Bookmark Contest, and more!
Greater Mercer TMA Fall Newsletter 2023
November 2023
We at Greater Mercer TMA, would like to wish all of our partners and friends a happy fall season! We at Greater Mercer TMA have been harvesting Progress: Transportation Initiatives, Community Connections, and Sustainable Mobility Solutions! 🍁🚗 #FallingIntoTransportation
Greater Mercer TMA Summer Newsletter 2023
July 2023
The Summer newsletter of Greater Mercer TMA highlights the exceptional work done by the GMTMA team during this season.
Greater Mercer TMA Spring Newsletter 2023
May 2023
We at Greater Mercer TMA, would like to wish all of our partners and friends a happy spring! Spring is a wonderful time of year when nature awakens from its winter slumber and bursts into life. We have been busy bees doing great work keeping our communities connected.
LOVE is in the Air
January-February 2023
Greater Mercer TMA would like to thank all our partners for your continued support. Your support enables us to continue our work to improve mobility, increase safety, and further sustainability.
Happy Holidays!
December 2022
During this season of reflection, we at Greater Mercer TMA, pause to express our sincere gratitude for the support of our partners and sponsors, local communities, and advocates. Thanks to your support, we are able to continue to provide programs and services that promote a positive impact on our communities. A sincere thank you to all of you! Wishing you all a healthy and joyous holiday season. And of course, a really wonderful 2023!
Trail-Blazers Leading the Way Toward Creating a Trail Network in Mercer County
October 2022
On October 6th township representatives from all over Mercer County came together for a workshop on “Creating a Robust Trail Network in Mercer County.”
GMTMA launches Mapping Tool for Age Restricted Communities
September 2022
Greater Mercer TMA has created a mapping tool to help planners and senior service providers learn about the locations of older adults in Mercer County.
Check Out Our New Story Map on the John Bull Trail
July – August 2022
We’re excited to present our second trails story map! The Greater Mercer Trails Plan presented a vision for an interconnected network of trails and on-road biking and walking facilities that would make active transportation a viable alternative to driving a car in Mercer County. In Mercer County, historic rail and canal lines, plus other utility corridors, provide the primary opportunity to fulfill this vision. One of the historic rail line corridors, the Camden & Amboy, is a key element for the John Bull Trail, one of the proposed long-distance trails in the Trails Plan.
Safe Routes to School in High Gear
June 2022
The GMTMA Safe Routes to School Coordinators had a few busy weeks. On May 15, we were at the Point Pleasant Borough Bike Rodeo working with the Police Department and other organizations to hold a bicycle rodeo at Nellie Bennett Elementary School. Children were able to practice their biking safety skills on a course designed to mimic real road conditions. Children were also able to learn biking safety, had their bikes checked and tuned up, and their helmets checked for proper fit.
Greater Mercer TMA Announces SRTS Bookmark Contest Winners
May 2022
“The students did a fantastic job illustrating some of the important behaviors that they can do to keep safe while walking and biking” said Cheryl Kastrenakes Executive Director of GMTMA. “We continue to be impressed each year with the creative and thoughtful entries that we receive.”
SRTS Coordinators Give Safety Presentations
April 2022
As the NJ Department of Transportation’s designated regional coordinator for Safe Routes to School efforts, Greater Mercer TMA works to keep children in Mercer and Ocean counties healthy by encouraging them to stay active through walking and biking to school and offering safety education.
Throughout the years GMTMA has promoted walking and biking with a variety of programming; safety presentations, bookmark contests, walk and bike to school events, bike rodeos, a walking school bus app (available here), and other events.
Greater Mercer TMA Announces SRTS Bookmark Contest
March 2022
Greater Mercer TMA’s (GMTMA) ninth annual Safe Routes to School Bookmark Design contest is now underway. Mercer and Ocean County students in third through fifth grade are eligible to participate and create a bookmark for the contest with the theme “Walking and biking are fun to do. What do you do to keep it safe too?”
Love is Patient, Love is Blind, Love…Listens to Podcasts!
January – February 2022
Greater Mercer TMA is launching its new podcast, Mobility Minute on February 14.
Follow us on Instagram to get the latest updates: https://www.instagram.com/mobilityminutepod/
Mobility Minute, a Bitesize Podcast for People on the Move
December 2021
Transportation is for everyone. Coming soon to anywhere you get your podcasts.
Follow @mobilityminutepod on Instagram and turn your Twitter alerts on for updates from @gmtma on our January ’22 launch.
Walk to School Day
October 2021
This year Walk to School Day was celebrated on October 6, but GMTMA was out thrilled to be able to get back to in person programming starting in September.
GMTMA staff presented bicycle and pedestrian safety education to all fourth graders and learning support students at Lawrence Intermediate School over several days in September. In Princeton students in 4th and 5th grade at Community Park School celebrated Walk to School with a walk to school event and by participating in walking and biking presentations on October 4th, October 5th, and October 6th with GMTMA’s Safe Routes to School Coordinators.
ZLine Provides Over 500,000 Rides
August – September 2021
Six years ago, Greater Mercer TMA in coordination with NJTRANSIT, started a new last mile service to and from the Matrix Business Park in Robbinsville. As of August 2021, the service reached a milestone with over 500,000 passenger trips provided.
ZLine is a scheduled bus service that meets three of NJTRANSIT’s bus lines at Hamilton Marketplace. At Marketplace, ZLine transports workers to and from places of business located at the 7A development.
NJ SRTS School Zone Guide
July 2021
The New Jersey Safe Routes Program published a Safe School Zone Strategies Guide that offers ideas to improve safety around school zones. Safety around school zones and when travelling to school has been a long-time concern in particular for child pedestrians and bicyclists. The approaches to safety are flexible and can help parents, schools, and municipalities start planning for the new school year.
Bike Month Campaign Raises Funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Bike Exchange
June 2021
Greater Mercer TMA partnered with Keep Middlesex Moving for a Bike Month event this May. The two TMAs asked residents in Mercer, Middlesex, and Ocean County to pledge to ride their bike, send biking photos, or stories during the month of May. For every pledge, photo and story, the TMAs would donate to the local Bike Exchange. The response from participants in every county was outstanding. As a result, Greater Mercer TMA will donate a total of $200 to the Trenton Bike Exchange. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Bike Exchange is a volunteer-led enterprise that repairs donated bicycles and sells them at modest prices at its Ewing location at Capitol Plaza, raising funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County and promoting biking for transportation and pleasure among low-income families. Proceeds from the Bike Exchange sponsor the Club’s after-school programs.
May is Bike Month
May 2021
May is National Bike Month, and Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association (GMTMA) is partnering with Keep Middlesex Moving for a campaign that celebrates the positive force that bicycling brings to our lives.
Participating is easy. Just pledge to ride your bike at least once during Bike Month. How easy is that! Qualifying rides include a bike ride for lunch, to work, to school, to errands, to visit a friend, or any bike ride that replaces a car trip. Participants can log their rides and submit photos and stories at http://bit.ly/youbikewegive2021. For every pledge, photo and story, GMTMA and KMM will make a donation to the Trenton Bike Exchange or the New Brunswick Bike Exchange. You Bike. We Give!
Step Into Spring
April 2021
To encourage walking and help parents plan walks, GMTMA is sponsoring a “Step into Spring. Ready.Set.Win!” campaign. “Winter is behind us, full time virtual schooling has ended for most students, and spring brings forth the perfect opportunity to begin a walk routine for the trip to school. “said Cheryl Kastrenakes GMTMA Executive Director. “ The NJ WSB app is a fun tool to help parents arrange walks with other parents and children who live near them.” The campaign includes a contest open to parents and their children in Mercer County and Ocean County.
Little Egg Harbor Township New EV Station
March 2021
The increased demand for EV & Plug in Hybrid models led the Little Egg Harbor Township committee to look for ways to run a more fuel-efficient fleet of vehicles and provide means to residents and vacationers to be able to charge their vehicles. The closest EV Stations until now were available in Manahawkin and Mays Landing. The township engineer obtained a grant for the station which paid for a portion of the project.
We Love Our Work
February 2021
The year 2020 made us adapt the way we work, the way we do outreach, and the way we communicate. But we were up for the challenge and we’ve been working to get things done. Our 2020 Annual Report highlights the ways we have adapted and kept our work going.
GMTMA Awarded Funding for Pilot Program
January 2021
Greater Mercer TMA is one of the five grantees awarded the 2021 Ready-to-Launch Pilot Implementation Grant by the National Center for Mobility Management. The purpose of the grant is to assist in preparing for full-scale roll-out solutions to address mobility challenges experienced by underserved community members.
Happy Holidays!
December 2020
On behalf of the GMTMA staff and Board, I want to express our gratitude for the support of our partners and sponsors, local communities, and advocates throughout this most unprecedented of years. A sincere thank you to all of you! Wishing all of you a healthy and joyous holiday season. And of course, a really wonderful 2021!
Congratulations 2020 New Jersey Smart Workplaces
November 2020
The New Jersey Smart Workplaces program recognizes employers who demonstrate leadership by providing and promoting quality commuter benefits to their employees that reduce congestion and improve air quality. This year telecommuting was at the top of the list for so many businesses out of necessity. We want to continue to recognize our NJSW awardees who even pre-pandemic were offering benefits, such as telecommuting, that created an environment where employees could choose more sustainable commute options.
The New NJ Walking School Bus App
October 2020
As the coordinator for Safe Routes to School programs, Greater Mercer TMA works with schools and towns on a variety of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs. Our latest effort, an updated and easy to use Walking School Bus app! The NJ Walking School Bus app allows parents to easily create and plan walks to and from school.
Car Free Week
September 2020
Every year Car Free Day is celebrated on September 22. Greater Mercer TMA, EZ Ride, and Keep Middlesex Moving invite you to celebrate Car Free Week during the week of September 21 –27. The three TMAs will hold a weeklong celebration for everyone who travels carfree or carlite, whether by bike, bus, train, carpool, walk, or telework.
GMTMA Employer Recognition
August 2020
During the month of August, we typically ask employers to submit the New Jersey Smart Workplaces recognition applications. But this year is not typical, and we will not be holding a recognition ceremony. The GMTMA Annual Luncheon is cancelled due to the need to social distance and limit the size of gatherings.
Ride Provide Resumes Full Service
July 2020
The GMTMA senior transportation program restarted its full ride service on July 6, 2020. Beginning in mid-March, RideProvide shifted to dialysis only rides, contactless food delivery, and friendly check-in calls to the riders. To meet the needs of the current situation we have instituted a number of new protocols.
GMTMA Announces Bookmark Contest Winners
June 2020
Greater Mercer TMA sponsored a Safe Routes to School Bookmark Design Contest with the theme “If I could/walk bike anywhere in the world, it would be…”. The contest was open to all 3rd through 5th graders in Mercer and Ocean County, NJ. We applaud all the students that participated in the contest for their creative entries.
Ride Provide Delivers – New Home Delivery Service for Seniors in Collaboration with PSRC
May 2020
Greater Mercer TMA and Ride Provide has partnered with the Princeton Senior Resource Center to offer Safe-4-Seniors Home Delivery Service. The home delivery program is temporary and is being offered during the pandemic to help seniors receive no contact grocery delivery while staying safe.
Message from the GMTMA Executive Director
April 2020
Bike Month and Bike to Work Week
March 2020
May is Bike Month! Bike to Work week is May 11- 17th and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 15th.
We Love Creativity! SRTS Bookmark Contest
February 2020
7th Annual Safe Routes to School Bookmark Contest is under way.
Pre-tax Transportation Fringe Benefits Law
January 2020
New Jersey employers with at least 20 employees will be required to offer pre-tax transportation fringe benefits to all employees starting on March 1, 2020. The benefit allows an employee to set aside wages on pre-tax basis which can be used to purchase eligible transportation services.
Happy Holidays!
December 2019
During this holiday season we’d like to thank our supporters and partners, local champions and advocates, and clients and riders, for making it possible for us to advance our mission to improve mobility, increase safety and further sustainability. Thank you for supporting our work and partnering with us! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
GMTMA 2019 Annual Meeting and Luncheon
November 2019
Greater Mercer TMA held its Annual Meeting and Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Princeton, on Friday, November 1, 2019. During the event, GMTMA recognized 28 businesses with the 2019 New Jersey Smart Workplaces Award and 16 municipalities and schools with the Safe Routes to School Recognition Awards. Guest speaker at the event was Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti the New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner.
Ocean Ride Headquarters Groundbreaking Ceremony
October 2019
Ocean Ride is getting a new, spacious home in the Ocean County’s newly constructed Western Complex at 2820 Ridgeway Boulevard in Manchester Township. Currently the site is occupied by the new garage complex for the Road department. On Wednesday, September 25th, a ground breaking ceremony was held for a new facility being built to house the Ocean County Transportation/Ocean Ride Department. Ocean Ride is the public transportation system funded in part by the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
GMTMA Awarded Community Mobility Design Challenge 2019 Grant
September 2019
Mercer County has been selected as one of five communities by the National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM), to develop and test ways to address the particular mobility challenges experienced by low-income community members for whom a lack of transportation is an obstacle to the pursuit of economic, health, and social well-being.
West Windsor Pace Car
August 2019
West Windsor Township and Greater Mercer TMA have collaborated on a new safety campaign called the Neighborhood PACE Car Program. The PACE Car Program is a citizen-based campaign that aims to make their community safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers by reducing vehicle speed. West Windsor Township, West Windsor’s Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, Greater Mercer TMA, and West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance, expressed their support for the campaign.
Announcing Bike to Work Week and Bike Month Winners
July 2019
The Bike to Work Week and Bike Month participants logged over 1,800 miles and over 340 rides, and many told us they had a great time doing it. Joe C. said he: “Always love bike month! I am now getting my toddler into it as well as she follows me around in my bike trailer evenings after work and on the weekends. And I ride my bike to work every day as well!”
Plainsboro Launches Street Smart Campaign
June 2019
On Saturday May 11, 2019, Mayor Peter Cantu announced that Plainsboro Township will be conducting a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety education campaign. The Street Smart NJ campaign is a collaborative effort between public, private and non-profit organizations. Local police will be enforcing pedestrian laws in the township and working with several partners – including the police, Township administration, and schools – to educate motorists and pedestrians throughout the month of June.
Bike Month and Bookmark Contest Winners
May 2019
In celebration of NJ Bike and Walk to School Month, Greater Mercer TMA (GMTMA) announced the winners of its Safe Routes to School Bookmark Design Contest. Third through fifth graders in Mercer and Ocean County were asked to create a bookmark design with the theme “Create your own Superhero! What does a Sustainability Superhero look like to you? What powers or gadgets would your Sustainability Superhero have to make your neighborhood cleaner and friendlier?”
Earth Day is April 22
April 2019
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), between 2012-2017, nearly 20,000 people in the U.S. were killed in a crash involving a distracted driver.
In April, as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, NHTSA will again be partnering with state and local law enforcement for the U Drive. U Text. U Pay campaign as a reminder to all drivers that distracted driving is deadly and illegal.
Earth Day is April 22
March 2019
Earth Day is April 22. If you haven’t scheduled an event with GMTMA, please let us know soon, we are booking fast! We can help with sustainable transportation options, anti-idling, walk and bike to school, and more.
For the Love of Community
February 2019
On Wednesday, January 9th, 2019, the residents of the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab had to be evacuated due to a carbon monoxide leak. Thirty displaced residents were transported by the Stafford Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to Shore Meadows in Toms River. When it was time to get back, Katherine Fitzgerald, Director of the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab contacted Dave Fitzgerald (no relation) the Director of Ocean Ride Transportation. Mr. Fitzgerald along with Jim Hand, Driver Supervisor, deployed five drivers to the rescue. Among the 30 displaced residents, 15 were in wheelchairs. On Wednesday, January 9th, 2019, the residents of the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab had to be evacuated due to a carbon monoxide leak. Thirty displaced residents were transported by the Stafford Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to Shore Meadows in Toms River. When it was time to get back, Katherine Fitzgerald, Director of the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab contacted Dave Fitzgerald (no relation) the Director of Ocean Ride Transportation. Mr. Fitzgerald along with Jim Hand, Driver Supervisor, deployed five drivers to the rescue. Among the 30 displaced residents, 15 were in wheelchairs.
Year in review
January 2019
2018 was a year full of activities and accomplishments, to name a few: redesigned and launched our new website, started work on the Greater Mercer Trail Network Plan study to help create an integrated network of multi-use paths and trails, co-hosted a Vision Zero conference, conducted walk audits in Hightstown, Point Pleasant Boro, and Point Pleasant Beach, organized a Breakfast for Bikers on Bike to Work Day on the Princeton University Campus in partnership with the University’s Transportation and Parking Services. In collaboration with Keep Middlesex Moving TMA, we sponsored Car Free Day promotion, joined forces with the Princeton Police Department for a Street Smart campaign in Princeton, started a pace car program in Hightstown, and developed and started an additional ZLine bus service to a new Amazon facility, and more.
Year in review
January 2019
2018 was a year full of activities and accomplishments, to name a few: redesigned and launched our new website, started work on the Greater Mercer Trail Network Plan study to help create an integrated network of multi-use paths and trails, co-hosted a Vision Zero conference, conducted walk audits in Hightstown, Point Pleasant Boro, and Point Pleasant Beach, organized a Breakfast for Bikers on Bike to Work Day on the Princeton University Campus in partnership with the University’s Transportation and Parking Services. In collaboration with Keep Middlesex Moving TMA, we sponsored Car Free Day promotion, joined forces with the Princeton Police Department for a Street Smart campaign in Princeton, started a pace car program in Hightstown, and developed and started an additional ZLine bus service to a new Amazon facility, and more.
Happy Holidays from all of us at GMTMA!
December 2018
We at Greater Mercer TMA, would like to wish all of our partners and friends Happy Holidays and we look forward to working with you again in the new year.
Greater Mercer TMA Annual Meeting and Luncheon
November 2018
On Friday, Oct 26, 2018, Greater Mercer TMA held its Annual Meeting and Luncheon. Guest speaker at the event was Kim Wiley-Schwartz the New York City Department of Transportation Assistant Commissioner for Education and Outreach. She has been working to make under-served communities better and safer in New York City for over 25 years. As the “chief teacher” as she likes to joke, Ms. Wiley-Schwartz is in charge of traffic safety education efforts for both children and adults, an important strategy in executing New York City’s commitment to Vision Zero. Using crash data to target efforts, she and her team have had a significant impact on making New York City safer for pedestrians.
Hightstown Residents Pledge To Go the Speed Limit
October 2018
Greater Mercer TMA and the Borough of Hightstown collaborated on a new safety campaign, the Neighborhood Pace Car Program. Hightstown adopted a resolution on October 1st endorsing this citizen-based program that aims to make their community safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers by reducing vehicle speed.
Residents can register as a pace car driver by signing a pledge to drive the speed limit, stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks, yield to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks at intersections, share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities, eliminate texting and phone use while driving, display the Pace car magnet on their car, and encourage others to take the pledge. The Pace car magnet communicates the intention to drive the speed limit to other drivers and helps slow down the traffic.
Be a Winner, Go Car Free
September 2018
Put down those car keys, pick-up that bike, lace up those sneakers, hop on the bus, share the ride with a friend or simply stay home; and be sure and join us Friday, September 21 as we celebrate Car Free Day!
Car Free Day is an international event celebrated on September 22 (we’re celebrating the 21st!) People around the world take part in the event by adopting -sustainable transportation options such as taking public transit, bike, walk, work from home, carpool and vanpool.
Street Smart at the Shore
August 2018
Another Long Beach Island community joined the Street Smart NJ campaign. On July 25, Street Smart NJ kicked off its summer pedestrian safety campaign in Beach Haven.
Beach Haven has joined forces with Harvey Cedars, Long Beach Island Township, and Surf City to educate on safety to pedestrians and motorist on LBI.
Bike to Work Week Winners
July 2018
This year 147 people registered for the event and together they biked 969.28 miles during Bike to Work Week. The Bike to Work Week challenge had 16 winners; the photo contest had 3 winners, 1 grand prize and 2 honorable mentions, and one team won the Employer Team challenge winner. This year’s sponsors were REI Princeton, Kopp’s Cyclery Princeton, Whole Earth Center, Wegmans, Zvelta, St. Lawrence Rehab and GMTMA.
Safe Routes to School and Transportation Alternatives Grants Applications Now Available
June 2018
County, municipal governments, school districts, and schools are eligible to apply for the grant. Non-profit organizations can be eligible for the grant and may partner with a local public agency that will assume responsibility for the grant.The SRTS program provides funding for infrastructure projects such as installation of sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, traffic-calming, and bicycle facilities and for non-infrastructure projects such as public awareness campaigns, walk and bike to school events and training, traffic education and enforcement, and student lessons on bicycle and pedestrian safety, health, and the environment.
Bookmark Contest Winners
May 2018
The 5th annual Safe Routes to School Bookmark Design contest ended on March 30. The theme of the contest was “Write and draw about USING YOUR SENSES WHILE WALKING AND BIKING. What kind of things do you hear, touch, smell, or see?” Participants were asked to create a bookmark design and haiku. GMTMA selected two winning designs from Ocean County and two winning designs from Mercer County.
Check Out Our New Website
April 2018
We kept all your favorite features but gave gmtma.org a fresh new look. Check out our new site to see what’s new and learn more about all of our programs and services. Whether you’re an employer or property manager, commuter or community member, senior or student, we’ve got a program for you! Come and see for yourself at gmtma.org.
Exercising Your Creativity is Poetry in Motion
March 2018
Calling all artists in third through fifth grade; show your love of walking and biking by creating an original haiku poem and then illustrating it. The theme of the contest is “Write and draw about USING YOUR SENSES WHILE WALKING AND BIKING. What kind of things do you hear, touch, smell, or see?”
GMTMA launches Mapping Tool for Age Restricted Communities
September 2022
Greater Mercer TMA has created a mapping tool to help planners and senior service providers learn about the locations of older adults in Mercer County.
Check Out Our New Story Map on the John Bull Trail
July – August 2022
We’re excited to present our second trails story map! The Greater Mercer Trails Plan presented a vision for an interconnected network of trails and on-road biking and walking facilities that would make active transportation a viable alternative to driving a car in Mercer County. In Mercer County, historic rail and canal lines, plus other utility corridors, provide the primary opportunity to fulfill this vision. One of the historic rail line corridors, the Camden & Amboy, is a key element for the John Bull Trail, one of the proposed long-distance trails in the Trails Plan.
Safe Routes to School in High Gear
June 2022
The GMTMA Safe Routes to School Coordinators had a few busy weeks. On May 15, we were at the Point Pleasant Borough Bike Rodeo working with the Police Department and other organizations to hold a bicycle rodeo at Nellie Bennett Elementary School. Children were able to practice their biking safety skills on a course designed to mimic real road conditions. Children were also able to learn biking safety, had their bikes checked and tuned up, and their helmets checked for proper fit.
Greater Mercer TMA Announces SRTS Bookmark Contest Winners
May 2022
“The students did a fantastic job illustrating some of the important behaviors that they can do to keep safe while walking and biking” said Cheryl Kastrenakes Executive Director of GMTMA. “We continue to be impressed each year with the creative and thoughtful entries that we receive.”
SRTS Coordinators Give Safety Presentations
April 2022
As the NJ Department of Transportation’s designated regional coordinator for Safe Routes to School efforts, Greater Mercer TMA works to keep children in Mercer and Ocean counties healthy by encouraging them to stay active through walking and biking to school and offering safety education.
Throughout the years GMTMA has promoted walking and biking with a variety of programming; safety presentations, bookmark contests, walk and bike to school events, bike rodeos, a walking school bus app (available here), and other events.
Greater Mercer TMA Announces SRTS Bookmark Contest
March 2022
Greater Mercer TMA’s (GMTMA) ninth annual Safe Routes to School Bookmark Design contest is now underway. Mercer and Ocean County students in third through fifth grade are eligible to participate and create a bookmark for the contest with the theme “Walking and biking are fun to do. What do you do to keep it safe too?”
Love is Patient, Love is Blind, Love…Listens to Podcasts!
January – February 2022
Greater Mercer TMA is launching its new podcast, Mobility Minute on February 14.
Follow us on Instagram to get the latest updates: https://www.instagram.com/mobilityminutepod/
Mobility Minute, a Bitesize Podcast for People on the Move
December 2021
Transportation is for everyone. Coming soon to anywhere you get your podcasts.
Follow @mobilityminutepod on Instagram and turn your Twitter alerts on for updates from @gmtma on our January ’22 launch.
Walk to School Day
October 2021
This year Walk to School Day was celebrated on October 6, but GMTMA was out thrilled to be able to get back to in person programming starting in September.
GMTMA staff presented bicycle and pedestrian safety education to all fourth graders and learning support students at Lawrence Intermediate School over several days in September. In Princeton students in 4th and 5th grade at Community Park School celebrated Walk to School with a walk to school event and by participating in walking and biking presentations on October 4th, October 5th, and October 6th with GMTMA’s Safe Routes to School Coordinators.
ZLine Provides Over 500,000 Rides
August – September 2021
Six years ago, Greater Mercer TMA in coordination with NJTRANSIT, started a new last mile service to and from the Matrix Business Park in Robbinsville. As of August 2021, the service reached a milestone with over 500,000 passenger trips provided.
ZLine is a scheduled bus service that meets three of NJTRANSIT’s bus lines at Hamilton Marketplace. At Marketplace, ZLine transports workers to and from places of business located at the 7A development.
NJ SRTS School Zone Guide
July 2021
The New Jersey Safe Routes Program published a Safe School Zone Strategies Guide that offers ideas to improve safety around school zones. Safety around school zones and when travelling to school has been a long-time concern in particular for child pedestrians and bicyclists. The approaches to safety are flexible and can help parents, schools, and municipalities start planning for the new school year.
Bike Month Campaign Raises Funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Bike Exchange
June 2021
Greater Mercer TMA partnered with Keep Middlesex Moving for a Bike Month event this May. The two TMAs asked residents in Mercer, Middlesex, and Ocean County to pledge to ride their bike, send biking photos, or stories during the month of May. For every pledge, photo and story, the TMAs would donate to the local Bike Exchange. The response from participants in every county was outstanding. As a result, Greater Mercer TMA will donate a total of $200 to the Trenton Bike Exchange. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Bike Exchange is a volunteer-led enterprise that repairs donated bicycles and sells them at modest prices at its Ewing location at Capitol Plaza, raising funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County and promoting biking for transportation and pleasure among low-income families. Proceeds from the Bike Exchange sponsor the Club’s after-school programs.
May is Bike Month
May 2021
May is National Bike Month, and Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association (GMTMA) is partnering with Keep Middlesex Moving for a campaign that celebrates the positive force that bicycling brings to our lives.
Participating is easy. Just pledge to ride your bike at least once during Bike Month. How easy is that! Qualifying rides include a bike ride for lunch, to work, to school, to errands, to visit a friend, or any bike ride that replaces a car trip. Participants can log their rides and submit photos and stories at http://bit.ly/youbikewegive2021. For every pledge, photo and story, GMTMA and KMM will make a donation to the Trenton Bike Exchange or the New Brunswick Bike Exchange. You Bike. We Give!
Step Into Spring
April 2021
To encourage walking and help parents plan walks, GMTMA is sponsoring a “Step into Spring. Ready.Set.Win!” campaign. “Winter is behind us, full time virtual schooling has ended for most students, and spring brings forth the perfect opportunity to begin a walk routine for the trip to school. “said Cheryl Kastrenakes GMTMA Executive Director. “ The NJ WSB app is a fun tool to help parents arrange walks with other parents and children who live near them.” The campaign includes a contest open to parents and their children in Mercer County and Ocean County.
Little Egg Harbor Township New EV Station
March 2021
The increased demand for EV & Plug in Hybrid models led the Little Egg Harbor Township committee to look for ways to run a more fuel-efficient fleet of vehicles and provide means to residents and vacationers to be able to charge their vehicles. The closest EV Stations until now were available in Manahawkin and Mays Landing. The township engineer obtained a grant for the station which paid for a portion of the project.
We Love Our Work
February 2021
The year 2020 made us adapt the way we work, the way we do outreach, and the way we communicate. But we were up for the challenge and we’ve been working to get things done. Our 2020 Annual Report highlights the ways we have adapted and kept our work going.
GMTMA Awarded Funding for Pilot Program
January 2021
Greater Mercer TMA is one of the five grantees awarded the 2021 Ready-to-Launch Pilot Implementation Grant by the National Center for Mobility Management. The purpose of the grant is to assist in preparing for full-scale roll-out solutions to address mobility challenges experienced by underserved community members.
Happy Holidays!
December 2020
On behalf of the GMTMA staff and Board, I want to express our gratitude for the support of our partners and sponsors, local communities, and advocates throughout this most unprecedented of years. A sincere thank you to all of you! Wishing all of you a healthy and joyous holiday season. And of course, a really wonderful 2021!
Congratulations 2020 New Jersey Smart Workplaces
November 2020
The New Jersey Smart Workplaces program recognizes employers who demonstrate leadership by providing and promoting quality commuter benefits to their employees that reduce congestion and improve air quality. This year telecommuting was at the top of the list for so many businesses out of necessity. We want to continue to recognize our NJSW awardees who even pre-pandemic were offering benefits, such as telecommuting, that created an environment where employees could choose more sustainable commute options.
The New NJ Walking School Bus App
October 2020
As the coordinator for Safe Routes to School programs, Greater Mercer TMA works with schools and towns on a variety of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs. Our latest effort, an updated and easy to use Walking School Bus app! The NJ Walking School Bus app allows parents to easily create and plan walks to and from school.
Car Free Week
September 2020
Every year Car Free Day is celebrated on September 22. Greater Mercer TMA, EZ Ride, and Keep Middlesex Moving invite you to celebrate Car Free Week during the week of September 21 –27. The three TMAs will hold a weeklong celebration for everyone who travels carfree or carlite, whether by bike, bus, train, carpool, walk, or telework.
GMTMA Employer Recognition
August 2020
During the month of August, we typically ask employers to submit the New Jersey Smart Workplaces recognition applications. But this year is not typical, and we will not be holding a recognition ceremony. The GMTMA Annual Luncheon is cancelled due to the need to social distance and limit the size of gatherings.
Ride Provide Resumes Full Service
July 2020
The GMTMA senior transportation program restarted its full ride service on July 6, 2020. Beginning in mid-March, RideProvide shifted to dialysis only rides, contactless food delivery, and friendly check-in calls to the riders. To meet the needs of the current situation we have instituted a number of new protocols.
GMTMA Announces Bookmark Contest Winners
June 2020
Greater Mercer TMA sponsored a Safe Routes to School Bookmark Design Contest with the theme “If I could/walk bike anywhere in the world, it would be…”. The contest was open to all 3rd through 5th graders in Mercer and Ocean County, NJ. We applaud all the students that participated in the contest for their creative entries.
Ride Provide Delivers – New Home Delivery Service for Seniors in Collaboration with PSRC
May 2020
Greater Mercer TMA and Ride Provide has partnered with the Princeton Senior Resource Center to offer Safe-4-Seniors Home Delivery Service. The home delivery program is temporary and is being offered during the pandemic to help seniors receive no contact grocery delivery while staying safe.
Message from the GMTMA Executive Director
April 2020
Bike Month and Bike to Work Week
March 2020
May is Bike Month! Bike to Work week is May 11- 17th and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 15th.
We Love Creativity! SRTS Bookmark Contest
February 2020
7th Annual Safe Routes to School Bookmark Contest is under way.
Pre-tax Transportation Fringe Benefits Law
January 2020
New Jersey employers with at least 20 employees will be required to offer pre-tax transportation fringe benefits to all employees starting on March 1, 2020. The benefit allows an employee to set aside wages on pre-tax basis which can be used to purchase eligible transportation services.
Happy Holidays!
December 2019
During this holiday season we’d like to thank our supporters and partners, local champions and advocates, and clients and riders, for making it possible for us to advance our mission to improve mobility, increase safety and further sustainability. Thank you for supporting our work and partnering with us! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
GMTMA 2019 Annual Meeting and Luncheon
November 2019
Greater Mercer TMA held its Annual Meeting and Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Princeton, on Friday, November 1, 2019. During the event, GMTMA recognized 28 businesses with the 2019 New Jersey Smart Workplaces Award and 16 municipalities and schools with the Safe Routes to School Recognition Awards. Guest speaker at the event was Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti the New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner.
Ocean Ride Headquarters Groundbreaking Ceremony
October 2019
Ocean Ride is getting a new, spacious home in the Ocean County’s newly constructed Western Complex at 2820 Ridgeway Boulevard in Manchester Township. Currently the site is occupied by the new garage complex for the Road department. On Wednesday, September 25th, a ground breaking ceremony was held for a new facility being built to house the Ocean County Transportation/Ocean Ride Department. Ocean Ride is the public transportation system funded in part by the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
GMTMA Awarded Community Mobility Design Challenge 2019 Grant
September 2019
Mercer County has been selected as one of five communities by the National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM), to develop and test ways to address the particular mobility challenges experienced by low-income community members for whom a lack of transportation is an obstacle to the pursuit of economic, health, and social well-being.
West Windsor Pace Car
August 2019
West Windsor Township and Greater Mercer TMA have collaborated on a new safety campaign called the Neighborhood PACE Car Program. The PACE Car Program is a citizen-based campaign that aims to make their community safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers by reducing vehicle speed. West Windsor Township, West Windsor’s Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, Greater Mercer TMA, and West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance, expressed their support for the campaign.
Announcing Bike to Work Week and Bike Month Winners
July 2019
The Bike to Work Week and Bike Month participants logged over 1,800 miles and over 340 rides, and many told us they had a great time doing it. Joe C. said he: “Always love bike month! I am now getting my toddler into it as well as she follows me around in my bike trailer evenings after work and on the weekends. And I ride my bike to work every day as well!”
Plainsboro Launches Street Smart Campaign
June 2019
On Saturday May 11, 2019, Mayor Peter Cantu announced that Plainsboro Township will be conducting a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety education campaign. The Street Smart NJ campaign is a collaborative effort between public, private and non-profit organizations. Local police will be enforcing pedestrian laws in the township and working with several partners – including the police, Township administration, and schools – to educate motorists and pedestrians throughout the month of June.
Bike Month and Bookmark Contest Winners
May 2019
In celebration of NJ Bike and Walk to School Month, Greater Mercer TMA (GMTMA) announced the winners of its Safe Routes to School Bookmark Design Contest. Third through fifth graders in Mercer and Ocean County were asked to create a bookmark design with the theme “Create your own Superhero! What does a Sustainability Superhero look like to you? What powers or gadgets would your Sustainability Superhero have to make your neighborhood cleaner and friendlier?”
Earth Day is April 22
April 2019
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), between 2012-2017, nearly 20,000 people in the U.S. were killed in a crash involving a distracted driver.
In April, as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, NHTSA will again be partnering with state and local law enforcement for the U Drive. U Text. U Pay campaign as a reminder to all drivers that distracted driving is deadly and illegal.
Earth Day is April 22
March 2019
Earth Day is April 22. If you haven’t scheduled an event with GMTMA, please let us know soon, we are booking fast! We can help with sustainable transportation options, anti-idling, walk and bike to school, and more.
For the Love of Community
February 2019
On Wednesday, January 9th, 2019, the residents of the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab had to be evacuated due to a carbon monoxide leak. Thirty displaced residents were transported by the Stafford Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to Shore Meadows in Toms River. When it was time to get back, Katherine Fitzgerald, Director of the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab contacted Dave Fitzgerald (no relation) the Director of Ocean Ride Transportation. Mr. Fitzgerald along with Jim Hand, Driver Supervisor, deployed five drivers to the rescue. Among the 30 displaced residents, 15 were in wheelchairs. On Wednesday, January 9th, 2019, the residents of the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab had to be evacuated due to a carbon monoxide leak. Thirty displaced residents were transported by the Stafford Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to Shore Meadows in Toms River. When it was time to get back, Katherine Fitzgerald, Director of the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab contacted Dave Fitzgerald (no relation) the Director of Ocean Ride Transportation. Mr. Fitzgerald along with Jim Hand, Driver Supervisor, deployed five drivers to the rescue. Among the 30 displaced residents, 15 were in wheelchairs.
Year in review
January 2019
2018 was a year full of activities and accomplishments, to name a few: redesigned and launched our new website, started work on the Greater Mercer Trail Network Plan study to help create an integrated network of multi-use paths and trails, co-hosted a Vision Zero conference, conducted walk audits in Hightstown, Point Pleasant Boro, and Point Pleasant Beach, organized a Breakfast for Bikers on Bike to Work Day on the Princeton University Campus in partnership with the University’s Transportation and Parking Services. In collaboration with Keep Middlesex Moving TMA, we sponsored Car Free Day promotion, joined forces with the Princeton Police Department for a Street Smart campaign in Princeton, started a pace car program in Hightstown, and developed and started an additional ZLine bus service to a new Amazon facility, and more.
Year in review
January 2019
2018 was a year full of activities and accomplishments, to name a few: redesigned and launched our new website, started work on the Greater Mercer Trail Network Plan study to help create an integrated network of multi-use paths and trails, co-hosted a Vision Zero conference, conducted walk audits in Hightstown, Point Pleasant Boro, and Point Pleasant Beach, organized a Breakfast for Bikers on Bike to Work Day on the Princeton University Campus in partnership with the University’s Transportation and Parking Services. In collaboration with Keep Middlesex Moving TMA, we sponsored Car Free Day promotion, joined forces with the Princeton Police Department for a Street Smart campaign in Princeton, started a pace car program in Hightstown, and developed and started an additional ZLine bus service to a new Amazon facility, and more.
Happy Holidays from all of us at GMTMA!
December 2018
We at Greater Mercer TMA, would like to wish all of our partners and friends Happy Holidays and we look forward to working with you again in the new year.
Greater Mercer TMA Annual Meeting and Luncheon
November 2018
On Friday, Oct 26, 2018, Greater Mercer TMA held its Annual Meeting and Luncheon. Guest speaker at the event was Kim Wiley-Schwartz the New York City Department of Transportation Assistant Commissioner for Education and Outreach. She has been working to make under-served communities better and safer in New York City for over 25 years. As the “chief teacher” as she likes to joke, Ms. Wiley-Schwartz is in charge of traffic safety education efforts for both children and adults, an important strategy in executing New York City’s commitment to Vision Zero. Using crash data to target efforts, she and her team have had a significant impact on making New York City safer for pedestrians.
Hightstown Residents Pledge To Go the Speed Limit
October 2018
Greater Mercer TMA and the Borough of Hightstown collaborated on a new safety campaign, the Neighborhood Pace Car Program. Hightstown adopted a resolution on October 1st endorsing this citizen-based program that aims to make their community safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers by reducing vehicle speed.
Residents can register as a pace car driver by signing a pledge to drive the speed limit, stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks, yield to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks at intersections, share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities, eliminate texting and phone use while driving, display the Pace car magnet on their car, and encourage others to take the pledge. The Pace car magnet communicates the intention to drive the speed limit to other drivers and helps slow down the traffic.
Be a Winner, Go Car Free
September 2018
Put down those car keys, pick-up that bike, lace up those sneakers, hop on the bus, share the ride with a friend or simply stay home; and be sure and join us Friday, September 21 as we celebrate Car Free Day!
Car Free Day is an international event celebrated on September 22 (we’re celebrating the 21st!) People around the world take part in the event by adopting -sustainable transportation options such as taking public transit, bike, walk, work from home, carpool and vanpool.
Street Smart at the Shore
August 2018
Another Long Beach Island community joined the Street Smart NJ campaign. On July 25, Street Smart NJ kicked off its summer pedestrian safety campaign in Beach Haven.
Beach Haven has joined forces with Harvey Cedars, Long Beach Island Township, and Surf City to educate on safety to pedestrians and motorist on LBI.
Bike to Work Week Winners
July 2018
This year 147 people registered for the event and together they biked 969.28 miles during Bike to Work Week. The Bike to Work Week challenge had 16 winners; the photo contest had 3 winners, 1 grand prize and 2 honorable mentions, and one team won the Employer Team challenge winner. This year’s sponsors were REI Princeton, Kopp’s Cyclery Princeton, Whole Earth Center, Wegmans, Zvelta, St. Lawrence Rehab and GMTMA.
Safe Routes to School and Transportation Alternatives Grants Applications Now Available
June 2018
County, municipal governments, school districts, and schools are eligible to apply for the grant. Non-profit organizations can be eligible for the grant and may partner with a local public agency that will assume responsibility for the grant.The SRTS program provides funding for infrastructure projects such as installation of sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, traffic-calming, and bicycle facilities and for non-infrastructure projects such as public awareness campaigns, walk and bike to school events and training, traffic education and enforcement, and student lessons on bicycle and pedestrian safety, health, and the environment.
Bookmark Contest Winners
May 2018
The 5th annual Safe Routes to School Bookmark Design contest ended on March 30. The theme of the contest was “Write and draw about USING YOUR SENSES WHILE WALKING AND BIKING. What kind of things do you hear, touch, smell, or see?” Participants were asked to create a bookmark design and haiku. GMTMA selected two winning designs from Ocean County and two winning designs from Mercer County.
Check Out Our New Website
April 2018
We kept all your favorite features but gave gmtma.org a fresh new look. Check out our new site to see what’s new and learn more about all of our programs and services. Whether you’re an employer or property manager, commuter or community member, senior or student, we’ve got a program for you! Come and see for yourself at gmtma.org.
Exercising Your Creativity is Poetry in Motion
March 2018
Calling all artists in third through fifth grade; show your love of walking and biking by creating an original haiku poem and then illustrating it. The theme of the contest is “Write and draw about USING YOUR SENSES WHILE WALKING AND BIKING. What kind of things do you hear, touch, smell, or see?”
GMTMA launches Mapping Tool for Age Restricted Communities
September 2022
Greater Mercer TMA has created a mapping tool to help planners and senior service providers learn about the locations of older adults in Mercer County.
Check Out Our New Story Map on the John Bull Trail
July – August 2022
We’re excited to present our second trails story map! The Greater Mercer Trails Plan presented a vision for an interconnected network of trails and on-road biking and walking facilities that would make active transportation a viable alternative to driving a car in Mercer County. In Mercer County, historic rail and canal lines, plus other utility corridors, provide the primary opportunity to fulfill this vision. One of the historic rail line corridors, the Camden & Amboy, is a key element for the John Bull Trail, one of the proposed long-distance trails in the Trails Plan.
Safe Routes to School in High Gear
June 2022
The GMTMA Safe Routes to School Coordinators had a few busy weeks. On May 15, we were at the Point Pleasant Borough Bike Rodeo working with the Police Department and other organizations to hold a bicycle rodeo at Nellie Bennett Elementary School. Children were able to practice their biking safety skills on a course designed to mimic real road conditions. Children were also able to learn biking safety, had their bikes checked and tuned up, and their helmets checked for proper fit.
Greater Mercer TMA Announces SRTS Bookmark Contest Winners
May 2022
“The students did a fantastic job illustrating some of the important behaviors that they can do to keep safe while walking and biking” said Cheryl Kastrenakes Executive Director of GMTMA. “We continue to be impressed each year with the creative and thoughtful entries that we receive.”
SRTS Coordinators Give Safety Presentations
April 2022
As the NJ Department of Transportation’s designated regional coordinator for Safe Routes to School efforts, Greater Mercer TMA works to keep children in Mercer and Ocean counties healthy by encouraging them to stay active through walking and biking to school and offering safety education.
Throughout the years GMTMA has promoted walking and biking with a variety of programming; safety presentations, bookmark contests, walk and bike to school events, bike rodeos, a walking school bus app (available here), and other events.
Greater Mercer TMA Announces SRTS Bookmark Contest
March 2022
Greater Mercer TMA’s (GMTMA) ninth annual Safe Routes to School Bookmark Design contest is now underway. Mercer and Ocean County students in third through fifth grade are eligible to participate and create a bookmark for the contest with the theme “Walking and biking are fun to do. What do you do to keep it safe too?”
Love is Patient, Love is Blind, Love…Listens to Podcasts!
January – February 2022
Greater Mercer TMA is launching its new podcast, Mobility Minute on February 14.
Follow us on Instagram to get the latest updates: https://www.instagram.com/mobilityminutepod/
Mobility Minute, a Bitesize Podcast for People on the Move
December 2021
Transportation is for everyone. Coming soon to anywhere you get your podcasts.
Follow @mobilityminutepod on Instagram and turn your Twitter alerts on for updates from @gmtma on our January ’22 launch.
Walk to School Day
October 2021
This year Walk to School Day was celebrated on October 6, but GMTMA was out thrilled to be able to get back to in person programming starting in September.
GMTMA staff presented bicycle and pedestrian safety education to all fourth graders and learning support students at Lawrence Intermediate School over several days in September. In Princeton students in 4th and 5th grade at Community Park School celebrated Walk to School with a walk to school event and by participating in walking and biking presentations on October 4th, October 5th, and October 6th with GMTMA’s Safe Routes to School Coordinators.
ZLine Provides Over 500,000 Rides
August – September 2021
Six years ago, Greater Mercer TMA in coordination with NJTRANSIT, started a new last mile service to and from the Matrix Business Park in Robbinsville. As of August 2021, the service reached a milestone with over 500,000 passenger trips provided.
ZLine is a scheduled bus service that meets three of NJTRANSIT’s bus lines at Hamilton Marketplace. At Marketplace, ZLine transports workers to and from places of business located at the 7A development.
NJ SRTS School Zone Guide
July 2021
The New Jersey Safe Routes Program published a Safe School Zone Strategies Guide that offers ideas to improve safety around school zones. Safety around school zones and when travelling to school has been a long-time concern in particular for child pedestrians and bicyclists. The approaches to safety are flexible and can help parents, schools, and municipalities start planning for the new school year.
Bike Month Campaign Raises Funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Bike Exchange
June 2021
Greater Mercer TMA partnered with Keep Middlesex Moving for a Bike Month event this May. The two TMAs asked residents in Mercer, Middlesex, and Ocean County to pledge to ride their bike, send biking photos, or stories during the month of May. For every pledge, photo and story, the TMAs would donate to the local Bike Exchange. The response from participants in every county was outstanding. As a result, Greater Mercer TMA will donate a total of $200 to the Trenton Bike Exchange. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County Bike Exchange is a volunteer-led enterprise that repairs donated bicycles and sells them at modest prices at its Ewing location at Capitol Plaza, raising funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County and promoting biking for transportation and pleasure among low-income families. Proceeds from the Bike Exchange sponsor the Club’s after-school programs.
May is Bike Month
May 2021
May is National Bike Month, and Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association (GMTMA) is partnering with Keep Middlesex Moving for a campaign that celebrates the positive force that bicycling brings to our lives.
Participating is easy. Just pledge to ride your bike at least once during Bike Month. How easy is that! Qualifying rides include a bike ride for lunch, to work, to school, to errands, to visit a friend, or any bike ride that replaces a car trip. Participants can log their rides and submit photos and stories at http://bit.ly/youbikewegive2021. For every pledge, photo and story, GMTMA and KMM will make a donation to the Trenton Bike Exchange or the New Brunswick Bike Exchange. You Bike. We Give!
Step Into Spring
April 2021
To encourage walking and help parents plan walks, GMTMA is sponsoring a “Step into Spring. Ready.Set.Win!” campaign. “Winter is behind us, full time virtual schooling has ended for most students, and spring brings forth the perfect opportunity to begin a walk routine for the trip to school. “said Cheryl Kastrenakes GMTMA Executive Director. “ The NJ WSB app is a fun tool to help parents arrange walks with other parents and children who live near them.” The campaign includes a contest open to parents and their children in Mercer County and Ocean County.
Little Egg Harbor Township New EV Station
March 2021
The increased demand for EV & Plug in Hybrid models led the Little Egg Harbor Township committee to look for ways to run a more fuel-efficient fleet of vehicles and provide means to residents and vacationers to be able to charge their vehicles. The closest EV Stations until now were available in Manahawkin and Mays Landing. The township engineer obtained a grant for the station which paid for a portion of the project.
We Love Our Work
February 2021
The year 2020 made us adapt the way we work, the way we do outreach, and the way we communicate. But we were up for the challenge and we’ve been working to get things done. Our 2020 Annual Report highlights the ways we have adapted and kept our work going.
GMTMA Awarded Funding for Pilot Program
January 2021
Greater Mercer TMA is one of the five grantees awarded the 2021 Ready-to-Launch Pilot Implementation Grant by the National Center for Mobility Management. The purpose of the grant is to assist in preparing for full-scale roll-out solutions to address mobility challenges experienced by underserved community members.
Happy Holidays!
December 2020
On behalf of the GMTMA staff and Board, I want to express our gratitude for the support of our partners and sponsors, local communities, and advocates throughout this most unprecedented of years. A sincere thank you to all of you! Wishing all of you a healthy and joyous holiday season. And of course, a really wonderful 2021!
Congratulations 2020 New Jersey Smart Workplaces
November 2020
The New Jersey Smart Workplaces program recognizes employers who demonstrate leadership by providing and promoting quality commuter benefits to their employees that reduce congestion and improve air quality. This year telecommuting was at the top of the list for so many businesses out of necessity. We want to continue to recognize our NJSW awardees who even pre-pandemic were offering benefits, such as telecommuting, that created an environment where employees could choose more sustainable commute options.
The New NJ Walking School Bus App
October 2020
As the coordinator for Safe Routes to School programs, Greater Mercer TMA works with schools and towns on a variety of Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs. Our latest effort, an updated and easy to use Walking School Bus app! The NJ Walking School Bus app allows parents to easily create and plan walks to and from school.
Car Free Week
September 2020
Every year Car Free Day is celebrated on September 22. Greater Mercer TMA, EZ Ride, and Keep Middlesex Moving invite you to celebrate Car Free Week during the week of September 21 –27. The three TMAs will hold a weeklong celebration for everyone who travels carfree or carlite, whether by bike, bus, train, carpool, walk, or telework.
GMTMA Employer Recognition
August 2020
During the month of August, we typically ask employers to submit the New Jersey Smart Workplaces recognition applications. But this year is not typical, and we will not be holding a recognition ceremony. The GMTMA Annual Luncheon is cancelled due to the need to social distance and limit the size of gatherings.
Ride Provide Resumes Full Service
July 2020
The GMTMA senior transportation program restarted its full ride service on July 6, 2020. Beginning in mid-March, RideProvide shifted to dialysis only rides, contactless food delivery, and friendly check-in calls to the riders. To meet the needs of the current situation we have instituted a number of new protocols.
GMTMA Announces Bookmark Contest Winners
June 2020
Greater Mercer TMA sponsored a Safe Routes to School Bookmark Design Contest with the theme “If I could/walk bike anywhere in the world, it would be…”. The contest was open to all 3rd through 5th graders in Mercer and Ocean County, NJ. We applaud all the students that participated in the contest for their creative entries.
Ride Provide Delivers – New Home Delivery Service for Seniors in Collaboration with PSRC
May 2020
Greater Mercer TMA and Ride Provide has partnered with the Princeton Senior Resource Center to offer Safe-4-Seniors Home Delivery Service. The home delivery program is temporary and is being offered during the pandemic to help seniors receive no contact grocery delivery while staying safe.
Message from the GMTMA Executive Director
April 2020
Bike Month and Bike to Work Week
March 2020
May is Bike Month! Bike to Work week is May 11- 17th and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 15th.
We Love Creativity! SRTS Bookmark Contest
February 2020
7th Annual Safe Routes to School Bookmark Contest is under way.
Pre-tax Transportation Fringe Benefits Law
January 2020
New Jersey employers with at least 20 employees will be required to offer pre-tax transportation fringe benefits to all employees starting on March 1, 2020. The benefit allows an employee to set aside wages on pre-tax basis which can be used to purchase eligible transportation services.
Happy Holidays!
December 2019
During this holiday season we’d like to thank our supporters and partners, local champions and advocates, and clients and riders, for making it possible for us to advance our mission to improve mobility, increase safety and further sustainability. Thank you for supporting our work and partnering with us! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
GMTMA 2019 Annual Meeting and Luncheon
November 2019
Greater Mercer TMA held its Annual Meeting and Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Princeton, on Friday, November 1, 2019. During the event, GMTMA recognized 28 businesses with the 2019 New Jersey Smart Workplaces Award and 16 municipalities and schools with the Safe Routes to School Recognition Awards. Guest speaker at the event was Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti the New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner.
Ocean Ride Headquarters Groundbreaking Ceremony
October 2019
Ocean Ride is getting a new, spacious home in the Ocean County’s newly constructed Western Complex at 2820 Ridgeway Boulevard in Manchester Township. Currently the site is occupied by the new garage complex for the Road department. On Wednesday, September 25th, a ground breaking ceremony was held for a new facility being built to house the Ocean County Transportation/Ocean Ride Department. Ocean Ride is the public transportation system funded in part by the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
GMTMA Awarded Community Mobility Design Challenge 2019 Grant
September 2019
Mercer County has been selected as one of five communities by the National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM), to develop and test ways to address the particular mobility challenges experienced by low-income community members for whom a lack of transportation is an obstacle to the pursuit of economic, health, and social well-being.
West Windsor Pace Car
August 2019
West Windsor Township and Greater Mercer TMA have collaborated on a new safety campaign called the Neighborhood PACE Car Program. The PACE Car Program is a citizen-based campaign that aims to make their community safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers by reducing vehicle speed. West Windsor Township, West Windsor’s Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, Greater Mercer TMA, and West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance, expressed their support for the campaign.
Announcing Bike to Work Week and Bike Month Winners
July 2019
The Bike to Work Week and Bike Month participants logged over 1,800 miles and over 340 rides, and many told us they had a great time doing it. Joe C. said he: “Always love bike month! I am now getting my toddler into it as well as she follows me around in my bike trailer evenings after work and on the weekends. And I ride my bike to work every day as well!”
Plainsboro Launches Street Smart Campaign
June 2019
On Saturday May 11, 2019, Mayor Peter Cantu announced that Plainsboro Township will be conducting a Street Smart NJ pedestrian safety education campaign. The Street Smart NJ campaign is a collaborative effort between public, private and non-profit organizations. Local police will be enforcing pedestrian laws in the township and working with several partners – including the police, Township administration, and schools – to educate motorists and pedestrians throughout the month of June.
Bike Month and Bookmark Contest Winners
May 2019
In celebration of NJ Bike and Walk to School Month, Greater Mercer TMA (GMTMA) announced the winners of its Safe Routes to School Bookmark Design Contest. Third through fifth graders in Mercer and Ocean County were asked to create a bookmark design with the theme “Create your own Superhero! What does a Sustainability Superhero look like to you? What powers or gadgets would your Sustainability Superhero have to make your neighborhood cleaner and friendlier?”
Earth Day is April 22
April 2019
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), between 2012-2017, nearly 20,000 people in the U.S. were killed in a crash involving a distracted driver.
In April, as part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, NHTSA will again be partnering with state and local law enforcement for the U Drive. U Text. U Pay campaign as a reminder to all drivers that distracted driving is deadly and illegal.
Earth Day is April 22
March 2019
Earth Day is April 22. If you haven’t scheduled an event with GMTMA, please let us know soon, we are booking fast! We can help with sustainable transportation options, anti-idling, walk and bike to school, and more.
For the Love of Community
February 2019
On Wednesday, January 9th, 2019, the residents of the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab had to be evacuated due to a carbon monoxide leak. Thirty displaced residents were transported by the Stafford Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to Shore Meadows in Toms River. When it was time to get back, Katherine Fitzgerald, Director of the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab contacted Dave Fitzgerald (no relation) the Director of Ocean Ride Transportation. Mr. Fitzgerald along with Jim Hand, Driver Supervisor, deployed five drivers to the rescue. Among the 30 displaced residents, 15 were in wheelchairs. On Wednesday, January 9th, 2019, the residents of the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab had to be evacuated due to a carbon monoxide leak. Thirty displaced residents were transported by the Stafford Township Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to Shore Meadows in Toms River. When it was time to get back, Katherine Fitzgerald, Director of the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab contacted Dave Fitzgerald (no relation) the Director of Ocean Ride Transportation. Mr. Fitzgerald along with Jim Hand, Driver Supervisor, deployed five drivers to the rescue. Among the 30 displaced residents, 15 were in wheelchairs.
Year in review
January 2019
2018 was a year full of activities and accomplishments, to name a few: redesigned and launched our new website, started work on the Greater Mercer Trail Network Plan study to help create an integrated network of multi-use paths and trails, co-hosted a Vision Zero conference, conducted walk audits in Hightstown, Point Pleasant Boro, and Point Pleasant Beach, organized a Breakfast for Bikers on Bike to Work Day on the Princeton University Campus in partnership with the University’s Transportation and Parking Services. In collaboration with Keep Middlesex Moving TMA, we sponsored Car Free Day promotion, joined forces with the Princeton Police Department for a Street Smart campaign in Princeton, started a pace car program in Hightstown, and developed and started an additional ZLine bus service to a new Amazon facility, and more.
Year in review
January 2019
2018 was a year full of activities and accomplishments, to name a few: redesigned and launched our new website, started work on the Greater Mercer Trail Network Plan study to help create an integrated network of multi-use paths and trails, co-hosted a Vision Zero conference, conducted walk audits in Hightstown, Point Pleasant Boro, and Point Pleasant Beach, organized a Breakfast for Bikers on Bike to Work Day on the Princeton University Campus in partnership with the University’s Transportation and Parking Services. In collaboration with Keep Middlesex Moving TMA, we sponsored Car Free Day promotion, joined forces with the Princeton Police Department for a Street Smart campaign in Princeton, started a pace car program in Hightstown, and developed and started an additional ZLine bus service to a new Amazon facility, and more.
Happy Holidays from all of us at GMTMA!
December 2018
We at Greater Mercer TMA, would like to wish all of our partners and friends Happy Holidays and we look forward to working with you again in the new year.
Greater Mercer TMA Annual Meeting and Luncheon
November 2018
On Friday, Oct 26, 2018, Greater Mercer TMA held its Annual Meeting and Luncheon. Guest speaker at the event was Kim Wiley-Schwartz the New York City Department of Transportation Assistant Commissioner for Education and Outreach. She has been working to make under-served communities better and safer in New York City for over 25 years. As the “chief teacher” as she likes to joke, Ms. Wiley-Schwartz is in charge of traffic safety education efforts for both children and adults, an important strategy in executing New York City’s commitment to Vision Zero. Using crash data to target efforts, she and her team have had a significant impact on making New York City safer for pedestrians.
Hightstown Residents Pledge To Go the Speed Limit
October 2018
Greater Mercer TMA and the Borough of Hightstown collaborated on a new safety campaign, the Neighborhood Pace Car Program. Hightstown adopted a resolution on October 1st endorsing this citizen-based program that aims to make their community safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers by reducing vehicle speed.
Residents can register as a pace car driver by signing a pledge to drive the speed limit, stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks, yield to pedestrians in unmarked crosswalks at intersections, share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities, eliminate texting and phone use while driving, display the Pace car magnet on their car, and encourage others to take the pledge. The Pace car magnet communicates the intention to drive the speed limit to other drivers and helps slow down the traffic.
Be a Winner, Go Car Free
September 2018
Put down those car keys, pick-up that bike, lace up those sneakers, hop on the bus, share the ride with a friend or simply stay home; and be sure and join us Friday, September 21 as we celebrate Car Free Day!
Car Free Day is an international event celebrated on September 22 (we’re celebrating the 21st!) People around the world take part in the event by adopting -sustainable transportation options such as taking public transit, bike, walk, work from home, carpool and vanpool.
Street Smart at the Shore
August 2018
Another Long Beach Island community joined the Street Smart NJ campaign. On July 25, Street Smart NJ kicked off its summer pedestrian safety campaign in Beach Haven.
Beach Haven has joined forces with Harvey Cedars, Long Beach Island Township, and Surf City to educate on safety to pedestrians and motorist on LBI.
Bike to Work Week Winners
July 2018
This year 147 people registered for the event and together they biked 969.28 miles during Bike to Work Week. The Bike to Work Week challenge had 16 winners; the photo contest had 3 winners, 1 grand prize and 2 honorable mentions, and one team won the Employer Team challenge winner. This year’s sponsors were REI Princeton, Kopp’s Cyclery Princeton, Whole Earth Center, Wegmans, Zvelta, St. Lawrence Rehab and GMTMA.
Safe Routes to School and Transportation Alternatives Grants Applications Now Available
June 2018
County, municipal governments, school districts, and schools are eligible to apply for the grant. Non-profit organizations can be eligible for the grant and may partner with a local public agency that will assume responsibility for the grant.The SRTS program provides funding for infrastructure projects such as installation of sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, traffic-calming, and bicycle facilities and for non-infrastructure projects such as public awareness campaigns, walk and bike to school events and training, traffic education and enforcement, and student lessons on bicycle and pedestrian safety, health, and the environment.
Bookmark Contest Winners
May 2018
The 5th annual Safe Routes to School Bookmark Design contest ended on March 30. The theme of the contest was “Write and draw about USING YOUR SENSES WHILE WALKING AND BIKING. What kind of things do you hear, touch, smell, or see?” Participants were asked to create a bookmark design and haiku. GMTMA selected two winning designs from Ocean County and two winning designs from Mercer County.
Check Out Our New Website
April 2018
We kept all your favorite features but gave gmtma.org a fresh new look. Check out our new site to see what’s new and learn more about all of our programs and services. Whether you’re an employer or property manager, commuter or community member, senior or student, we’ve got a program for you! Come and see for yourself at gmtma.org.
Exercising Your Creativity is Poetry in Motion
March 2018
Calling all artists in third through fifth grade; show your love of walking and biking by creating an original haiku poem and then illustrating it. The theme of the contest is “Write and draw about USING YOUR SENSES WHILE WALKING AND BIKING. What kind of things do you hear, touch, smell, or see?”
We Love Trails
February 2018
With the vision of Mercer County being home to a multi-use trail network that links communities and provides a safe, low stress option to motorized travel, GMTMA is beginning a planning study to support the development of the trails in Mercer County, Montgomery and Plainsboro.
Greater Mercer 2017 Impact
January 2018
2017 was a busy year for Greater Mercer TMA. We continues to provide rides for seniors, promote sustainable transportation options and bicycle and pedestrian safety, implemented Street Smart campaigns and provided travel instruction to people with disabilities and seniors.