New Jersey has pledged $8.6 million in Safe Streets to Transit Programme grants so that 19 municipalities can provide safe pavements near bus and rail stations.
New Jersey governor Phil Murphy says: “Providing safe transportation alternatives for everyone in our state, particularly those who rely on mass transit, is part of my commitment to make New Jersey more fair and equitable. By significantly increasing the amount of money available to the Safe Streets to Transit Programme, we are making sure people walking to transit facilities can do so safely.”
The programme is one of several pedestrian safety initiatives funded through the State Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). The initiative provides funding to counties and municipalities to improve the overall safety and accessibility for mass transit riders walking to transit facilities. It also encourages transit users to walk to transit stations, and facilitates the implementation of projects and activities that will improve pedestrian conditions within a 1-mile radius of a transit facility or station.
Traditionally, there is $1m available each year for Safe Streets to Transit Programme grants. This year, two additional appropriations were funded for this programme, one of which was for $1.8m. In addition, $13.5m was appropriated for Grants-in-Aid programmes, specifically for the Transit Village Programme, Safe Streets to Transit Programme and for bicycle & pedestrian facilities and accommodations. Of this amount, $5.8m was provided for the Safe Streets to Transit Programme.
NJDoT commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti says: “The increased funding means a record number of communities are receiving Safe Streets to Transit grants this year to improve pedestrian safety throughout the state,”
The municipalities to receive funding include Egg Harbor City (Atlantic County), Evesham Town (Burlington County), Voorhees Township (Camden County), West Windsor Township (Mercer County) and Dover Town (Morris County).
