New Middlesex County Mobility Guide Connects Residents To Rides, Transit

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Keep Middlesex Moving has launched a free Mobility Guide that gathers transportation services across the county in one place, the nonprofit announced Monday.

The guide brings together public transit, community transportation, healthcare transportation, commuter services and accessibility programs, according to Keep Middlesex Moving. Residents can look up the transit available in their municipality and routes to popular local destinations.

"Mobility is about much more than getting from one place to another," said Brian Tobin, the organization's executive director. "It is about independence, opportunity, and staying connected to work, healthcare, services, and community life. This guide brings transportation resources together in one place so residents can more easily find the services that meet their needs."

The guide focuses on helping residents understand how to use transit and on closing accessibility gaps, the organization said. It includes information on:

• Trip planning and transit basics, including schedules, fares, transfers and bicycle policies
• Commuter and regional transit, including NJ Transit, private carriers and park-and-ride facilities
• Specialized transportation, including Access Link and Middlesex County RIDE
• Municipal transportation programs for older adults and residents with disabilities
• Healthcare transportation, including options for reaching medical appointments
• Low-income mobility programs, including reduced-fare programs and Medicaid transportation resources

Building the guide required coordination among regional agencies, nonprofit organizations and local municipalities, according to the release.

"This guide reflects the power of collaboration," said John Reissner, the organization's chair. "By bringing together transportation providers, education and health care organizations, and community partners, KMM has created a valuable resource. Transportation and opportunity are deeply linked, and this guide will help make those connections easier for thousands of Middlesex County residents."

Rob LaForgia, manager of Healthier Middlesex, said transportation shapes families' health across the county.

"Transportation is one of the most important factors impacting families and influencing health outcomes across Middlesex County," LaForgia said. "Availability, affordability, and accessibility are critical for people getting to work, doctors, grocery stores, and schools. When transportation options are limited, families' health and well-being can suffer."

The guide can be downloaded at kmm.org/mobilityguide. The organization encourages groups to share it with clients, patients, students and community members.

Keep Middlesex Moving is a nonprofit transportation management association serving Middlesex County. Its mission includes educating the public about air quality, promoting traffic safety and improving transportation access, according to the organization. More information is at kmm.org.

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