EV Chargers at the Libraries: Share Your Opinion

Photo Credit: Andrew Roberts on Unsplash

The Monmouth County Division of Planning, in coordination with the Monmouth County Library System and Facilities Management, is working to install Electric Vehicle Chargers at the Headquarters, Manalapan and Eastern Branch, Shrewsbury Libraries. This project is supported by a grant from the North Jersey Transportation Authority and is administered by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Libraries present an interesting opportunity for the placement of level 2 EV chargers as there is significant and steady visitation year round, with people spending time utilizing the wide variety of reference materials, or enjoying activities including storytimes, film screenings, performances, and lectures. Both library locations are on main roads, offering easy access for people traveling down Routes 9 and 35, as well as being close to shops and businesses. A level 2 EV charger can provide anywhere from 12 to 60 miles per hour of charge, depending on the vehicle, equipment specifics, and available power.

The Division of Planning is currently seeking public input on installing electric vehicle chargers at the libraries. Please share your opinion with this short survey.

Please contact transportation@co.monmouth.nj.us for more details.

Photo Credit: Andrew Roberts on Unsplash

Free Wellness Transportation Program for Monmouth County Residents

In an effort to make Monmouth County more accessible, the county has partnered with EZ Ride to provide free wellness transportation for residents. Regardless of income, any resident above the age of 18 can request a ride to medical, wellness and nutrition appointments including doctor, dentist, therapist, pharmacy and lab work, grocery store, food pantry, farmers market, etc. “This new service is another example of how Monmouth County continually seeks ways to assist our residents,” said Commissioner Erik Anderson, liaison to the Monmouth County Division of Planning. “Residents will be able to register for the program by phone or email and may schedule a ride up to 48 hours in advance to ensure approval and availability.”

A transportation coordinator is available to schedule trips Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and Monday through Friday from 1-4:30 p.m. by phone at 732-431-7448. Trips may be taken Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no service available on Sunday.

For more information, please call 732-431-7448 or email MCTransportCoordinator@co.monmouth.nj.us.

NJ E-ZPass Green Pass Discount for Low Emission Vehicles

Photo Credit: Thruway Authority – New York State

NJ E-ZPass customers are eligible to enroll in the Green Pass Discount Plan if their vehicle obtains at least 45 miles per gallon and meets the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standard[1]. According to Treehugger, “SULEVs are 90 percent cleaner than the current average year's models, emitting substantially lower levels of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides and particulate matter than conventional vehicles.” If your vehicle meets the listed standards, you could receive a discount off the full fare off-peak toll on the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. In order to enroll in the plan, customers must submit a written request along with a copy of the vehicle’s registration to:

NJ E-ZPASS Customer Service Center P.O. BOX 4972 Trenton, NJ 08650

Customers may also bring their proof of eligibility to the following Customer Service Centers: Newark, Delaware River & Bay Authority, or Camden.

Visit the E-ZPass website for more information.

Sea Bright Borough Officials Concerned About E-Bike Safety

In the summer months, Sea Bright’s population grows from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 as people travel to enjoy the beach and local shops and eateries. Although this swell is important to the local economy, it intensifies travel issues that year-round residents have concerns about. As the appeal of micromobility reaches a larger audience, more and more people are choosing to ride e-bikes on the sidewalks and streets of Sea Bright, . E-bikes reach a much higher speed than manual bikes, thus posing different safety risks. Sea Bright’s Borough Council has been working on an ordinance that would “give the police the authority to make sure people use e-bikes appropriately in town,” says council member Erwin Beiber. The ordinance would require e-bike riders to wear helmets and adhere to a 20-mph speed limit. The ordinance would also prohibit e-bikes on sidewalks, and reckless riding. With these regulations in place, the roads would be safer for all users. The law has not yet been introduced but is expected to be established before the summer months begin.

All the Cool Kids are Getting Real IDs

Photo Credit: New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission

After five years of delay and beginning May 7, 2025, you must have a REAL ID compliant driver license/ID to fly within the U.S. If your ID is not compliant, you must also be able to provide a valid U.S. Passport or other federally approved identification. Although you are not required to have a REAL ID, having one streamlines the identification process for domestic flights and entering secure federal facilities.

In order to get a REAL ID, you must make an appointment at a New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Location (REAL ID is available at all licensing centers). In order to successfully obtain the ID at the appointment, you must bring 2 proofs of residential address, 1 proof of full Social Security number, and 6 points of ID (primary documents will earn you 4 points, secondary 1 each). NJMVC has an online portal that details the proper documents, and prompts you to select the documents you have in your possession so that you can verify if they qualify as points.

Visit the NJ MVC REAL ID hub site for more information.

Newark Liberty International Airport's Terminal A Named World's Best New Airport Terminal

Photo Credit: Gensler

Terminal A has been named the world’s best new airport terminal by leading global airport evaluation firm Skytrax. The honor comes less than a month after Skytrax gave Terminal A its highest rating, five stars. The award was announced at the 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards, “following the results of comprehensive surveys taken between August 2023 and March 2024 from passengers worldwide that evaluated traveler experiences regarding airport facilities, staff service and customer experience ranging from check-in, arrivals, transfers, shopping, security and immigration through departure at the gate.” The award-winning terminal boasts “state-of-the-art” passenger amenities, local artwork, children’s play area and lending library, sensory room for neurodivergent travelers, and various dining and retail options. In its first year of operation, the terminal hosted 15 million travelers.

The new terminal cost the Port Authority $2.7 billion, making it their largest single project, and New Jersey’s largest design-build project. Terminal A is just the first phase of many planned for Newark Airport. The EWR Vision Plan outlines redevelopment through 2065, including replacing the airports mass transit system, extending access to New York City through increased public transit, and optimizing parking facilities.

Upcoming Events

Monmouth County Transportation Council Meeting: July 9 at 7 p.m. to be held in person with a virtual option. Click here to find the meeting info.

Submit a Nomination for the 2024 Planning Board Merit Awards

The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is seeking nominations for the 2024 Planning Board Merit Awards.

“The Planning Merit Awards Program recognizes plans, projects, programs, individuals, municipalities, businesses, community leaders and stakeholder organizations that have made a significant contribution to the advancement of planning and planning outcomes in Monmouth County,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “The purpose of the awards is to honor exceptional examples of planning in Monmouth County and to inspire others to pursue the same level of planning achievement and excellence.”

To learn more about the Merit Awards or to submit a nomination, visit the 2024 Application Information website. 

Contact the Monmouth County Division of Planning at planning@co.monmouth.nj.us or 732-431-7460 for assistance.

NJ Transit Fare Hike Update

Starting on July 1, NJ TRANSIT will increase fares by 15%. In the beginning of April, the NJ TRANSIT board voted unanimously to implement the price increase, citing declining ridership post-COVID and budget deficits as their motivating factors. 

With this fare hike in place, a one-way ticket from Red Bank Station to New York Penn Station – which currently costs $16 – will cost $18.40. As of July 1, any one-way ticket purchased will have a 30-day expiration. Also on this date, the FLEXPASS pilot fare (20 one-way tickets) will be discontinued. Ten-Trip Tickets will still be available for purchase (these 10 tickets do not expire – they are valid from time of purchase to time of use.)

Middletown Reducing Commuter Lot Fees

As a direct response to NJ TRANSIT’s 15% fare hike, Middletown Township will be reducing the cost to park in its commuter lots by 15%. The reduction applies for seven lots: the Middletown Train Station main parking lot, daily metered train station parking lot, and all four bus commuter lots. The ordinance enacting the price reduction was introduced to the Township Committee on April 22 and presented at a public meeting on May 6. According to Patch.com, Middletown Mayor Tony Perry said he is "aiming to ease the financial strain on commuters,” as prices to travel in between New Jersey and New York City continue to rise.

NYC Congestion Pricing Paused Indefinitely

New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority plan to implement congestion pricing has been paused indefinitely by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. The toll, which was set to take effect late June, would have charged a base toll of $15 for commuters entering the city below 60^th street. According to the Gothamist, Hochul cites economic concerns including high inflation and post-pandemic vacancy rates when discussing her decision to halt the years-long plan. Commuters entering the borough from New Jersey via the Holland or Lincoln Tunnel can expect to pay established prices until further notice.

New Jersey Museum of Transportation

Photo Credit: Waymarking.com

Located in Allaire State Park in Wall is the Pine Creek Railroad, one of the oldest tourist attractions in Monmouth County. The New Jersey Museum of Transportation’s mission is to “collect, preserve, display, interpret, and operate historic railroad equipment, in order to preserve the history of railroading for the education and enjoyment of future generations”. The museum encompasses acres of open space with many different sights and activities to enjoy. The train ride and exhibits are not just for transportation buffs, but for families to appreciate. The museum is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with trains running every half-hour (weather permitting). Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth on site.  The museum is closed in the colder months, so carve out time this summer to visit!

Transportation Fun Fact!

Photo Credit: Vox.com

"Jaywalking" is a crime that was brought about by automakers in the 1920s through an aggressive campaign to redefine who owned the streets. Prior to the booming popularity of the automobile, streets were considered a public space: people walked freely, children played, and different modes of transportation shared the road. According to Vox.com, "In the early days of the automobile, it was drivers' job to avoid you, not your job to avoid them," says Peter Norton, a historian at the University of Virginia. As cars became more and more common, there was an increase in pedestrian deaths, mainly children and the elderly, who had previously been able to utilize the streets without issue. Communities were justly outraged, but instead of relegating the streets back to people, automakers lobbied hard to legally redefine the ownership of the streets -- and were successful. In 1928, Herbert Hoover, then secretary of commerce, created a model traffic ordinance that required pedestrians to cross at crosswalks, citing safety concerns. This model ordinance was then adopted by many cities and states. The principles outlined in the model traffic ordinance are still pervasive in the traffic laws we obey today. 

Monmouth County Bridge and Road Projects

Monmouth County is working hard to maintain and upgrade key roadway and bridge infrastructure throughout the County. Learn which projects are under construction, review, or consideration, as well as how to get involved, on the Monmouth County webpage.

Participate With The Council

If you have an interest in transportation, we invite you to contact the staff advisors to the Monmouth County Transportation Council at transportation@co.monmouth.nj.us and find out about ways you can participate or volunteer with us.