Sustainably Speaking: Jersey City Transportation and Climate Change

A climate change discussion without considering transportation is futile. In 2020, the New Jersey transportation sector contributed 38% of New Jersey’s total emissions. Even if we discount goods transportation and heavy vehicles, the rate of population opting for public transport remains low.

The New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority’s Plan 2050 states that 14% of the NJ population uses mass transit compared to the national average of 4%.  Also, our state has 72% single-occupant vehicles compared to the national average of 80%. Lack of public transport options in suburban and remote areas and connectivity issues in urban areas can be the reason why people have a low preference for public transport.

Some of the main talking points at Sustainable JC’s recently conducted April SpeakEASY Salon on Transportation & Climate Change revolved around the public transit system, electric vehicles and sustainable transportation options.

Jersey City and its Public Transport

Jersey City, with its Light Rail, bus network, NJ-NY Path, Citi Bike and ride-sharing apps like Via, may offer more options than other NJ municipalities but service levels remain an issue.  AND … we don’t seem to currently have a backup for transportation infrastructure, at least not yet shared with the public, including some basics like the requirement for generators at gas stations to support vehicular activity in case of an outage or a major climate event.

Our public transport system can do a lot more to encourage people to opt for it.  The City has plans to install at least 25 new Electric Vehicle chargers at multiple locations this year, having just signed a contract with a new service provider to expand EV infrastructure here in an effort  to encourage electric car usage. But our citywide EV infrastructure will remain to be limited for a while and EV charging station access statewide is yet to be as commonplace as gas stations.

Jersey City Transportation Themes – Upkeep, Upgrades & Safety

SJC collated a wishlist of improvements and shared perspectives from community stakeholders attending this session below.  It is intended to assist city planners in implementing effective and efficient changes with an emphasis on the desire by these folks to be heard and to be able to participate in the upcoming engagement sessions by the City to update the JC Transportation Master Plan.

1. Reliability and Synergy
   Buses and light rail must be reliable with better adherence to schedule and increased frequency. People are using more than one form of transport and would like a more synchronized approach in scheduling to make their commute faster. There needs to be synergy between NJ-NY Path and NJ Transit to make traveling seamless.  A unified ticketing system can help reduce travel time while using multiple modes of transport. The City and State can collaborate to widen the mass transit networks within counties.
2. Improve Infrastructure and Resources
   Ensure clean and functional buses and light rail cars. Regularly fix and maintain ticket vending machines, schedule boards and bus indicators. The current NJ Transit app could use an upgrade to improve the user interface and user experience.  Create more park and ride spaces to boost public transport usage. Link Jitney routes and Via Cab information on the City Mapper app
3. Commuter’s Voice and Choice
   Post signage at public places, stations and stops about public meetings on transportation planning and policies. Engage with travelers by making transportation information, plans and their progress easily and readily accessible.  Include an option for feedback, reviews and suggestions from commuters as a bottom-up approach can prove a win-win for all involved.
4. Bikes/ E-bikes/scooters
   Jersey City Heights and Greenville neighborhoods need better and more bike lanes. Involve schools and public institutions and large organizations to create awareness regarding biking options and encourage more people to use bikes for commuting.
   The City needs rules and regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters to curb the growing number of accidents involving pedestrians. Make delivery services accountable for reckless driving and accidents and not the drivers alone.
5. Mass Transit ‘Gap Map’
   Sustainable JC is willing to initiate a stakeholder group, including experts and city representatives, to identify gaps in the public transportation system across Jersey City (expandable) using crowdsourcing techniques as a citizen science project to produce a ‘Gap Map’. The ‘Gap Map’ will identify routes and destinations that are in need of transit options and which could be used as an advocacy tool for Jersey City to use in planning efforts with NJ DOT, NJ Transit and NJ-NY PATH to widen the mass transit network to underserved areas. 

At Sustainable JC’s SpeakEASY April Salon on JC Transportation & Climate Change, we had several attendees who long ago had given up their cars and who walk or bike around Jersey City. We were thrilled to hear about the new Citymapper App / Jersey City with opportunities to book VIA rides right from the app! 

So we leave you with this question: Can we create a robust and synergized mass transit system where everyone is inspired to choose to be car–free without a second thought?