NJDOT awards $8.6 million to boost pedestrian safety to and from transit facilities

Feb. 18, 2022
This is the largest amount awarded in a single year through the Safe Streets to Transit Program and the funds will help 19 projects in nine counties.

Nine New Jersey counties will deliver 19 projects aimed at improving safe pedestrians access to transit facilities with the awarding of $8.6 million through the state’s Safe Streets to Transit Program (SSTT).

The FY22 awards represent the largest amount provided in a single year to the program. The SSTT encourages transit users to walk to transit stations and facilitates the implementation of projects and activities that will improve pedestrian conditions within a one-mile radius of a transit facility or station.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) explains the SSTT program is one of several pedestrian safety initiatives funded through the State Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). The SSTT program provides funding to counties and municipalities to improve the overall safety and accessibility for mass transit riders walking to transit facilities.

The grants range from $150,000 to $1 million and will help fund sidewalk and streetscape improvements, ADA ramps, walkway improvements and traffic signal improvements among others.

“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,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. “By significantly increasing the amount of money available to the Safe Streets to Transit Program, we are making sure people walking to transit facilities can do so safely.”

The SSTT Program traditionally has $1 million available annually. For FY22, two additional appropriations were funded for this program including one for $1.8 million and a second of $5.8 million, which was part of the $13.5 million appropriated for Grants-in-Aid programs.

“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,” NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “These grants will allow 19 municipalities to improve sidewalks and provide safe and convenient crosswalks near bus and rail stations, promoting the use of public transit.”

Projects are awarded on a competitive basis taking into consideration proximity to a transit facility, safety, accessibility, project need and applicant’s past performance using other Local Aid funds.

The FY22 grant award recipients can be found on NJDOT's website

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